Transplantation Laboratories User Satisfaction Survey 2025 – User comments and responses
Below is a summary of the comments received from service users during the survey released in June 2025. Thank you to everyone who took the time to send us the feedback, it is greatly appreciated!
| You Said | Our Response |
|---|---|
| Service Requirements | |
| One respondent said our turnaround times did not meet their expectations “can be quite slow coming back”. | We continually monitor and review our turnaround times to minimise delays and ensure we continue to meet clinical demand. We are implementing a new Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) which will allow us to track outstanding reports directly within the system – reducing reliance on manual monitoring and helping us ensure results are returned on time. We welcome further discussion with any service users to understand in more detail where our turnaround times could be improved to ensure they meet clinical requirements. |
| 44% of respondents are unsure how to access our request forms. | We plan to update our website to make request forms easier to find, and we will explore options for clearer signposting to their location and communications to raise awareness. |
| When standardised, (we would like) and further evaluated locally cf DNA. | We will continue to monitor developments in the use of donor-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) within the H&I/transplantation community and will explore opportunities for research and development to assess its potential for local implementation. |
| We expect an increase in our activities in the coming years. | We recognise the demand for histocompatibility and immunogenetics services, especially in support of transplantation, is growing, and we regularly review demand and capacity to ensure we can meet future needs. We welcome early engagement around specific advances and clinical changes that may impact the Transplantation Laboratory, to support advanced planning. The implementation of the new LIMS will help us manage this growth by improving efficiency. |
| We will be introducing Non invasive biomarkers. | We plan to introduce a dedicated research and development capacity within our team of clinical scientists. This would help support research into innovative approaches for patient monitoring, including the potential use of non-invasive biomarkers. |
| Form Improvements | |
| Suggestion that phlebotomists have trouble understanding the requirements on the request forms (sample volumes, collection requirements, minimum identifiers etc). | We will review and revise our request forms (and User Guide) to improve clarity for sample requirements. |
| If the colours aren’t going to be changed then to write the coloured tops on the back of the form with the “clotted sample and 12mls”. | We will review and revise our information available to service users to include tube colours. |
| Technology | |
| 56% of respondents were not aware of our website. | We plan to refresh the website with updated content and a more modern design. We will also promote awareness of the site through user contacts/meetings. |
| HLA results to be uploaded to clinical portal please – all other result are! No more paper results please! | We are in the process of implementing a new Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and part of the work plan includes developing an interface that will allow us to upload results electronically to the WCP. |
| “I would prefer to receive the reports electronically” | “reports could be improved by being uploaded to the WCP Portal” |
If you have any further queries, please contact Deborah Pritchard (Head of Transplantation Services) at Deborah.Pritchard3@wales.nhs.uk