Minimum Retesting Intervals (MRIs) indicate the recommended minimum time before a laboratory test should be repeated for the same patient. The primary objective is to prevent duplicate requests, and at the same time promote appropriate test & resource utilisation and minimise unnecessary repeat testing.

The MRI criteria used by the Integrated Laboratory, HQE are based on published guidelines, primarily the Royal College of Pathologists' G147: National Minimum Retesting Intervals in Pathology, together with locally established intervals aligned with local laboratory governance and operational needs. If a test is not listed in the table below, no MRI is currently applied.

Repeat requests submitted within the specified MRI will be rejected by the laboratory information system.

These intervals are intended as guidance and do not replace clinical judgement. If repeat testing within the MRI is clinically justified, please contact the Integrated Laboratory Medical Officer/Chemical Pathologist (office hours) or On-Call (after hours).

Note: Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) are not authorised to override or bypass these restrictions. Clinicians must follow the medical escalation pathway outlined above.