Of the 81% of patients who use the phone, two thirds prefer dial out and one third dial in.  Eighty-five percent of patients on the phone system have received their result by 7.30pm the same day - in sufficient time to influence the same day's dose.  Of 27 respondents who had more than six months experience with both the phone and the postal channels, 21 (78%) preferred the phone.  The interruptive nature of dial out appears to be acceptable to the vast majority of our patients as only 6 patients requested suppression of dial out whilst agreeing to continue to dial in.  Our laboratory staff have found that the new service requires less clerical support to print and post letters, and there are fewer direct telephone interruptions from patients.