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Pathology

Our pathology teams work as part of a single managed network operating across Lincolnshire. Path Links was formed in 2001 by the joining of NHS pathology services in Boston, Grantham, Grimsby, Lincoln, and Scunthorpe.

Our services

Path Links provides a wide range of diagnostic investigations and clinical services to our Trust and United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, as well as to a total of 186 GP practices.

Serving a population of approximately 1 million, Path Links processes 4.5 million specimens, performs 20 million tests and generates 5 million test reports every year. All laboratories are extremely well equipped with modern ‘state of the art’ analysers linked to a central computer system. Equipment and operating procedures are common to all laboratories ensuring that Path Links provides a standardised and seamless service to all service users irrespective of which laboratory they use.

All Path Links laboratories work to national United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) quality standards. Regular assessments by external auditors assess laboratory compliance with the published standards and ensure that the service provided meets the needs and requirements of service users.

Path Links has become one of the leading NHS Pathology providers in the UK delivering high quality, responsive and cost effective services to those it serves. With quality at the heart of its operating principles, Path Links has focused attention on the introduction of novel continuous improvement techniques to further streamline services in the pursuit of providing ‘world class’ services that meet the future needs, demands and requirements of patients and all service users alike.

Blood tests

If you need a blood test, your GP practice should take your sample before sending it to us for testing. If your GP practice is struggling to take your blood, for example if they cannot find the vein, they may ask you to visit the Phlebotomy (Pathology) team at the hospital.

You will need your request form and a booked appointment when you attend to have a blood test.

Community Diagnostic Centres

Blood tests can be a booked to attend our Community Diagnostic Centres in Scunthorpe and Grimsby.

Opening times: Monday to Sunday, 8am to 8pm

The blood test can be booked by clicking the links below, for each location:

If you need to come for a blood test at one of our Pathology labs, here are the opening times:

Boston services 

  • Reception: 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday
  • Laboratory: 24 hour service
  • Phlebotomy: 8.50am to 4.40pm, Monday to Friday. Click here to make an appointment at Boston
  • If you’re unable to use the online service, please call 01205 446333 and one of our schedulers will create the appointment on your behalf. This phone line is available Monday to Friday, 2pm to 3pm.

Lincoln services 

Louth   

Goole   

  • Reception: 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday
  • Phlebotomy: 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday. Click here to make an appointment at Goole.
  • 8.30am to 4pm, Fridays (appointment required)
  • For same day appointments, please call 03033 306670
  • If you’re unable to use the online booking system or for same day appointments, please call 03033 306670.

Paediatric Bloods at Goole hospital

The phlebotomy department at Goole and District Hospital can undertake blood tests for children over the age of 5 years.

Where numbing cream is required, this needs to be prescribed by the GP and administered via parental guardian prior to the phlebotomy appointment. 

Children may be directed to go to Scunthorpe General Hospital or Hull Royal Infirmary if it is urgent or there are any issues preventing the sample being taken, as they have dedicated paediatric clinics for those children and young people.  

Paediatric Bloods at GP Practices in Goole / Howden / Snaith / Gilberdyke

The GP Practices can all undertake blood tests for children over the age of 12 years. Some GP practices may be able to undertake blood tests for younger children, if this is deemed clinically appropriate.

Where numbing cream is required, this would be prescribed by the GP practice for use prior to the phlebotomy appointment.

Children may be directed to go to Goole and District Hospital or Scunthorpe General Hospital or Hull Royal Infirmary if it is urgent or there are any issues preventing the sample being taken, as they have dedicated paediatric clinics for those children and young people. 

Grantham   

Grimsby Hospital

  • Reception: 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
  • Laboratory: 24 hour service
  • Phlebotomy: 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Click here to make an appointment at Grimsby.
  • Ward collection Saturday and Sunday am
  • For same day appointments, please call 03033 306670
  • If you’re unable to use the online booking system or for same day appointments, please call 03033 306670.

Scunthorpe Hospital 

  • Reception: 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
  • Laboratory: 24hr service
  • Phlebotomy: 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Click here to make an appointment at Scunthorpe.
  • Ward collection Saturday and Sunday am
  • For same day appointments, please call 03033 306670
  • If you’re unable to use the online booking system or for same day appointments, please call 03033 306670.

User guides and forms

Microbiology user guide (1.81MB) Blood Sciences user guide (13.86MB) Expected standards of Pathology request form and sample labelling (193.73kB) Inadequately Labelled Pathology Sample and Request Form Disclaimer (82.57kB) Path Links scope of service (1.23MB) Cell Pathology User Guide (1.96MB)

Locations