The Pathology Department

The Pathology Department consists of five main specialities: Blood Transfusion, Biochemistry, Haematology, Histopathology and Microbiology. The Pathology Laboratory is staffed by highly qualified and dedicated Medical Consultants, Medical Scientists, Clinical Biochemists, Laboratory Aides and support staff.

The Pathology Laboratory has ISO 15189 accreditation (INAB reference 218MT) through the Irish National Accreditation Board, with a defined scope available through the Medical Testing Laboratories - INAB. The Pathology Department offers services 365 days a year on a 24/7 basis

Blood Tests

Our specialist Phlebotomists are highly skilled in the art of taking blood samples in a quick, professional and comfortable manner. We understand that some patients may be nervous of needles and will do our best to reassure you and make you feel at ease.

Blood samples taken are sent to our internal laboratory for processing as soon as they are taken. Some samples may have to be sent to an external laboratory depending on the tests required.

When you have finished having your specimen taken, your Phlebotomist will put a small plaster on the area that you should leave in place for 24 hours.
Results will be sent to the requesting Clinician, who will in turn inform you of these results.

Results And Turnaround Times

As our laboratory is fully computerised, your blood test results will be available in real-time to all areas of the hospital. The majority of routine Haematology and Biochemistry results should be available within 4 hours. Blood Transfusion results should be available within 6 hours.

Some blood tests take longer to process as the analysis is a bit more complicated.

Microbiology results typically take between 2 to 5 days. 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 (10-20 working days). If further specialised testing is needed, results may take longer. Where this is the case, an interim report will be issued.

Blood Transfusion and Haemovigilance Service

Our Blood Transfusion department tests patient’s blood groups at the same time as examining their blood for the presence of any rare blood group antibodies. All women booking with the Coombe for their pregnancy and many patients undergoing surgery will have these tests done. This ensures we identify pregnant women who may need Anti-D during pregnancy and those that need extra monitoring due to blood group antibodies. Testing Blood Transfusion samples also means that in the unlikely event that any of our patients require a blood transfusion, we have the correct units ready.

The number one priority of our Haemovigilance Service is ensuring the safest possible transfusion of blood and blood products to our patients.  Our hospital Blood Transfusion Committee are very active in identifying ways to improve and reduce the need for transfusions such as identifying anaemia and treatment. Our Anti-D service ensures all RhD negative women receive the Anti-D at the right time during and after their pregnancy. When adverse events occur, our team are involved in identifying, diagnosis, treating and follow up if necessary

Biochemistry Department

Our Biochemistry department focuses primarily on the measurement of chemical constituents or physiologic processes in the body and these are used to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and prevention of disease. Testing is performed in a range of body fluids such as whole blood, plasma, serum, urine and cerebrospinal fluid. The results of clinical biochemistry tests are compared to reference intervals or a medical decision level to provide diagnostic and clinical meaning for the values.

Haematology Department

Our Haematology Department studies blood and blood-related disorders. One of the most common Haematology tests is the Full Blood Count (FBC). This test can detect disorders such as anaemia, which is very common in pregnancy and every woman booking with the Coombe will have at least one FBC during pregnancy. Coagulation tests are also performed in some situations and these detect disorders of the clotting system. Other routine tests include the Kleihauer test to look for baby’s red blood cells in the mother’s circulation, reticulocytes (newly-produced red blood cells) and screening for malaria.

Microbiology Department

Our Microbiology department 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 analysis for serious clinical disease is a priority of microbiology. Samples for suspected cases of sepsis, meningitis and other time sensitive diseases are processed urgently.

Histopathology Department

Our Histopathology service offers meticulous tissue analysis for accurately diagnosing diseases. With skilled scientists and histopathologists, comprehensive histopathological evaluations, including Special stains and Immunohistochemistry is performed. We ensure precise results that guide treatment decisions, improve patient outcomes and adhere to the highest standards of care and excellence. ​

Policy on Protection of Personal Information

The proper management of data and information in the Pathology Laboratory is essential for the provision of the service. The Pathology Laboratory adheres to Patient Confidentiality, General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and Data Protection Act 2018. The Coombe Hospital’s privacy statement is available at https://www.coombe.ie/privacy-statement

The Pathology Laboratory retains the following information in relation to each test request received, for defined minimum retention periods, based on regulatory and best practices guidelines.

This information may include some or all of the following:

  • Patient full name.

  • Patient Hospital record number.

  • Patient Date of Birth.

  • Date/time of collection, date/time of receipt in the laboratory and date/time of report for each specimen.

  • Clinical information provided by requesting clinician.

  • The test result and interpretation of test requested, where appropriate.

  • Requesting clinician and address.

  • Request procedures.