The Aga Khan University lab

Introduction

The Aga Khan University Hospital Clinical Laboratories are a comprehensive diagnostic laboratory network serving patients and healthcare professionals across Pakistan. The laboratory system includes the Main Clinical Laboratory at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Stat Laboratories, laboratory collection outlets, and phlebotomy stations in cities across the country.

Comprehensive Diagnostic Services

The Aga Khan University Hospital Clinical Laboratories provide routine and specialized diagnostic testing across multiple areas of laboratory medicine. The official laboratory program offers approximately 700 tests covering clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, histopathology, molecular pathology, and blood bank and transfusion services.

Clinical Chemistry

Clinical chemistry services evaluate biochemical markers related to different organs and body functions. Testing can support the assessment of liver function, kidney function, blood glucose, electrolytes, proteins, enzymes, lipids, and other metabolic parameters.

Hematology and Transfusion Medicine

The laboratory provides hematology investigations for the evaluation of blood cells and blood-related conditions. The wider department also includes transfusion medicine and blood bank services for appropriate clinical requirements.

Microbiology

Microbiology services support the detection and investigation of infectious diseases through laboratory examination of appropriate clinical specimens. Depending on the investigation, testing may include culture and other microbiological techniques.

Histopathology

Histopathology involves laboratory examination of tissue specimens to help identify and characterize diseases. It forms an important part of the Aga Khan University Hospital's pathology and laboratory medicine services.

Molecular Pathology

The laboratory provides advanced molecular testing in addition to routine diagnostic investigations. Molecular pathology can support the detection of infectious diseases, genetic conditions, and other complex medical disorders.

Genetic and Specialized Testing

The Aga Khan University Hospital laboratory network provides specialized and genetic investigations in addition to routine testing. The official laboratory information describes access to testing ranging from routine screening blood work to complex genetic testing.

Quality and Accreditation

The Aga Khan University Hospital Clinical Laboratories were the first in Pakistan to receive College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation in 2017. The laboratory system also operates within the hospital's broader quality framework, with the clinical laboratory facilities accredited by CAP and the hospital accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI).

Advanced Laboratory Technology

The laboratories use automated and advanced laboratory systems for areas including chemistry and hematology, supported by specialized histopathology, molecular pathology, microbiology, and biochemical genetic services.

Nationwide Laboratory Network

Aga Khan University Hospital's Clinical Laboratories have a large network of collection outlets and phlebotomy stations throughout Pakistan, making laboratory services accessible beyond the main Karachi campus. The official site currently states that the network has more than 300 laboratory locations and a presence in over 130 cities.

Home Sample Collection

Home laboratory sample collection is available through the Aga Khan University Hospital Clinical Laboratories. Blood, urine, stool, and other appropriate samples can be collected from patients' homes, subject to service availability and requirements.

Online Reports and Patient Services

The laboratory network provides electronic reports and other digital services. Value-added services include e-reports, SMS alerts, Stat reports, real-time critical-result reporting, and access to laboratory services through digital platforms.

Health Screening Packages

Aga Khan University Hospital Clinical Laboratories also offer health screening packages and specialized laboratory packages. Examples listed by the official laboratory include yearly health screening, Vitamin B12 deficiency screening, polycystic ovary syndrome, and inherited metabolic disorder packages.

Why Choose The Aga Khan University Laboratory

• Comprehensive routine and specialized laboratory testing
• Approximately 700-test laboratory menu
• Clinical chemistry and hematology
• Microbiology and histopathology
• Molecular pathology and genetic testing
• Blood bank and transfusion services
• CAP-accredited clinical laboratories
• Nationwide collection network
• Home sample collection
• Electronic laboratory reports
• Specialized health screening packages

Our Commitment

The Aga Khan University Hospital Clinical Laboratories focus on accurate, timely, and reliable diagnostic testing supported by qualified pathologists, laboratory professionals, advanced technology, and structured quality-management processes. The laboratory network serves both routine healthcare needs and complex diagnostic requirements across Pakistan.

Laboratory Diagnostic Services

The Aga Khan University Hospital Clinical Laboratories provide a broad range of routine and specialized laboratory investigations. The official laboratory menu covers approximately 700 tests across major areas of pathology and laboratory medicine.

