Kempenhaeghe has its own laboratory with a prick room where clinical-pharmaceutical, clinical-chemical, and hematological tests are conducted for patients.
In addition, the laboratory makes important contributions to scientific (pharmaceutical) research.
As part of the center of expertise, Kempenhaeghe's own laboratory performs blood level determinations for most anti-epileptic drugs, including the newest ones such as Brivaracetam (Briviact) and Perampanel (Fycompa). The laboratory provides these tests not only for its own patients but also for all applicants across the country. To submit blood samples to the Kempenhaeghe laboratory.
Most of our patients need to use medication for an extended period, often for a lifetime. To check if the medications have side effects on, for example, heart, liver, and kidney function, and blood counts, clinical-chemical and hematological tests are carried out in the laboratory.
Kempenhaeghe has its own laboratory that performs both blood sampling and blood testing. Blood level measurements are an essential tool in the treatment of epilepsy and neurological sleep disorders such as narcolepsy/cataplexy. To determine the correct dosage of medication, the concentration of the drug in the blood is an important aid. In our laboratory, medication levels are measured to ensure that the drug is being used in the right dosage, and potential side effects are monitored. Where applicable, laboratory technicians guide patients in self-testing certain values.
To achieve an effective blood level, each person requires a personalized amount of medication. At Kempenhaeghe, there is extensive expertise regarding (combinations of) medications—especially anti-epileptics—and their side effects.
In addition to drug levels, tests are also performed for (the diagnosis of) neurological sleep disorders such as narcolepsy/cataplexy.
Where applicable, laboratory technicians guide patients in self-measuring certain values through Point-of-Care tests.
Blood, urine, or other bodily materials that remain after laboratory tests are eventually destroyed and/or stored in an archive after a certain period.
In clinical chemistry, developments are ongoing. For example, new tests are continually becoming available, and existing tests are being improved. To test, calibrate, and verify (new) equipment and laboratory tests, bodily material is required.
Remaining materials are sometimes used for testing and verifying existing or new laboratory tests, education, or scientific research. In such cases, the bodily material is processed without any personal data.
If you object to the use of remaining material for such purposes, you can express your concerns during your intake.
For tests, education, and scientific research involving leftover blood and other bodily materials where traceability to the patient is possible, we ask for your consent. This approach follows the ‘Code of Good Practice’ of the Federation of Medical Scientific Societies.
The clinical chemistry and pharmacological laboratory at Kempenhaeghe uses diagnostic tests, quality controls, software, and medical devices. These are generally CE-certified and comply with the law. In some cases, the laboratory also uses custom or self-developed tests and tools that are not available on the market. These self-developed or customized tests and tools also meet the requirements of the In Vitro Diagnostics Regulation (IVDR) and the Medical Device Regulation (MDR). They are safe, validated, and perform as required by law.