The laboratory is equipped with the latest generation of high-tech analyzers:

1. Hematology analyzer – Sysmex XN 1500 S;
2. Automated coagulation analyzer – SYSMEX, CS-2500;
3. Automatic biochemistry analyzer – Cobas C 311;
4. Automatic immunoassay analyzer – Cobas E 411;
5. Automatic urine analyzer – Cobas U 601;
6. Bacteriological automated analyzer – VC BTA3D CLN 120;
7. Automatic bacterial identification analyzer – Vitek 2 Compact;

The studies are carried out by highly skilled laboratory medicine professionals and physicians. Internal and external quality control is performed on a daily basis, ensuring high accuracy!

The entire process is automated, from pre-analysis through analytics and post-analysis to result confirmation. The department’s goal is to cover the whole spectrum of laboratory testing. The department works 24/7 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

Lab services:

• Immunohematology;
• Clinical;
• Biochemistry;
• Immunology;
• Microbiology;
• Morphology;

What is a laboratory study?

Adherence to the regulations for sampling, transporting, and storing material for each specific study is critical since violations impact outcomes. It is impossible to conduct a quality laboratory analysis and receive reliable findings without this.

In other circumstances, the material is delivered at the clinician’s discretion.

Proper preparation for laboratory tests

Clinical and biochemical studies:

• The test is performed on an empty stomach (at least 8-12 hours after the previous meal) in the morning; 12 hours before going to the lab, avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, and engaging in strenuous physical activity.
• It is also unwise to take medicine, but if required, on the advice of a doctor, notify the laboratory personnel.
• If you have other tests booked in addition to laboratory testing (CT, MRI, radiography, mammography, etc.), it is critical that you take the test material before undergoing these tests.

Urine analysis:

• Do not consume alcohol on the day of the test.
• Avoid meals that are hot or salty, as well as those that change the color of your urine (for example, beets or carrots).
• Before collecting urine, carry out external genital hygiene and collect middle portion of urine.
• Testing is not advised during the menstrual cycle!

Bacteriological tests:

• For bacteriological study, biological material is only gathered in a sterile disposable container.
• Do not wash the sterile container before using it.
• Samples should be obtained with minimal contamination to avoid misinterpretation of the results;
• The sample should be collected before using antibacterial, antifungal agents (general and local);
• Follow a high-fiber diet for 48-72 hours before the test.
• Avoid eating red meat, fish, eggs, plant foods, and green vegetables.
• Stools may be kept at a temperature of + 2 to + 8 ° C for no more than 6-8 hours.

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR):

• Studies should be carried out at least 4 weeks after the last dosage of antibiotics and/or antibacterial medications; sexual activity should be avoided for 1-2 days before receiving the material;
• Men’s PCR material is collected at least 3 hours after urination. In the presence of copious urethral discharge – 15-20 minutes after urinating;
• In women, PCR studies are performed before or 1-2 days after menstruation. During menopause (premenopause, menopause, postmenopause), as well as in case of any violation of the duration of the menstrual cycle (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, etc.), it is allowed to take a sample on any day of the cycle;
• 2-3 days before the test, the use of intravaginal means (suppositories, ointments, creams, etc.) should be excluded.

Glucose Tolerance Test:

• Take on a doctor’s recommendation, in advance, fasting, after glucose determination;
• Oral hygiene and chewing gum use are not advised..

Frequently Asked Questions:

How to prepare for the analysis of measuring uric acid in the blood?

– Be certain to adhere to a diet. Avoid bread and pastries, and refrain from eating meat, fish, red wine, eggs, cheese, and liver for three days.

– How to prepare for the blood analysis when iron, magnesium, and phosphorus are to be measured?

– If you are taking these substances, you should pass the test 10 to 14 days after discontinuing their use.

• Do not contaminate the outer surface of the container while collecting and transporting the sample;
• Submit the collected samples for study as soon as feasible.

Gynecological smear/swab:

• Five days before the end of menstruation or the predicted start of the following cycle, a Pap smear is required;
• Take a sample advised by your physician during menopause or an extended cycle;
• Before collecting the material, abstain from sexual activity for one to two days;
• 2-3 days before testing, intravaginal treatments (suppositories, ointments, lotions, etc.) should be ruled out;
• Biomass should be collected from the urethra either before or two hours after urination;
• Perform a hygienic procedure before bedtime in the evening;

Fecal mass:

• Stools are collected in special containers, preferably in the morning;
• Stop taking rectal suppositories, oils, and medications that enhance bowel movement and change its color, including laxatives and antiparasitics, barium sulfate, bismuth, iron, and kaolin before taking the material;
• Stools should not be handed over for examination within 2 days after the use of gastric and intestinal X-ray contrast agents;
• Before collecting feces, be sure to have a hygienic toilet for the external genitalia;
• Do not allow urine and water to contaminate the sample;
• Stools should be collected on a clean surface;
• It is recommended to collect the feces from the middle with a special spoon mounted on the lid of the container. The volume of biomass should not exceed 1/3 of the volume of the container;
• Stools for research are delivered to the laboratory on the day of collection, 1.5-2 hours.

Study for occult bleeding:

– What should women consider before the analysis of sex hormones (FSH, LH, estradiol, prolactin, testosterone, progesterone, antimuller hormone)?

FSH, LH, estradiol, prolactin, and testosterone tests are performed on the third-seventh day of the menstrual cycle, and progesterone – on the 21st day of the menstrual cycle, or as directed by your doctor. As for the antimullerian hormone, its study does not depend on the phase of the menstrual cycle.

– How to prepare for the analysis of thyroid hormones (TG, TSH, T3, T4)?

– The study should be performed 24 hours after taking thyroid hormone-containing preparations. Two to three days before the test, exclude iodine-containing foods and medications (seafood, walnuts, iodized salt, etc.).

– How do determine glucose in the blood?

– The analysis is conducted strictly on an empty stomach. Oral hygiene and chewing gum intake are not advised.

– Why is a tumor marker test necessary?

This test identifies the specific substances that comprise a tumor. The tumor marker test is used for disease diagnosis and monitoring.

– If we got different results of the same analysis from two different laboratories, does that mean that one of them made a mistake?

No, because some individuals adhere to the philosophy “Trust, but verify.” Due to such crosses, they are subjected to the same tests in different laboratories but may receive different findings. In the majority of instances, this inaccuracy is not attributable to the skills of a particular laboratory, which are represented in a variety of research methodologies, test system sensitivity, and other factors. In other instances, the difference is due to how the patient prepared for the study, his food, the time he gathered the biomass, the temperature at which he stored it, and his mental state.

Before conducting testing at several laboratories, compare their skills to ensure parity. In seven out of ten instances, disparities result from varied exam preparation conditions. Before your doctor begins decrypting the data, be sure to provide him with all the essential test preparation information.

A professional should compare the analyses because there is a discernible difference between laboratory investigations conducted under laboratory circumstances. For instance, if the hemoglobin level in one clinic is 12.4, while in another it is 12.1, and the protein level is anywhere between 72 and 70, this is a permissible variance; thus, the tests should be examined by a professional!

The Laboratory Department of the American Hospital Tbilisi is headed by laboratory doctor Manana Tsulukidze.

“We are getting ready for your visit.”

The primary objective of the management of “American Hospital Tbilisi” is to obtain accreditation from JCI (Joint Commission International) and to provide medical services of the highest quality – for the betterment of your health!