Laboratory Services

 

Welcome to the Laboratory Services

At the Laboratory Department, or the Lab Sub-BMC as it is fondly referred to, we are dedicated to providing exceptional diagnostic services that support and enhance patient care. Our comprehensive offerings span multiple specialties, including Microbiology, Chemical Pathology, Hematology, and Immunology.


Core Functions and Services

Operating through a state-of-the-art Central Laboratory, we also feature specialized satellite laboratories tailored to specific healthcare needs:

  • Child Health Laboratory
  • Maternity Laboratory
  • Fevers Unit Laboratory
  • Chest Clinic Laboratory

Our team of skilled professionals is committed to delivering accurate and timely diagnostic services, ensuring the highest standards of patient care.


Operating Hours and Reporting

  • 24-hour service for all routine tests.
  • Outpatients: Reports for requests received before 12:00 PM are available the same day.
  • Inpatients: Results are available the same day.
  • Turnaround time: ~80% of routine requests are processed within 3 hours of receipt.
  • Patients must present their receipt of payment at the result collection point to collect test results.

Analytical Services

  • Routine Analytical Service: Covers >80% of workload, with same-day reporting for daily-measured analytes.
  • Batched Analytical Service: Samples pooled and processed on specific days.
  • Urgent Analytical Requests: 24-hour service for critical cases, complementing routine workflows.

Specimen Collection and Handling

Proper specimen collection and prompt delivery are essential for accurate results. Adhere to the following guidelines:

Blood and Urine Sample Collection

  • Avoid prolonged stasis during blood draws.
  • Prevent contamination (e.g., no mixing with IV fluids).
  • Do not transfer blood between containers.
  • Keep timed urine collections refrigerated.

Specimen Labeling and Documentation

  • Label specimens with Name, Date, Time, and Test Requested (unlabeled samples are rejected).
  • Complete all details on the request form.
  • Use birthdates to distinguish patients with similar names.
  • Ensure forms include:
    • Patient’s Name, Age, Gender, Clinical Information
    • Clinician’s Name & Contact Number

Specimen Transport and Submission

  • Deliver specimens to the designated collection point immediately.
  • Place samples in individual biohazard bags (request forms in separate pockets).
  • Never send samples in syringes with needles or syringes alone.

Urgent Sample Requests

  • 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Contact the Officer/CSO.
  • 5:00 PM – 8:00 AM: Contact the BMS on duty.
  • Public holidays: Arrangements vary; contact the lab for details.
  • Urgent results are communicated via phone or delivered by staff/patient’s relatives.

Appointments

  • Appointments are confirmed 3 days before sampling.
  • Required on sampling day:
    • Two recent passport-size photos (full face, no hats/dark glasses).
    • Original ID (Passport, Driver’s License, Voter’s ID, National ID, or NHIS card).
    • Certified birth certificate (for children).

Training and Education

We offer:

  • Continuing Education Programmes for staff (WHO Accreditation, Quality Control, Customer Care).
  • Practical training for Resident Doctors, Medical Students, and Allied Health Science Students.

Our Team and Leadership

Leadership

  • Head of Department (Acting): Dr. Michael Omari
  • Administrator: Mrs. Hannah Reynolds
  • Pharmacy: Samuel Dzisah
  • Accountant: Owusu Ansah

Senior Staff

  • Dr. Michael Omari: Ag. Head, Lab Sub-BMC / Head, Chemical Pathology Dept.
  • Mrs. Hannah Reynolds: Administrator (Laboratory)
  • Dr. Solomon Quarshie: Quality Manager
  • BMS. M. Baffuor Asare: Health and Safety Officer
  • BMS. Esther Okine: Client Service Officer (CSO)
  • BMS. VA Degenu: Technical Supervisor

We are committed to delivering precise, efficient, and compassionate diagnostic services to support your healthcare journey.