Hematology

Hematology investigations may include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Hemoglobin
• Red Blood Cell parameters
• White Blood Cell parameters
• Platelet Count
• Peripheral Blood Film
• Coagulation investigations
• Other blood-related tests

Clinical Chemistry

Clinical chemistry services may include:

• Blood Glucose
• Urea
• Creatinine
• Uric Acid
• Electrolytes
• Proteins
• Enzymes
• Calcium and related parameters
• Other biochemical investigations

Liver Function Tests

Liver-related investigations may include:

• Bilirubin
• ALT
• AST
• Alkaline Phosphatase
• Total Protein
• Albumin
• Other liver-related biochemical parameters

Kidney Function Tests

Renal investigations may include:

• Creatinine
• Urea
• Uric Acid
• Electrolytes
• Renal function profiles
• Other kidney-related investigations

Diabetes Testing

Diabetes-related investigations may include:

• Fasting Blood Glucose
• Random Blood Glucose
• HbA1c
• Glucose-related investigations
• Other diabetes monitoring tests

Lipid Profile

Lipid testing may include:

• Total Cholesterol
• HDL Cholesterol
• LDL Cholesterol
• Triglycerides
• Other lipid-related parameters

Thyroid Testing

Thyroid investigations may include:

• TSH
• T3
• T4
• Free T3
• Free T4
• Other thyroid-related hormone tests

Hormone Testing

Hormonal investigations may include:

• Reproductive hormones
• Fertility-related hormones
• Endocrine investigations
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome-related testing
• Other specialized hormone assays

Vitamin and Nutritional Testing

Nutritional investigations may include:

• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin D
• Folate
• Ferritin
• Iron studies
• Other vitamin and nutritional markers

The laboratory also lists a Vitamin B12 Deficiency Screening Package among its available laboratory packages.

Microbiology

Microbiology services may include:

• Bacterial culture
• Microbiological examination
• Susceptibility-related testing
• Infection investigations
• Other specimen-based microbiology tests

Infection and Serology

Infection-related laboratory services may include:

• Antigen testing
• Antibody testing
• Serology
• Infectious disease screening
• Other specialized infection investigations

Molecular and PCR Testing

Molecular pathology services provide advanced diagnostic testing for selected infectious, genetic, and other medical conditions. Specialized molecular investigations may be processed through designated laboratories within the Aga Khan University Hospital network.

Genetic Testing

The laboratory network provides specialized genetic and biochemical genetic testing. These investigations can support the evaluation of inherited and complex medical conditions.

Histopathology

Histopathology services involve microscopic examination of tissue specimens. These investigations can assist physicians in diagnosing and characterizing diseases.

Cytology

Cytological investigations examine cells obtained from appropriate clinical specimens and form part of specialized pathology services where indicated.

Urine Testing

Urine investigations may include:

• Complete Urine Examination
• Urinalysis
• Urine Microscopy
• Urine Culture
• Other clinically indicated urine tests

Stool Testing

Stool investigations may include:

• Routine Stool Examination
• Stool Microscopy
• Occult Blood
• Parasitological investigations
• Other clinically indicated stool tests

Blood Bank and Transfusion Services

The Aga Khan University Hospital laboratory system includes blood bank and transfusion medicine services. These services support appropriate blood-related clinical requirements and transfusion care.

Health Screening Packages

Health screening services include laboratory packages designed for preventive and routine health assessment. The official laboratory lists yearly health screening packages among its available options.

Specialized Laboratory Packages

The laboratory also offers selected specialized packages, including:

• Chikungunya Package
• Coagulation Profiles
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Package
• Inherited Metabolic Disorder Package
• Vitamin B12 Deficiency Screening Package
• Yearly Health Screening Packages

Availability and eligibility can depend on the patient's clinical requirements.

Home Sample Collection

Home collection services are available for eligible laboratory investigations. Samples such as blood, urine, stool, and other appropriate specimens can be collected from the patient's home.

Laboratory Reports

The laboratory provides electronic reports, SMS alerts, Stat reporting services, and real-time critical-result reporting. Most routine results are designed for timely reporting, while specialized investigations may require additional processing time.

Important Information

The exact tests available at an individual Aga Khan University Hospital Laboratory Collection Outlet can differ from the full laboratory menu. Specialized investigations may be referred to the appropriate regional or main laboratory. Patients should confirm the specific test, sample requirements, preparation, price, collection location, and expected report time before visiting.