Additional (“add-on”) tests can only be performed if: 

• The original sample is still available and remains suitable for analysis. 

• The requested test meets the sample stability requirements. 

• The sample was collected within the last 3 days (samples are routinely disposed of after this time). 

Please refer to the relevant test entry in the Biochemistry Test Database for sample stability and expected turnaround times: http://www.bcpathology.org.uk/test-database/biochemistry/#cat-list 

For routine, non-urgent add-on requests, please email: 

rwh-tr.routinebiochemaddons@nhs.net 

Important Information 

• This email inbox is monitored Monday to Friday, 08:00–17:00. 

• The inbox is for Biochemistry add-on requests only. 

• Requests for other pathology disciplines will be forwarded to the appropriate department. 

• Depending on the test requested, we aim to report add-on requests within 24 hours of receipt. 

For contact details and information relating to other pathology disciplines, please visit the Black Country Pathology Services website. 

Routine requests 

All routine inpatient add-on requests must be made electronically using your local requesting system (refer to section on ‘How to request an inpatient add-on test’. Telephone requests should not be used for routine add-ons. 

We aim to: 

• Process electronic add-on requests within 1 hour of receipt (as soon as possible for Emergency Department requests). 

• Analyse samples within 4 hours, depending on test availability* and workload. 

• Report troponin add-on requests within 1 hour, where possible. 

Please note: 

• Delays may occur during busy periods. 

• Samples may not always be immediately available. 

• It may not always be possible to meet the above timeframes. 

• Please do not telephone the laboratory to follow up routine electronic add-on requests. 

Where a patient is due to have further blood samples collected in the near future, please consider whether the additional test can be requested on the next sample rather than as an add-on. 

* Turnaround times vary according to the test and the equipment and processes involved. Please refer to the individual test entries in the test database for expected turnaround times. http://www.bcpathology.org.uk/test-database/biochemistry/#cat-list).

Telephone requests should only be made when the result is required urgently and will have an immediate impact on patient management. 

During normal working hours (Monday–Friday, 09:00–17:00) 

• New Cross Hospital: Ext. 88266 

• Russells Hall Hospital: Ext. 2482 

• Walsall Manor Hospital: Ext. 6782 

• Midland Metropolitan University Hospital (MMUH): Ext. 5162 

Outside normal working hours 

• New Cross Hospital: Ext. 88266 

• Russells Hall Hospital: Contact via Switchboard 

• Walsall Manor Hospital: Ext. 6782 

• Midland Metropolitan University Hospital (MMUH): Bleep 6225 

Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust – Making an add-on request in Sunrise 

1. Place a new request in Sunrise requesting the required add-on tests with the clinical details “Add-on”.  

1. Send the printed form to the lab with no additional samples.  

1. Test added onto the most recent request with the appropriate sample available. 

Inpatient add on test in ICE at RWT

Inpatient add on test in Unity at Sandwell

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust – Making an add-on request in ICE 

1. From the Blood Sciences Inpatient Tab on ICE click the Add-on tests option 

1. Click the Add tests to existing requests box 

1. In the panel enter the tests required and sample date/time and select ok 

1. Send the printed form to the lab with no additional samples.