Haematology

Haematology involves the study of blood and, more specifically, the blood cells which ensure tissue oxygenation (red blood cells), help maintain our immune defences (white blood cells) and regulate clotting (platelets).

We handle tests in the following areas:

  • Cytology (quantitative and qualitative study of blood cells; measurement and calculation of erythrocyte constants, etc.)
  • Haemostasis (determination of clotting time; identification of the risk of bleeding or thrombosis)
  • Immunohaematology (blood typing, irregular antibody screening, detection of cold agglutinin disease)

General and specialised biochemistry

Clinical biochemistry enables the measurement of non-cellular components involved in the chemical reactions which take place in living organisms. Such components, represented by carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, are quantified in biological fluids such as blood or urine. This activity reflects the most common prescriptions received by the laboratory, such as:

  • blood sugar level (blood glucose)
  • lipid profile (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides)
  • inflammatory markers (CRP)

Specialised biochemistry involves testing for and assaying more specific elements to assist with the diagnosis of particular diseases or the monitoring of various clinical situations. It reflects more specific examinations, such as:

  • specific proteins
  • tumour markers
  • hormone assays

Serology of infectious diseases

Serology of infectious diseases involves the detection and/or quantification of antibodies produced by certain white blood cells resulting from an infectious disease (viral, bacterial or parasitic) or as a side effect of vaccination.

It is used to screen for hepatitis, toxoplasmosis, Lyme disease, herpes simplex and sexually transmitted infections, amongst others.

Microbiology

Microbiology is a discipline which aims to isolate and identify bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi. It also involves the study of antibiotic sensitivity via antibiograms.

The laboratory handles tests in the fields of bacteriology, parasitology, virology and mycology. 


Molecular biology

Molecular biology is an analysis technique which detects the presence of bacterial or viral nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) in a biological sample, or genetic mutations within human cells.

At Ketterthill Laboratories, we use this technique to test for sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia trachomatis, gonococcus and Mycoplasma genitalium.

Fertility

The purpose of spermatology is to test a man with a view to assessing his fertilising ability when a couple is experiencing fertility problems.

Our Fertility Department currently offers the following:

  • Semen analysis (quantitative and qualitative examinations of sperm to assess fertilising ability)
  • Sperm enrichment (selection of as many sperm as possible for in utero injection)

We also perform post-vasectomy checks.