Embu County Laboratory services
Mission:
To provide accurate, reliable and timely Laboratory Services to our clients.
Quality is key
About Our services
Key Facilities and Infrastructure
The county boasts several healthcare facilities equipped with laboratories, including the Embu County Referral Hospital, which is the primary healthcare provider in the area. These facilities are staffed with trained laboratory technicians and technologists who ensure accurate and reliable diagnostic services.
lab sections
Microbiology
Microbiology plays a key role in diagnosing and treating infectious diseases. Relevant samples from tissue, body fluids (blood, urine, faeces, CSF, abscesses, ascites, pleural fluid) are analysed to identify micro-organisms; bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses. Tests include cultures and microscopy. Molecular and PCR testing methods are highly sensitive and can detect and quantify DNA from micro-organisms. The sensitivity of micro-organisms to therapies (e.g. antibiotics, anti-virals, anti-TB medication) can be tested, for which can detect resistance and inform treatment decisions.
Read MoreSerology
The immune system produces antibodies in response to infection, inflammation and in autoimmune diseases. The presence of antibodies to specific organisms (viral/bacterial) can indicate current and/or previous infection or vaccination. In autoimmune conditions the body produces ‘an immune reaction’ to its own organs. Laboratory tests are important in diagnosing these conditions.
Read MoreBlood Transfusion Section
Blood transfusions are a therapeutic measure used to restore blood or plasma volume after extensive hemorrhage, burns, or trauma; to increase the number and concentration of red blood cells in persons with anemia in order to improve the oxygen-carrying capacity of their blood; and to treat shock
Read MoreHaematology
Laboratory hematology involves testing for disorders of the blood and bone marrow. Automated analyzers count the number of blood cells; in particular red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The shape, size and relationship of cells to each other is assessed by studying the peripheral blood film under the microscope. Abnormal inclusions such as malaria parasites are also looked for. Haematology tests are key in diagnosing a wide range of benign and malignant diseases such as anaemia, thalassemia, sickle cell disease, leukemia, aplastic anaemia. Coagulation tests measure the blood’s ability to clot, and how long it takes to clot. These tests are important in assessing risk of excessive bleeding or developing thrombosis (blood clot
Read MoreHistocytology
Embu County offers histology and cytology services through its main referral hospital (EL5HL). Our laboratory is staffed with highly experienced histologists and cytologists who use the latest Techniques and other staining techniques for accurate results. We provide a full range of services, from routine diagnostics to testing, with a patient-centered approach to ensure optimal outcomes.
Read MoreClinical Biochemistry
Biochemistry Clinical chemistry (also known as chemical pathology) extends across most medical specialities and involves the biochemical investigation of bodily fluids (blood – whole blood, serum or plasma; urine; cerebrospinal fluid; and other fluids such as effusions, seminal fluid, sweat and amniotic fluid). Clinicians rely on this essential information to aid diagnosis as well as management and follow-up of patients. Our fully automated analysers ensure efficient turn-around-times (2 hours for urgent requests and same day for routines). All analyses are enrolled to internal and external quality control schemes with over 400 laboratory participants. This ensures that we only give quality and accurate results to patients. Our expert team provides interpretation and discussion of results when required. The Clinical Chemistry laboratory provides routine and state of the art specialized assays for patient care.
