Pathology laboratory

The pathology laboratory provides local, regional and national diagnostic services in all laboratory medicine disciplines. Laboratory investigations are performed and the results of laboratory tests are made available to patients through their clinicians or GPs.

There are seven departments, supported by central specimen reception and the pathology office.

Blood transfusion provides a routine and emergency blood grouping and compatibility testing service for surgical and medical patients and provides a stock of manufactured blood products. It includes haemovigilance and traceability functions.

Clinical chemistry and diagnostic endocrinology provides a routine and emergency service in clinical chemistry and immunodiagnostics and involves the investigation and monitoring of endocrine, bone and reproductive disorders.

Haematology provides a routine and emergency service in haematology and investigates haematological abnormalities. The department also provides a routine and specialised coagulation service.

Histopathology/cytopathology provides a diagnostic histopathology and cytopathology service (excluding cervical cytology). The service includes BreastCheck and the symptomatic breast service and the other cancer specialties.

• Details on In-house Molecular Testing can be viewed here

Immunology provides a diagnostic service for the investigation of disorders affecting the immune system, including a multiple myeloma service, autoimmunity and rheumatic diseases testing, HIV monitoring, allergy investigations and immunochemistry.

Microbiology provides a routine and emergency diagnostic service in the investigation of bacterial, fungal and parasitic infection. It also contributes to disease surveillance and infection prevention and control.

Clinical advice is available on the ordering of examinations and on the interpretation of examination results.

An emergency service is available outside of routine working hours for defined testing services.

NGS Laboratory The NGS Laboratory provides a diagnostic molecular service for the investigation of rare and inherited genetic disorders. Opening Hours: Monday- Friday 8am – 3.30pm

Data Protection

Our pathology laboratory complies with the Mater Hospital Data Protection policy which details the rights of patients and staff members, and the obligations of hospital staff to act in an ethical and responsible manner in maintaining the security, confidentiality and integrity of all personal information, in line with the Hospital Confidentiality & Data Protection Act 2003 and HSE Standards and Recommended Practices for Healthcare Record Management. 

Laboratory accreditation

The Mater Hospital pathology laboratory is accredited by the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) to undertake testing as detailed in the scope of tests listed on the INAB website (Registration Number 232MT) in compliance with International Standard ISO 15189 and the EU blood Directive 2002/98/EC. 

Referral information

Patients are referred for laboratory investigations by their GP. Pathology tests must be requested by a medical doctor. See our GP and hospital referral information here.