The Laboratory forms an integral part of the Mater Hospital Healthcare offering a 24 hour service. The Laboratory is run by experienced Laboratory Technologists and Specialized Consultant Pathologists. 

The Mater Laboratory has membership with external quality assurance programme; Human Quality Assessment Scheme of Canada and in addition conducts its own internal quality assurance programme and meets the ISO 9001 – 2000 standards. 

Services offered:

1. Clinical Chemistry
   

   Carries out analysis of Serum, Urine, Cerebral Spinal Fluid and other body fluids. Other tests include Urine VMA, Renal and Gall stone analysis and surfactant test

   These services are made possible by two analyzers Olympus AU 400 and Alcyon 3001.

   Olympus AU 400 – a modern state of the art fully automated chemistry analyzer with a broad test menu and user friendly capabilities performing Liver function tests, Renal function tests, Cardiac profile, Pancreatic profile, Lipid profile, Bone Metabolism, Muscle Enzymes, Blood sugar and Glycated haemoglobin, Therapeutic drug monitoring & Drugs and Electrolytes.

2. Immuno-Haematology
   

   Used to diagnose blood disorders such as anaemia, luekaemia, bleeding disorders and screen for Hepatitis, HIV and Malaria. 

   Cell Dyne 3700 – Designed to perform all the blood cell counts. It’s a 22 parameter walk away, fully automated with a throughput of 90 samples/hr. Can also determine a five parameter differential WBC count, reticulocyte count, flags for the presence of malaria parasites in blood samples and alerts the technologist on any suspicious blood picture.

   Cyflow Counter – CD4/CD8 counts performed to diagnose and monitor the immune status of a patient & their response to ARV treatment. Has a 4 hour turnaround time and the Fascount acts as a back up.

3. Microbiology
   

   Performs standard analysis of specimens for bacterial, parasitic and TB infections

   • Aerobic and Anaerobic bacterial cultures
   • Drug susceptibility testing
   • Siehl Neelsen staining technique for diagnosing TB
   • A variety of serological tests e.g antinuclear factor, TB serology
   • A wide range of rapid antigen detection tests

   BACTEC 9050 System for blood culture - An Automated Blood Culture System designed for the rapid detection of microorganism in blood cultures. Mortality rates associated with blood stream infection range from 20% to 50%. This infection is life threatening hence the prompt detection and recovery of microorganisms from blood is of paramount importance.

   A patient’s blood must be obtained by a septic venipucture and then incubated in culture media. Bacterial growth can be detected using techniques ranging from manual to totally automated methods. 

   The machine has the following features:-

   • Continuously monitors each sample and beeps for a positive report.
   • Blood culture media contains a resin capable of inactivating antibiotics present in the blood and hence improving the yield of microorganisms if present.
   • It is able to give a preliminary report within 24 hours unlike the manual method which gives a preliminary report after 48 hours.

    

4. Molecular Biology
   

   The Lab has installed a Viral Load Testing equipment (Easy Q) with a turnaround time of 5 days. Viral load levels together with CD4/CD8 guide the clinician on when to start the patient on antiretroviral treatment and to monitor the patient’s progress.

5. Serology, Immunology & Endocrinology
   

   Equipped with modern automated analyzers among them:-

   AXSYM Automated Analyzer – A random and continuous access immuno-assay analyzer capable of processing tests using proven technologies with total protocol flexibility and allows assays to be optimized for both performance & throughput. The machine performs:-

   • Thyroid function tests
   • Tumour Markers eg. TPSA, CEA
   • Retrovirus (HIV)
   • Reproductive hormones e.g BHCG, FSH & LH

    

6. Histology/Cytology
   

   Deals with specimens of Biopsies, FNAs and Pap Smears, Postmortem, Body fluids like Pleural fluid, CFS etc. The histology and cytology of the specimens enables detection of cancer and other pathogens

7. Blood Transfusion
   

   The Laboratory runs a 24 hour Blood Bank that ensures safe blood is provided to the patients who require it. Efforts are made to maintain an adequate supply of blood and blood components like whole blood, red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma and platelets concentrate. The blood donor service is managed by a full time senior nurse.

8. The Mater Hospital Blood Donor Club
   

   The Blood Donor club’s aim is to maintain an adequate source of safe blood to our patients, by inculcating a culture of benevolence, understanding that it is our responsibility and duty to donate blood regularly or when called upon.

   It also enables the hospital develop an inventory of donors and their blood groups. Rare blood groups will be within easy reach during emergencies. Therefore, we are appealing to all to register as members of the Mater donor club and give this precious gift of life.

   How to register as a blood donor
   
   Come to The Mater Hospital Laboratory, between Monday and Friday 8am - 5pm, ask for the donor Nurse or Call Mater hospital on:
   
   Tel: +254 20 531199 / 536551/536562 – 77 Ext. 3118/3117,
   Fax: 534289.
   E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

9. Mortuary Services
   At the Mater Mortuary we do preservation of candaver, embalming, postmoterm among other services. Mortuary services are supervised by qualified morticians.
   We have a prayer room and the hospital chaplain is available on request to assist in conducting prayers or service. Call the hospital Pathology Department for more information.