Clinical Laboratory and Pathology

The Clinical Laboratory and Pathology in HKAH–TW & SR aim at providing the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art pathology services to patients and their physicians in Hong Kong and Greater China.

The Clinical Laboratorie and Pathology at HKAH–TW & SR has received accreditation under the Hong Kong Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (HOKLAS) in December 2009. This is the first international accreditation has been awarded to private hospital laboratory in Hong Kong, highlights our commitment to ensuring the highest standards in our laboratories and to producing reliable and accurate diagnostic information.

HOKLAS is operated by the Hong Kong Accreditation Service with the aim of upgrading and maintaining standards in laboratories engaged in objective testing and calibration in the various disciplines of Clinical Laboratories and Pathology. It is awarded only to laboratories that achieve standards set by HOKLAS, which itself meets the requirements of ISO 15189, the internationally recognized medical standard.

The HOKLAS accreditation of our Adventist Health Laboratories encompasses all the major faculties of the clinical laboratory, Histopathology, Clinical Chemistry and Special Chemistry, Hematology and Blood Banking, and Microbiology and Molecular Biology. Since 2009 when we acquired this accreditation, we have progressively included more and more tests into the scheme's scope.

Please find the accredited list of tests for your reference:

https://www.itc.gov.hk/en/quality/hkas/doc/scopes/825S.pdf

The Laboratory functions 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We pledge for accuracy and speedy service. For most tests, results can be released in less than 24 hours. The procedure can be further expedited in case of emergencies. For cancer patients awaiting chemotherapy, most laboratory indices can be obtained within 30 minutes, supplying vital information for doctors to give the right dose of anti-cancer drugs at the right time.

Clinical Laboratory Services

COVID-19

HKAH – TW provides Deep Throat Saliva Test, Combined Nasal and Throat Swabs Test, Nasopharyngeal swab Test, and Antibody Test.

Nasopharyngeal Swab Test collects patient’s nasal secretions for RT-PCR test. The sensitivity and specificity of the test are close to 100%, and the test time is shorter.
Deep Throat Saliva Test requires patient’s self-collected deep throat saliva specimens for RT-PCR test. The sensitivity and specificity of the test exceed 90%.
Antibody Test Tests the blood for antibodies against COVID-19. It is a diagnostic test, and if positive, indicates that you have been infected in the past. It is suitable for patients who have no COVID like symptoms at present.

Histopathology and Cytology

We offer diagnostic services in histopathology, cytology, and surgical pathology, including frozen sections. Our in-house pathology not only renders us efficient and faster turn-around times but our two in-house Pathologists also provide prompt consultation for clinical cases, when needed.

Chemistry and Special Chemistry

We perform a wide range of tests, including allergy profiles, RAST tests, drugs of abuse, hepatitis, cancer markers as well as the Covid-19 antibodies.

Hematology

The hematology service is equipped with a fully automated cell counter with a true five-part white cell differential and a wide platelet detection range. Coagulation tests like Protein C, Protein S, Antithrombin III, Lupus, Factors VII, VIII and IX; Low Molecular weight drug tests are available at our Laboratories.

Blood Transfusion Services (Blood Bank)

The HKAH–TW & SR Blood Bank and Transfusion Services provide blood and blood components and perform laboratory testing for the whole hospital. The blood and blood products for our patients are supplied to us by the Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Services.

Microbiology

Our Laboratories are equipped with Maldi-TOF mass spectrophotometry, a high-grade technology for Microbial identification and diagnosis. We offer a full range of microbiological services including virology, aerobic and anaerobic bacteriology, mycobacteriology, parasitology and mycology testing. Rapid detection for bacterial, Cryptococcal, influenza A and B antigens and Dengue virus antibodies are also available.

Molecular Biology

This faculty uses an innovative molecular technique, providing a powerful tool for diagnosing and improving the sensitivity and specificity of testing.

This is a platform that has been continuously expanding in our laboratories, with new updated additions, like STD, Covid-19 PCR, fever and rash profile, HPV, HBV, GE and Pneumonia profiles including not only bacteria but viruses too.

New Tests Available

Next Generation of Molecular Allergen Testing

Based on patented molecular allergen microarray nanotechnology, allowing for component testing. With a minute quantity of blood (100 uL), our allergen testing can detect up to 300 airborne and food allergens lgE, covering the diagnostic needs of patients across Europe, Southeast Asia, mainland China and Hong Kong. The result can help doctors establish a personalized and precise treatment regime for allergic patients. It also provides a consolidated report with a detailed explanation of cross-reactivity. It has CE approval.

SPOTFIRE: Advanced Molecular Diagnostics

Rapid processes 15 targets in just 25 minutes, facilitating quick decision-making in emergency care. The SPOTFIRE system represents the latest advancement in molecular infectious disease diagnostics, designed to meet the unique needs of respiratory and sore throat diagnostics. FDA Cleared, ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficacy.