The microbiology laboratory provides a range of testing in the areas of bacteriology, serology, virology and andrology. The laboratory makes use of traditional culture techniques, as well as more advanced molecular methods and most recently the use of a mass spectrometer for identification of bacterial isolates. There is a 24/7 clinical consult service provided by the Clinical Microbiologist which supports the management of sepsis in neonates, women and also in issues relating to infection control.

The department complies with the International Standard ISO15189 and the regulations, policies, and terms and conditions of the Irish National Accreditation Board.

Clinical Medical Team

Consultant Microbiologist:

Dr Richard Drew

Dr Meaghan Cotter

Dr Deirdre Broderick

Medical Scientific Team

Chief Scientist: David Le Blanc

Senior Scientist and Surveillance: Ailbhe Comyn

Senior Scientist: Sean Goodwin

Senior Scientist: Knowledge Denhere

Andrology Clinical Advice: Dr Edgar Mocanu

The laboratory provides an extensive array of microbiological and serological services.

GP Information for Andrology

All requests for any laboratory tests must be requested by your GP or referring doctor.

Please e-mail all request forms to [email protected] before an appointment can be scheduled.

Enquiries regarding patient results must be directed to your GP/referring doctor.

The request form is available here and please also download the instructions here.

Note semen analysis for infertility / special clearance is by appointment only contact 01 8171739 to make an appointment.

A room, at the hospital, is available for sample collection  and can be booked when making the appointment.

Point of Care (POCT) services lie under laboratory governance and is dependent on suitability and available resources.

POCT are a range of tests and procedures that are performed outside the laboratory in clinical areas. Essentially near patient testing. The POCT equipment for which the laboratory is responsible and their locations are managed and maintained by the POCT co coordinator. The point of care service is accredited to the International Standard ISO 15189, complying with the regulations, policies, and terms and conditions of the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB).

The following are available in various locations throughout the hospital as point of care testing:

• Glucose
• Haemoglobin
• Blood Gas Analysis
• Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM)*
• Pregnancy Testing*

**not under the accreditation scope when performed at point of care.

Clinical staff take responsibility for the pre analytical phase in point of care testing, ensuring that there is correct patient sampling and correct identification of the patient entered into the point of care device

A permanent record of all POCT testing is maintained within the appropriate clinical record of the patient.  The Rotunda Hospital defines the patients chart as the primary clinical record.

POC Co-ordinator and Senior Scientist: Lorna Pentony