SICKLE CELL DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES

The Department of Clinical Pathology of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana, is at the forefront of medical research and laboratory diagnoses. The Department offers high-end laboratory diagnostic, monitoring and advisory services of clinical and public health importance. We employ cutting-edge analytical methods including Isoelectric focusing (IEF) gel electrophoresis and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to provide examinations that are important to the study, diagnosis, management and monitoring of haemoglobinopathies particularly sickle-cell disease and trait, and thalassemia. Details of the examinations offered are provided in the following sections.

Haemoglobin Electrophoresis (Hb Elect)

The Department of Clinical Pathology conducts and reports on electrophoretic separation and detection of normal and variant haemoglobin in blood samples. Our Migele gel electrophoresis unit is an advanced IEF-based electrophoresis platform which employs a thin layer gel for separation and identification of the specific haemoglobin variants based on their unique isoelectric points. The IEF electrophoresis has a greater resolving power than conventional electrophoresis. IEF-based gel electrophoresis distinctively separates haemoglobin variants into bands including Hb F, HbA, HbS, HbA2 and Hb C. Also, Hb D and Hb G migrate separately from each other and from Hb S in IEF electrophoresis. Our IEF gel electrophoresis equipment capacity ensures reliable identification of hemoglobin variants, contributing to effective and high-quality healthcare and improved patient outcomes.

Haemoglobin Quantification (HPLC)

We perform and report on HPLC-based quantification of haemoglobin variants. HPLC is a powerful analytical technique employed for the separation, identification and quantification of components within a complex mixture. In the context of hemoglobin variant analysis, the HPLC provides accurate quantification of different haemoglobin types present in a patient’s blood. By leveraging the distinct chemical properties of hemoglobin variants, our HPLC protocol allows for precise determination of the proportions of Hb A, Hb F, Hb S, Hb C, Hb A1c and Hb A2 in a blood sample, providing biochemical information important to the investigation, diagnosis and monitoring of disorders related to hemoglobin metabolism, such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia.

Ensuring Quality of Examination

We prioritize from onset quality management system. Our laboratories are committed to complying with quality assurance protocols. We monitor laboratory examination results rigorously through equipment calibration, internal quality control and external quality control programs. Our Quality Management System is based on ISO 9001 and ISO 15189. Our Institutional Quality Office creates, releases and ensures the implementation of quality management documentations including manuals and SOPs. The IQO also conducts planned internal audit of our laboratories, ensuring compliance to standards and opportunity for continual improvement.

Sample requirement:

Whole blood sample and dried blood spot sample can be used for this test. Whole blood samples are transported on ice.

Requesting Laboratory Examination/Booking Process

Request Forms:

Requests for laboratory examination may be written on the customer’s own request form or on Department of Clinical Pathology laboratory examination request forms. For our examination request form, please phone Department Reception/Administration on +233209196303 +233302940422/ +233302942842.

Kindly e-mail completed examination request form to Department Administration (contact Administrator Angella Asantewaa) at aasantewaa@noguchi.ug.edu.gh. For any assistance or further information, please contact Department Administration on +233209196303/ +233302940422/ +233302942842

Upon receipt of a completed examination request form, an invoice will be e-mailed from Department Administration to client or patient.
Upon receipt of the invoice, make payment at the NMIMR Accounts Office, located in the Main Research Building of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. Make All payments into the Department of Clinical Pathology account, NMIMR.
Client(s) must submit a copy of the payment receipt to the Department Administration after payment and submit the samples for analysis.

Cost/Price of tests/Examination

Specimen Collection

A correctly labelled specimen is essential. Persons collecting specimens must positively identify the patient, and ensure that there are at least two unique identifiers recorded on the specimen:

Patient first and surname.
Date of birth (and/ or medical record number for hospital patients).

A correctly labelled specimen should arrive in the laboratory with a completed examination request form that includes the date and time of collection.

Opening Times

Terms and conditions:

Analysis is done on a first-come-first-served basis
The examination request form must be completed in full. Results will be sent via emails.
Samples submitted to us must be properly collected and stored. We do not accept responsibility for samples not properly collected and stored. We charge an additional 30 cedis for samples to be collected by us.
Requests for re-analysis of samples by the client will be treated as a new request and should be paid for as such.
We do not return samples.

Reporting of results:

Reports of laboratory examination results are delivered through email, prioritizing the confidentiality of data and records.

Contact Us:

For further information, please contact us on:

+233209196303 +233302940422/+233302942842