LTHT Pathology Services are now accredited under a single UKAS reference number (9862). This includes testing performed within the following departments:
- Microbiology
- Laboratory Genetics
- Specialist Laboratory Medicine
- Cellular Pathology
- Blood Sciences
Our single accreditation schedule which lists accredited tests can be found on the UKAS website.
Please note that the C.difficile ribotyping service is accredited under UKAS number 10883 (falls under a separate legal entity): 10883 Medical Single (ukas.com)
Update on our Scope of Accreditation
As part of our ongoing commitment to quality, safety, and compliance, the Pathology Laboratory services at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (specifically relating to Blood Sciences, Specialist Laboratory Medicine, and Microbiology) are undergoing a planned relocation to the new Centre for Laboratory Medicine (CfLM) facility, along with the implementation of a new Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and the verification and validation of new equipment procured under the provisions of a new regional managed service contract.
Following extensive discussions with direct UKAS involvement that included a detailed appraisal of all available options, we have taken the decision to voluntarily and temporarily withdraw our UKAS ISO15189:2022 accreditation scope for the specialities being relocated, during the transition period.
The withdrawal shall commence as follows:
- Microbiology – from 19 May 2025
- Blood Sciences and Specialist Laboratory Medicine – from 2 June 2025
This is a proactive and precautionary measure to maximise the resource available to support safe and efficient transfer of operations during the critical transition period, ensuring the time required to fully optimise and embed laboratory processes without rushing. Maintaining our standard assessment schedule during this period would not provide that flexibility.
These measures will remain in place only until the relocation is complete and a successful UKAS assessment has been undertaken within the new facility. We anticipate reinstatement inspections to take place for each affected service during the period [October 2025 – January 2026], with reinstatement to follow shortly after, with the usual a 2-month period allowed to clear any improvement actions that may be raised. Any delays to this schedule will be clearly communicated via updates on this webpage.
During this interim period, we want to assure you that:
- All testing will continue under our ISO 15189 2022-accredited single Quality Management System, with full adherence to validated procedures and standard operating practices falling under this remit.
- There will be no compromise in staff competence, equipment calibration, or result quality.
- Internal auditing and other key quality assurance measures, such as standard External Quality Assessment and Internal Quality Control measures will continue without interruption to maintain patient safety and data integrity.
Accreditation of our Cellular Pathology, Laboratory Genetics and UKHSA services’ will remain unaffected (the above only applies to services that are relocating to new premises). These services will continue with their scheduled assessment cycles, inclusive of both quality management and technical activities.
We appreciate your understanding and partnership as we undertake this significant period of change that will lead to significant enhancements to service delivery, within a modern, purpose-built facility. Should you require any further details, please contact: [email protected] and use the subject header ‘UKAS accreditation enquiry’.