The Cellular Pathology Department provides diagnostic services across all University Hospitals Birmingham hospital sites. The department supports the Trust’s role as a major cancer centre and works closely with oncology teams and the Pan-Birmingham Cancer Network to improve cancer diagnosis and patient care.
Our consultant pathologists and specialist teams provide expertise in:
- breast pathology
- chest pathology
- ear, nose and throat (ENT) pathology
- gastrointestinal pathology
- gynaecological pathology
- lymph node pathology
- renal pathology
- skin pathology
- urological pathology
We also provide:
- cytology
- electron microscopy
- muscle biopsy services
- immunohistochemistry
- Mohs surgery support
- andrology services
Modern mortuary facilities are available across our hospital sites. Post-mortem examinations can be carried out at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and Heartlands Hospital. Family viewing rooms and body storage facilities are available across the Trust.
Service update
The department is currently experiencing increased demand. As a result, reporting times for some specialties are taking longer than expected.
We continue to prioritise:
- urgent clinical requests
- patients on cancer pathways
To help reduce delays, some cases are reported by approved external providers.
Specialist services
Andrology
Provides diagnostic semen analysis, post-vasectomy semen analysis and retrograde semen analysis.
Cytology
Provides specialist diagnostic cytology services, specimen guidance and referral information for UHB and external organisations.
Electron Microscopy
Examines the structure of cells and tissues at very high magnification to support diagnosis.
Histology
Provides diagnostic histopathology services for the Trust.
Mortuary
Body storage facilities are available at all sites. Post-mortem examinations can be carried out at QEHB and BHH.
Tissue Services
Provides regulated tissue services, including procurement, storage, testing and distribution of human tissues and cells.
Cytopathology
[CONFIRM IS THIS THE SMAE AS CYTOLOGY?] Provides diagnostic cytopathology services for the Trust.
Muscle Biopsy Service
[NEED SUB PAGE CONTENT] Supports the diagnosis of suspected neuromuscular disorders when less invasive tests have not provided a clear diagnosis.
Immunohistochemistry
[NEED SUB PAGE CONTENT] Uses specialised staining techniques to help diagnose disease and support treatment planning.
Mohs surgery support
[NEED SUB PAGE CONTENT] Supports Mohs micrographic surgery, a specialised treatment for some types of skin cancer.
Contacts
Get in touch with our teams.
Opening times
Cellular Pathology
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
- Monday to Friday, 08:00-17:00
- Sunday, 07:00-15:00
Heartlands Hospital
- Saturday, 09:00-12:45
Mortuary Services
Good Hope Hospital, Heartlands Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham
- Monday to Friday, 08:00-16:00
Solihull Hospital
- By appointment only
Quality assurance and accreditation
The Cellular Pathology laboratories at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital are part of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB). The laboratories are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to the ISO 15189:2022 standard.
Accreditation information is available under Cellular Pathology (UKAS Reference 10141).
Tests that do not appear on the UKAS Schedule of Accreditation are not UKAS accredited. These tests are validated in line with laboratory procedures and are carried out by trained and competent staff.
For a list of accredited tests and further information, visit the UKAS website:
Human Tissue Authority approval
The Cellular Pathology laboratory is approved and registered by the Human Tissue Authority (HTA).
Data protection
Cellular Pathology services comply with the Trust's Data Protection Policy. Procedures are in place to ensure the service and its staff meet data protection requirements and follow recognised best practice.
Contact us
For further information about quality assurance and accreditation, contact:
Louise Fallon
Quality Manager
Email: louise.fallon@uhb.nhs.uk
Training and Development
For information on careers, training and education in Pathology, please see our Training and Development webpage.