State-of-the-art Diagnostics

 

Haematology Section

 

NIBD Lab haematology section is equipped with state of art equipment like Sysmex XE 2100 and trained staff to provide all the required lab tests for diagnosis of haematological disorders. Various diagnostic procedures include complete blood counts with morphology, haemoglobin and protein electrophoresis, bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy, iron stain and also facilities of immunostaining where needed.

 

Coagulation and Haemostasis Section

 

Haemostasis section of the Lab is comprised of latest automated coagulation analyzers providing not only routine coagulation tests like PT, APTT, bleeding time & mixing studies, but also specialized procedures including facilities for thrombophilia screening and complete diagnostic work up for haemophilia A, B, Von Willibrands disease. Inhibitor assay, platelet aggregation studies and tests for other rare clotting factors deficiencies are also available.

 

Biochemistry Section

 

Biochemistry section is providing not only routine tests like blood glucose, urea, creatinine, electrolytes, calcium, phosphate, LDH and LFTs but also equipped with facilities to conduct specialized tests like thyroid profile, prolactin, FSH, LH, CRP and complete serological testing for dengue fever. HIV, HBsAg and HCV screening is done by latest techniques on equipment like Abbot Architect and Vitrous ECI.

 

Microbiology Section

 

Blood culture, throat swab culture, urine culture and AFB culture facilities are available. CSF and body fluids analysis and culture are performed by trained staff under supervision of microbiologist.

 

Histopathology Section

 

Histopathology section is performing tissue diagnosis of all the solid organs but also equipped with immunohistochemistry techniques facilitating the diagnosis of haematological malignancies.

 

Molecular Biology Section

 

Recent advances in research have led to introduction of many new molecular techniques which have created immense impact in the diagnosis and management of patients suffering from haematological disorders. NIBD Lab molecular section is providing PCR based techniques for the diagnosis of Thalassaemias like beta and alpha thalassaemias, Hb E, HbD and HbS disorders. Jak2 mutation in myeloproliferative disorders, and chimerism analysis for post transplant patients, are also performed by qualified staff. CMV detection, HLA typing by PCR and lymphocyte cross match testing by serological methods in bone marrow and solid organ transplant patients are also performed.

 

Cytogenetic Section

 

Chromosomal analysis has become a mandatory part for the diagnosis, prognosis and management protocols of patients suffering from haematological malignancies. Cytogenetic section is equipped with facilities of peripheral blood and bone marrow chromosomal analysis both by conventional methods and by Florescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) techniques. The analysis and karyotyping is done on latest state of art “MetaSystem” recently imported from Germany. Detection of BCR/Abl, PML/RAR alpha gene rearrangement and Her2 neu are few to mention among the common FISH facilities available in cytogenetic section of NIBD Lab.

 

Stem Cell Section

 

State of art equipment is available in stem cell lab to perform flowcytometry in bone marrow as well as peripheral blood samples. CD34 stem cell collection and T cell lymphocytes subset analysis facilities are also available.

 

Immunohaematology & Blood Bank Services

 

NIBD Lab has fully equipped immunohaematology and Blood Bank department accredited by Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority. The department has well trained staff to carry out blood donation, Aphaeresis techniques and complete and secure provision of blood and its products. Blood components like packed red cells, random donor platelets, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate and cryosupernatant are made from the voluntary or exchange donors after screening the whole blood for HIV, HCV, HBsAg, Syphillis and Malaria. The department also has aphaeresis machines and provides Mega Units of platelets to patients suffering from leukaemias, lymphomas and dengue fever.