The Research Department of the Vestfjörður Health Institute serves the residents of Ísafjörður, Bolungarvík and Patreksfjörður. In the research department, all the main hematology and pathology measurements are performed. In addition, hormone measurements, urine tests and bacterial cultures, blood bank tests, blood gas measurements and tests on blood in feces are performed. Other studies are sent to the Landspítala University Hospital's laboratory.
Blood sampling
Preparation
A doctor submits a request for a blood sample, but an appointment must be made at the institution's reception desk.
NOTE If blood sugar and/or blood lipids are to be measured, the patient must come to the blood sampling in the morning fasting.
Execution
A special blood sampling needle is used for blood sampling. The blood samples are taken in different tubes, depending on what is to be measured. All research is done daily. Blood sampling usually takes about 5-10 minutes.
results
If a blood sample needs to be sent for measurement to Landspítala's laboratory, it takes 24 hours to get the results. When the results of our measurements are available, they are automatically transferred to the computer system. Our devices and computer systems are interconnected with Landspítali's laboratory. After the results have been confirmed, the doctor who requested the test can look them up in the computer system. He then contacts you (or you contact him) to discuss the results. Measurements of the many substances found in the blood provide important information about the person's physical condition.
If a urinary tract infection is suspected, the nurse on call should also be contacted, who will then prepare a request. The best urine samples are mid-morning urine, which must be brought to the laboratory as soon as possible. NOTE If the sample needs to be stored for a while, it is necessary to put it in a refrigerator.
Guidelines for urine sampling
Proper urinary retention
The purpose of testing urine samples is to check the condition of the kidneys and find a possible infection in the urinary tract. For the test to be as reliable as possible, the urine sample must be taken correctly and without extraneous bacteria. It is all too common for urine samples to be contaminated with skin and intestinal bacteria that interfere with correct results. This results in unnecessary expenses and more effort and even delays in targeted drug therapy. Due to the high bacterial flora in the area around the anus and the urinary and genital organs, it is necessary to wash this area well before the sampling. Properly performed bottom washing is sufficient.
Method:
- Thorough bottom washing with mild soapy water
- Women make sure to wash well between the breasts and always stroke from front to back
- Men wash thoroughly under the foreskin
- Throw urine and let the first batch go to the toilet, central into the urine container and a bucket lid into the toilet.
Device option and service
The department is well equipped. Among the main instruments we could mention Cobas C311 and Cobas e411 for pathology and hormone research, the hematology instrument Sysmex XN-1000, blood bank equipment, blood gas meter, urine strip reader, Olympus microscope and Hellich-U320 centrifuge.
The research department has an internal quality control for the research. There is good cooperation with the research departments of Landspítala University Hospital and the Blood Bank.
Opening hours of the research department
We are open for blood sampling every working day from 08:10-09:20.
Biochemists are available from 08:00-16:00 every working day, but are on call outside working hours.
Appointments
You can make an appointment for blood sampling by phone 450 4500.
Service at Patreksfjörður
In Patreksfjörður, blood samples are taken by doctors and nurses. Samples are sent to the research department of the hospital in Ísafjörður once a week for measurements, but if necessary, samples are sent south to Reykjavík to the research department of Landspítala.
Updated 12 April 2023 (GÓ)