Laboratory Medicine

1. History

The central laboratory of the Medical University of Debrecen was opened on 1 January 1978 and has served as the central diagnostics laboratory known as the Laboratory Medicine Institute (LMI) of the University of Debrecen Clinical Center since 2011. In February 2012 the Laboratory Medicine Institute moved into the building of the In Vitro Diagnostics Center, which represented a significant infrastructural development compared to previous decades.

2. Main areas of care and medical specialties

The 12 diagnostic units of Laboratory Medicine (clinical chemistry, immunochemistry, laboratory immunology, endocrinology, hematology and urinalysis, hemostasis, flow cytometry, molecular genetics, molecular oncology, cytogenetics, separation techniques, andrology) offer reliable, verified and verifiable laboratory services on a large scale, provided through a modern automated IT system. We provide interactive laboratory services and make clinical consultations a top priority, addressing the problems raised by clinicians as quickly and efficiently as possible. In case of congenital developmental disorders, malignant hematological diseases, immunological conditions, molecular examinations and special hemostaseology tests, as well as in the analysis of red blood cell disorders we supply interpretative findings.

3. Types of medical care and services

At the Blood Sampling and Diagnostics Outpatient Department of the Laboratory Medicine Institute more than 18,000 patients undergo blood sampling a year. By appointment we perform breath tests designed for the screening of Helicobacter pylori infection and sweat electrolyte tests to screen for cystic fibrosis, a congenital metabolic disorder. The laboratory provides unique profiles in the country in numerous specialized diagnostic fields. The Diagnostics Outpatient Department accepts patients from the whole territory of Hungary to undergo tests for thrombophilia, hemophilia and congenital red blood cell disorders.

4. Data related to patient care

At the time of its establishment, 10 types of lab tests could be performed at the Institute and the number of tests provided a year was around 251,000.  Now, 4.5 million tests are available at the Institute from 400 different types of lab tests and more than 50 of these are available 24/7. The staff of the Laboratory Medicine Institute consists of 25 professionals with university degrees and 61 assistants.

5. Technology and development projects

Clinical samples arrive at the lab via an 8.6-km-long underground, closed pneumatic tube system connecting the institute with all clinical units, which is a considerable development not only in Hungary but also in Europe in general. The Laboratory Medicine Institute is proud to have significant instrumentation: the integrated laboratory system is preceded by a pre-analytical unit for procedures like centrifugation, aliquoting, and storing samples, and followed by post-analytical robotics to handle procedures like sample storage and archiving. All our specialized units are equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation to support our high standard diagnostic services.
 

János Kappelmayer M.D.

Director, Full Professor