| |
Here at the new UPMC Beacon
Hospital Laboratory we are in the fortunate position of being
able to offer all our patients, in-patients and out-patients
alike, a truly "State of the Art" facility. Our brand new laboratory contains the most up to
date, automated and quality equipment available in the
country. In addition to this, we have a sincerely dedicated,
highly qualified, professional team of scientists and
pathologists, whose aim is to ensure that you get the most
accurate, precise and reliable test results in as short a time
as possible.
Laboratory Services
We operate a full clinical and diagnostic service which aids
Consultants and G.P.s in the diagnosis and management of
disease, including monitoring of specific treatments and therapeutic drugs.
The laboratory provides a phlebotomy service for both
in-patients and out-patients. Phlebotomy simply means taking
blood from a patient. Our phlebotomists are highly trained
professionals who take patients blood samples quickly, safely
and efficiently ensuring minimum disruption to the patient.
While an in-patient, our phlebotomists come to your bedside
to take the blood samples.
If you are an out-patient the sample will be taken in our
dedicated Out Patient Phlebotomy area.
If your doctor has already taken your blood sample you may
drop the sample directly into the laboratory. |
|
| |
The Laboratory is divided into
six main specialist areas, each covering a different aspect
of test analysis. What follows is a brief explanation of some
the services and tests provided by our laboratory.
Clinical Biochemistry
This laboratory tests for specific chemical
analytes in the blood. While the Biochemistry laboratory tests for a wide
range of analytes, the most common tests requested are Blood Glucose (Blood
Sugar), Cholesterol, Liver Function Tests and Cardiac Enzymes. These tests
aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases such as Diabetes, Arteriosclerosis
and Liver and Heart dysfunction.
Testing for therapeutic drug monitoring
is also performed, which enables patients to be kept on the optimum level
of the drug they require for their particular treatment.
Immunology
This
laboratory tests for the presence of viral markers, tumour markers, auto–immune disorders and allergies. These tests aid in the diagnosis of specific disease states such as Hepatitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Auto-Immune Disease and early diagnosis of certain types of cancer.
The allergy testing will help identify the main trigger for a person’s allergy. This is particularly relevant for Dermatology and Asthma patients.
Haematology
This
department estimates the number and quality of the cells that comprise your
blood system. The most common tests performed are Full Blood Counts and
specific Cell Differentiation estimation. This test is an indication of
your general state of health. It allows the diagnosis of specific Anaemia,
Leukaemia and many other blood disorders. Here in the Haematology laboratory,
we also test for the clotting ability of your blood, this is especially
relevant for Deep Vein Thrombosis and patients on Warfarin therapy.
Microbiology
This
department identifies the organisms (bacteria/viruses/fungi or parasites)
in your body that are causing infection. When the organism is identified
we then go on to determine the best antibiotic to destroy the causative
organism, which in practical terms means you should better faster. This
is particularly critical in relation to suspected cases of Meningitis, and
these are always treated as emergencies are processed immediately. The usual
infections dealt with are Urinary Tract (UTI), Respiratory infections and
Gastro-intestinal infections.
Pregnancy tests are also performed in this
department.
Blood Transfusion
In this department we test patient’s blood types and investigate their blood for the presence of any rare blood group antibodies. Patients undergoing surgical procedures will always have their blood group tested and investigated in case they may require a blood transfusion during or after surgery. Patients that have Haematology disorders who require support transfusions are also tested regularly. In this way we can ensure that we will always have the exact blood type match for all our patients.
Our priority is to ensure that our patients receive the safest possible transfusion of Blood and Blood Products.
This department also deals with HLA testing which is generally performed for patients requiring organ transplants.
Histopathology
This
area provides diagnosis of clinical lesions and tumours. It provides essential
information on the diagnosis and progression of malignancy, which allows
for early detection and prognosis, and provides invaluable information on
the best type of treatment therapy.
Inpatients Results
As our hospital is fully computerised throughout,
your blood test results are transmitted in real time to
all areas of the hospital. Most routine Haematology and Chemistry and Blood
Transfusion results should be available within 2 hours. Immunology results
are generally available in 2-3 days. Microbiology results typically take
24 – 48 hours, simply because it takes this long to grow the organisms.
Histopathology results take a bit longer, due to the time it takes to process
and prepare the tissue, but results are generally available in 3-4 days.
Occasionally because further specialised testing is required, results may
take longer than this but an interim report will be issued in these cases.
