Laboratory Department

Laboratory Services at JOOTRH

The Laboratory Department at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) plays a critical role in supporting patient diagnosis, treatment, disease monitoring, and clinical decision-making.

The department provides comprehensive laboratory services for both inpatient and outpatient clients through modern diagnostic technology, specialized equipment, and highly trained laboratory professionals.

JOOTRH laboratory services support various clinical departments within the hospital, including emergency care, specialized clinics, surgical units, oncology, renal services, intensive care, maternal and child health, and chronic disease management.
The laboratory operates with a commitment to accuracy, efficiency, patient safety, and timely turnaround of results to support quality healthcare delivery.

Core Laboratory Services
The laboratory offers a wide range of diagnostic investigations across multiple specialties, including:

Clinical Chemistry Services

The department conducts biochemical investigations used in the diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions.

Services include:
• Liver function tests
• Renal function tests
• Lipid profile testing
• Cardiac enzyme testing
• Pancreatic enzyme testing
• Diabetic profile testing
• Iron studies
• Vitamin assays
• Electrolyte analysis
• Blood gas analysis
• C-reactive protein (CRP) testing
• Uric acid testing
• CSF biochemistry
• Pleural and ascitic fluid biochemistry

These investigations support the management of conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, liver disorders, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic conditions, and chronic illnesses.

Hormonal and Fertility Testing
The laboratory provides hormonal investigations used in reproductive health, fertility assessment, endocrine disorders, and pregnancy monitoring.

Tests include:
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
• Prolactin
• Progesterone
• Estrogen and Estradiol
• Testosterone
• Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)
• Cortisol
• Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs)
• Parathyroid Hormone testing
• Pregnancy testing

Tumor Marker Testing

JOOTRH laboratory services support cancer diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and follow-up care through specialized tumor marker testing.

Available tests include:
• Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
• Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP)
• Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
• CA 19-9
• CA 125
• CA 15-3
• CA 72-4
• Beta HCG

Autoimmune and Rheumatology Testing

The laboratory supports diagnosis and monitoring of autoimmune and connective tissue disorders through tests such as:
• Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)
• Anti-CCP
• Rheumatoid Factor
• Quantitative Rheumatoid Factor

These investigations assist in the management of conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune disorders.

Haematology Services

The Haematology Unit provides comprehensive blood investigations essential in diagnosing blood disorders, infections, anemia, clotting disorders, and malignancies.

Services include:
• Full haemogram (CBC)
• Peripheral Blood Film (PBF)
• ESR testing
• Platelet analysis
• Reticulocyte count
• Haemoglobin levels
• Hb electrophoresis
• Sickle cell testing
• Coagulation profile
• PT/INR
• APTT
• Fibrinogen testing
• D-dimer testing
• Bone marrow analysis
• CD4/CD8 cell counts

Serology and Immunology Services

The laboratory conducts screening and confirmatory tests for infectious and immune-related diseases.
Services include:

• HIV testing
• Hepatitis testing
• Syphilis testing
• Brucella testing
• Rheumatology serology
• Salmonella antigen testing
• HPV testing
• ASOT testing

Microbiology Services

The Microbiology Unit supports infection diagnosis and antimicrobial management through culture and sensitivity testing.
Services include:

• Blood culture and sensitivity
• Urine culture and sensitivity
• Stool culture and sensitivity
• CSF culture and sensitivity
• Sputum culture and sensitivity
• Tissue culture and sensitivity
• Swab culture investigations
• Fungal microscopy
• Gram staining
• Auramine staining
• AFB staining
• Cryptococcal antigen testing
• Gene Xpert testing

These services support the diagnosis of bacterial, fungal, and tuberculosis-related infections.

Blood Transfusion Services

The Blood Transfusion Unit provides safe blood banking and transfusion support services for patients requiring blood products.

Services include:
• Blood grouping and rhesus typing
• Cross-matching
• Direct and indirect Coombs tests
• Blood safety screening
• Preparation of blood components including:
o Whole blood
o Packed red blood cells
o Platelet concentrates
o Fresh frozen plasma
o Cryoprecipitate

Histopathology and Cytology Services

The Histopathology Unit supports cancer diagnosis and tissue analysis through:
• Histology
• Cytology
• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA)
• Pap smear testing
• Trephine biopsy analysis
• Immunohistochemistry

These services assist in early diagnosis and monitoring of cancers and other tissue-related diseases.

Parasitology Services

The department also offers parasitology investigations including:
• Malaria parasite testing
• Stool microscopy
• Routine urinalysis
• H. pylori stool antigen testing
• Stool antigen tests for gastrointestinal infections

Commitment to Quality Diagnostic Care
JOOTRH Laboratory Services continue to strengthen diagnostic healthcare delivery within the Lake Region by providing reliable, timely, and patient-centred laboratory investigations. Through advanced technology, skilled personnel, and comprehensive diagnostic support, the laboratory remains an essential pillar in enhancing clinical care, disease prevention, treatment monitoring, and overall patient outcomes.