Laboratory

Beacon Hospital has just expanded and upgraded our laboratory with all new state-of-the-art equipment in our new larger purpose-built on-site facility.

The laboratory has been equipped with the latest in automated, high quality and technologically advanced equipment in Ireland. Our team of highly qualified and dedicated scientists and pathologists aim to ensure that our patients get the most accurate, precise and reliable test results in the shortest possible time.

The importance of a sophisticated laboratory is paramount to the successful and accurate diagnostics and treatment of patients. Our Laboratory operates a full clinical and diagnostic service available to take requests from both Consultants and GPs for inpatients and outpatients.

Laboratory Specialities:

Our Laboratory is divided into 6 main specialist areas.
  • Blood Transfusion

    Our Blood Transfusion department tests patient’s blood types at the same time as examining their blood for the presence of any rare blood group antibodies. Patients undergoing surgery will always have these tests done prior to their surgery. This ensures that in the unlikely event they require a blood transfusion during, or after surgery, we have the correct units ready.

    Patients who have haematological disorders which require than to have regular transfusions are tested regularly also. By performing these tests, we can ensure that all patients receiving transfusions receive only suitable units. The number one priority of our Blood Transfusion Department is ensuring the safest possible transfusion of blood and blood products.

    The Blood Transfusion Department is also responsible for HLA testing. This is the essential testing necessary for patients requiring organ transplant.

  • Clinical Biochemistry

    Our Clinical Biochemistry lab tests for the presence of certain analytes in the blood. This includes tests for eg Blood Glucose (blood sugar), Cholesterol, Liver Function Test (LFT) and Cardiac Enzyme tests. The aforementioned tests help to diagnose or rule out conditions such as Diabetes, Arterioscleroisis, Liver and Heart dysfunction.

    Testing for therapeutic drug monitoring is also performed. This enables patients to be kelp on the optimum level of the drug they require for their particular treatment.

  • Haematology

    The Haematology Laboratory estimates the number and quality of the cells which make up your blood system. The most common tests performed here are Full Blood Counts (FBC) and specific Cell Differentiation estimations. This test is an indicator of your general state of health and can be allow diagnosis of specific Anaemia, Leukaemia and many other blood disorders.

    Our Haematology Laboratory also tests the clotting ability of your blood, this is essential for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and for patients on warfarin therapy.

  • Histopathology

    The Histopathology Laboratory provides an examination and diagnosis of clinical lesions and tumours. This lab provides essential information on the diagnosis and progression of malignancy which in turn allows for early detection and prognosis.

    It also provides invaluable information on the type of therapy or treatment which will be most effective.

  • Immunology

    Our Immunology Laboratory tests for the presence of viral markers, tumour markers, auto immune disorders and allergies. These tests aid in the diagnosis of specific diseases and disorders including Hepatitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Auto-Immune Disease as well as early diagnosis of certain types of cancer.

    Allergy testing carried out in the lab can help to identify triggers for a person’s allergy. This is particularly relevant for Dermatology and Asthma patients.

  • Microbiology

    Our Microbiology Laboratory identifies the organisms in your body which are causing your infection. These organisms can be bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Once the lab identifies the organism, you doctor can then determine the best treatment or antibiotic to destroy this harmful organism.

    Prompt testing and results is particularly important is relation to suspected cases of meningitis and other highly time sensitive for treatment diseases. As such, samples for suspected cases of these time sensitive diseases are processed urgently.

    The most common infections tested for in the Microbiology Laboratory are Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s), Respiratory Tract Infections and Gastro-Intestinal infections. The Microbiology Lab is also the lab which performs pregnancy tests.

Blood Tests

If you are due to attend our Phlebotomy clinic for a blood test, please click here for further information.

Results and Turnaround Times

As our lab is fully computerised, your blood test results will be available in real-time to all areas of the hospital. The majority of routine Haematology, Chemistry and Blood Transfusion results should be available within 2 hours.

Immunology results take in the region of 2 to 3 days. Microbiology results typically take between 24 and 48 hours. This is due to the time it takes to grow the organisms. Histopathology results take a bit longer due to the preparation process needed for the tissue sample. Results for Histopathology take 3 to 4 days.

If further specialised testing is needed results may take longer. Where this is the case, an interim report will be issued.