Laboratory

The Vihiga County Referral Hospital Main Laboratory is strategically located in Kenya, Vihiga County, along Kisumu-Kakamega road, at Mbale Center within Vihiga County Referral Hospital. Positioned on the basement floor next to the X-ray/Radiology unit, the main laboratory serves as a hub for various diagnostic tests and blood donor services.

Other Laboratory Outlets:

In addition to the main laboratory, Vihiga County Referral Hospital boasts four distinct laboratory outlets to cater to the diverse needs of our patients:

CCC Laboratory:

Also situated in the basement, the CCC Laboratory is conveniently located near the CCC Pharmacy. This placement ensures seamless access to laboratory services for patients receiving care within the Comprehensive Care Clinic.

Outpatient Laboratory(Serology Lab):

Situated within the OPD area and housed in Room 10, the Serology Laboratory specifically addresses the diagnostic needs related to blood samples for outpatients. This specialized facility enhances accessibility for individuals seeking routine serological tests, ensuring precision and efficiency in the analysis of blood-related diagnostics.

Casualty Laboratory:

Nestled within the Casualty section, the Casualty Laboratory stands ready to address the urgent diagnostic requirements of patients in the emergency department.

Blood Bank:

Located next to the CT Scan, the Blood Bank is situated in an isolated building. As you enter the main entrance and spot the fire assembly point, this lab is visible just ahead of you. The Blood Bank serves as a crucial facility for both blood donation and the safe processing and distribution of blood and blood products.

Accreditation:

Our Laboratory not only boasts state-of-the-art equipment but is also staffed by talented professionals offering the best services in the region. Accredited as a medical testing laboratory, we meet the stringent requirements of ISO 15189:2012, recognized by KENAS. Expired in May 2024.

Referrals:

In cases requiring specialized services, we collaborate with two reputable facilities for referrals:

Aga Khan Hospital for Histology/Cytology samples.

KEMRI-ALUPE for Viral Load and Samples for PCR-EID.

Operating Hours:

To ensure accessibility and continuity of care, the Vihiga County Referral Hospital Laboratory operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The operational shifts are structured as follows:

• Monday – Friday: 8:00 am - 6:30 pm
• Night Shift: 6:30 pm - 8:00 am
• Weekends: 8:00 am - 6:30 pm
• Public Holidays: 8:00 am - 6:30 pm

Service Charter:

For a detailed overview of our commitment to service excellence, the Laboratory Service Charter will soon be available for download from the designated section.

Services offered:

Clinical Chemistry:

This involves analyzing blood and bodily fluid samples to assess various chemical components. It helps in understanding how different organs are functioning, detecting abnormalities, and monitoring overall health.

Hematology:

Hematology focuses on the study of blood and blood-forming tissues. It includes the examination of blood cells to identify conditions such as anemia, infections, and blood clotting disorders.

Microbiology:

Microbiology deals with the identification of microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This service aids in diagnosing infectious diseases and guiding appropriate treatments.

Blood Bank:

The Blood Bank service ensures the safe collection, testing, processing, and distribution of blood and blood products. It plays a crucial role in medical treatments, surgeries, and emergencies.

Serology:

Serology focuses specifically on blood samples and involves the study of blood serum. It helps in identifying antibodies, antigens, and other markers, playing a key role in diagnosing infectious diseases.

Parasitology:

Parasitology deals with the identification of parasites in body tissues and fluids. This service is essential for diagnosing and treating parasitic infections that can affect various organs.

In summary, our laboratory provides a wide range of diagnostic services, covering the chemical, cellular, and microbial aspects of health. These services contribute to the accurate diagnosis and treatment of various medical conditions, ensuring the well-being of our patients.

At Vihiga County Referral Hospital, our laboratories are dedicated to providing accurate and timely diagnostic services, ensuring the health and well-being of our community.