Hematology Laboratory of Nicosia General Hospital

Clinic Profile

Head of Laboratory: Dr. Deniz Alexandrou BSc, MSc, MA, PhD

The Hematology Laboratory of Nicosia General Hospital aims for validity, reliability, and the provision of high-quality health services based on European and international standards, using modern examination methods on state-of-the-art automated hematology analyzers. It operates according to the schedule of the public service, and additional needs are covered on a 24-hour basis through an irregular-hours system.

In the hematology laboratory, tests are performed such as Complete Blood Count, Hemolysis Panel, Coagulation Panel, Thrombophilia Screening, Platelet Function Testing, and Molecular Testing for the diagnosis of diseases such as:

• Hemolytic anemias – Hemoglobinopathies, e.g. β-Thalassemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, Cooley’s disease, etc.
• Hematologic malignancies, e.g. leukemia, lymphoma, etc.
• Coagulation disorders, e.g. hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, etc.

The Laboratory functions as a reference center both for provincial public hospital laboratories and private laboratories for specialized analyses, such as analyses concerning patients with Hemophilia A and B, Von Willebrand disease, and other hereditary and acquired bleeding and thrombophilic disorders.

ACCREDITED HEMATOLOGY LABORATORY

The Hematology Laboratory is accredited with ISO 15189:2012, an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), specifying the general requirements clinical testing laboratories must meet to maintain a quality management system, ensure technical competence, and provide reliable results.

Achieving the declared level of quality is the final outcome of collective effort, and all personnel contribute to preventing failures, identifying and reporting potential causes as quickly as possible, and, within their jurisdiction and responsibilities, ensuring that these causes are immediately eliminated.

The overall operation of the Laboratory is based on the strict implementation of Quality Management System procedures, and all personnel affecting quality are appropriately trained in procedure application and in achieving specific quality objectives. They exercise professionalism, work with confidentiality, ensure independence, and document competence in carrying out their duties.

Laboratory Objectives

• Proper management of hematological samples by applying good laboratory practice and documented procedures to ensure reliable laboratory results.
• Selection of the most suitable methods according to international protocols, national legislation, published international quality levels, and European guidelines.
• Measurement and annual evaluation of quality indicators to monitor laboratory performance and improve its effectiveness.
• Participation in research projects.

Staff Activities

• Provision of upgraded health services and contribution to public health protection and support of related policies.
• Documentation of the Quality Management System according to the requirements of the CYS EN ISO 15189:2012 standard and the Cyprus Accreditation Body.
• Execution of a wide range of hematological tests with diagnostic value, contributing to patient treatment and medical research, covering the needs of all medical specialties.
• Execution of specialized hematological tests relating to clinical hematology.
• Contribution to patient health through the application of new methods and the use of new laboratory equipment.
• Adoption of scientific collaboration policies among all public hematology laboratories, with scientific collaborators—hematologists and scientists of other specialties.
• Execution of examinations concerning quality control of blood products (quality of final product of fresh frozen plasma), in cooperation with the Blood Center.
• Annual participation in external quality assessment schemes (External Quality Assessment Schemes): UK NEQAS, ECAT.
• Implementation of internal quality control programs on a daily basis and at regular intervals, depending on analytical process requirements.
• Involvement and utilization of all personnel in improving systems, designs, and structures in the area of public hospital laboratories.
• Utilization of the benefits of the IT system of Nicosia General Hospital.
• Building a Learning Organization within the laboratory.
• Planning and implementation of continuous education/training programs for all hierarchical levels.
• Universal involvement of all personnel in improving systems, designs, and structures in matters of communication, quality customer service, complaint handling, teamwork, problem-solving, statistical interpretation and data usage, analysis, and process simplification.
• Organization of workshops and conferences/seminars related to clinical laboratories and medical science.