Read MoreLaboratory Service Charter
| SERVICE (TEST) DONE | TURN AROUND TIME | SAMPLE COLLECTION INSTRUCTIONS/MINIMAL AMOUNTS | PRECAUTION NEEDED |
HAEMATOLOGY | |||
| FULL HAEMOGRAM FHG | 2 HRS | 4ml of whole blood in EDTA( Purple Top) | Reach the lab within 1 hour of collection |
| HB | 20 min | 4ml of whole blood in EDTA( Purple Top) | Reach the lab within 1 hour of collection |
| ESR | 2 HRS | 4ml of whole blood in EDTA ( Purple Top) | Reach the lab within 1 hour of collection |
| PBF | 24HRS | 4ml of whole blood in EDTA ( Purple Top) | Reach the lab within 1 hour of collection |
| Sickling test | 24 HRS | 4ml of whole blood in EDTA ( Purple Top) | |
BIOCHEMISTRY | |||
| LFTS | 4 HRS | 4ml of blood in plain bottle ( Red Tops) | Dark Covered |
| UREA/ELECTROLYTES | 4 HRS | 4ml of blood in plain bottle ( Red Tops) | |
| BILIRUBIN/TOTAL DIRECT | 4 HRS | 4ml of blood in plain bottle ( Red Tops) | Needs to be covered with a black cover |
| PREGNANCY TEST (URINE) | 30 min | Clean universal bottle | N/A |
| LIPID PROFILE | 1 hour | 4ml of whole blood in EDTA ( Purple Top) | Patients’ needs to fast before test is run. |
| HBA1C | 1 hour | 4ml of whole blood in EDTA( Purple Top) | N/A |
| BLOOD SUGAR | 20 MIN. | Finger prick | N/A unless FBS is needed |
IMMUNOLOGY | |||
| HIV Rapid Antibody test | 1 HRS | Finger prick | N/A |
| CD4/CD4% | 24HRS | EDTA( Purple Top) or CD4 stabilizer tubes | N/A |
| Viral load | Up to 3 weeks | DBS | N/A |
| HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN (HBsAg) | 2 HRS | 4ml of blood in plain bottle( Red Tops) | N/A |
| RHEUMATOID FACTOR | 2 HRS | 4ml of blood in plain bottle( Red Tops) | N/A |
| VDRL | 2HRS | 4ml of blood in plain bottle( Red Tops) | N/A |
| ASOT TEST | 2 HRS | 4ml of blood in plain bottle( Red Tops) | N/A |
| HCV | 2 HRS | 4ml of blood in plain bottle( Red Tops) | N/A |
Microbiology | |||
| Urinalysis | 1 HRS | Clean universal bottle | N/A |
| HVS-Wet Prep +Gram Stain | 1 HRS | Sterile swab | N/A |
| cultures | 3-5days | Sterile container | N/A |
| Sputum for Gene Expert | 24 hrs | Sterile Container atleast 2mls | Specimen should be free of food particles |
| Immuno-Chemistry | |||
BLOOD TRANSFUSION (BTU) | |||
| BLOOD GROUPING | 20min | 2ml of whole blood in plain bottle | N/A |
| Du TEST | 2 HRS | 2ml of whole blood in plain bottle | N/A |
| ICT | 2 HRS | 2ml of whole blood in plain bottle | N/A |
| DCT | 2 HRS | 2ml of whole blood in plain bottle | N/A |
| CROSSMATCH | 2 HRS | 2ml of whole blood in plain bottle | N/A |
| CYTOLOGICAL SAMPLES | |||
| PAP SMEAR | 10 days | Pap kit | N/A |
| FNA | 10 days | Sterile container with formalin | N/A |
| Histology & Cytology | 10 days | Sample Container | N/A |
TAT FOR URGENT TESTS | |||
| B/S FOR MPS | 1 HRS | Blood slide smear | N/A |
| HB | 20 min | 4ml of blood in EDTA (Purple Tops) | N/A |
| BLOOD SUGAR | 10 MINS. | Finger Prick | N/A |
| U/E/CR | 4 HRS | 4ml of blood in plain bottle( Red Tops) | N/A |
| LFTS/BILIRUBIN | 4 HRS | 4ml of blood in plain bottle( Red Tops) | |
| CSF (analysis)preliminary Results | 1 HR | 2ml CSF in sterile bijou bottle | N/A |
| CROSSMATCH | 2 HRS | 4ml of clotted blood in plain bottle/ ( Red Tops) | N/A |
| Pregnancy Diagnostic Test | 30 min | Clean universal bottle Random urine sample, | N/A |
| REFERRAL SAMPLES (Internal and External ) | |||
| AAFB CULTURE | 8 WEEKS | Sputum in a sputum culture bottle 2ML | N/A |
| Thyroid Function Test | 2 DAYS | 4ml of blood in plain bottle( Red Tops) | N/A |
| Prostrate Specific Antigen | 2 DAYS | 4ml of blood in plain bottle( Red Tops) | N/A |
| Bone Marrow Aspirate | 2 Weeks | EDTA (PURPLE VACUTAINER) | N/A |
| Biopsy for Histology | 4 Weeks | IN 10% Formal saline | N/A |
| Blood for hormone analysis | 2 Weeks | 4ml of blood in plain bottle( Red Tops) | N/A |
| Blood for Cardiac Enzymes | 2days | 4ml of blood in plain bottle( Red Tops) | N/A |
Contact
Events
Past Events
| Title | Date | Day | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREE MEDICAL CAMP | 05 Jun 2024 | Wednesday | Siakago, Kenya |
| US Based iHOPE International Medical Camp | 14 Feb 2024 | Wednesday | Embu Provincial Hospital, B6, Embu, Kenya |