Outpatient Results
Currently all out-patients results will be
posted out daily. We plan to role out a real time web based Result Systems
to all GPs so that they will be able to retrieve and access patient results
a soon as they are completed in the laboratory.
| |
Contact Details: |
| Phlebotomy Phone Number: 01 293 7513 |
| Laboratory Phone Number: 01 293 6693 |
 |
Why
do I need a blood test? |
Because blood is the body’s
main carrier of nutrients, waste products and oxygen,
it offers physicians a very important tool for diagnosing
and monitoring health. Many forms of disease can be
detected by various types of blood tests.
Blood can be tested for many different factors. For example,
the doctor may need to know the number of red or white
blood cells present, or the amount of oxygen or carbon
dioxide circulating in the blood.
Back to top
|
What
are the different types of blood test? |
While numerous different
blood tests are performed every day in laboratories. Generally
speaking there are five main types of blood tests:
Haematology, Biochemistry, Blood Transfusion, Microbiology
and Serology.
Haematology tests:
• Determine the numbers and types of
blood cells that are present, their appearance and state
of maturity.
• The ability of blood to form clot and how quickly that occurs.
Biochemistry tests:
• Measure the levels of normally occurring
chemicals in the blood. These results are compared to normal ranges and
are used to determine whether blood chemicals are in a proper and healthy
balance.
• These tests can be used to indicate how well some organs and organ systems
are functioning. For example, the amount of blood sugar (glucose) in the bloodstream
can help diagnose or monitor diabetes, and indirectly reflect how much insulin
is being produced by the pancreas.
Blood Transfusion tests:
• Identify an individual specific blood
type and whether they have any unusual or rare blood antibodies.
Microbiology tests:
• Examine blood for the presence of infectious
microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
Serology tests:
• Detect the presence of specific antibodies
that are produced by white blood cells. They are frequently
used to detect viral diseases.
Back to top
|
Do
I need to do anything to prepare for a blood test? |
Preparation for blood tests varies
according to the requirements of each specific test.
In most cases minimal preparation is necessary. You may
need to reduce or stop certain medications at some point
prior to the test. Sometimes, food intake and exercise
may need to be temporarily restricted or suspended. Your
doctor will advise you in advance of any specific preparations
you need to make prior to your blood test. Alcohol
and caffeine should be avoided prior to a blood test.
Back to top
|
What
blood tests do I need to fast for? |
Obtaining a blood sample takes only about five minutes,
and most patients find the procedure to be virtually
painless. For most blood tests, there is very little
preparation, and people can generally go right back to
their usual daily activities afterwards. Your doctor
will advise you on any specific preparations you need
to make prior to giving the blood sample.
Fasting is generally required for the following tests:
• Glucose Tolerance (GTT) tests require an initial fasting sample, plus a second sample taken two hours after eating.
• Serum lipids, for example cholesterol and triglycerides.
Back to top
|
What
is involved in giving a blood sample? |
Blood is usually drawn from a vein in a process called
venipuncture. The person taking the blood sample is called
a Phlebotomist.
During a venipuncture, the Phlebotomist inserts a needle
into a vein – usually at the inside of the elbow.
The area around the puncture site is cleaned with rubbing
alcohol and a wide elastic band called a tourniquet,
is placed around the upper arm to slightly increase the
pressure in the vein. One end of a sterile double–ended
needle that has been attached to an open–ended
syringe (which contains an empty test tube) is inserted
into the vein. Because the test tube contains a partial
vacuum, blood flows directly from the vein through the
double–ended needle and into the test tube.
The precise amount of blood to be drawn is determined
by the type and number of tests to be done. The
phlebotomist may change test tubes once or twice during
the venipuncture to either allow for more blood to be
collected or to change the type of tube being used:
After the necessary amount of blood is drawn, the needle
is withdrawn and a small cotton ball or pad is applied
with light pressure over the puncture site. After several
minutes, the cotton will be discarded or replaced, and
a small bandage will be placed on the puncture wound.
The entire process takes less than 10 minutes.
After giving the blood sample,
patients may resume medications and food intake according
to their physician’s orders.
Back to top
|
How
soon do I get the test results? |
All your blood test results will
be sent directly to your doctor. Most blood tests
results should be received by your doctor within about
3 days. Certain blood tests, for example Microbiology
and Serology tests take longer to process but generally
should be available with 7 days.
Back to top
|
 |
