The central laboratory of the University of Debrecen Faculty of Medicine began operating on January 1, 1978. Since 2011, it has functioned as Laboratory Medicine (LM), the central diagnostic laboratory of the Clinical Centre of the University of Debrecen. Clinical samples are delivered to the laboratory throughout the day via a 9.2-km-long underground, closed pneumatic tube system that connects the department with all clinical units. As of 2026, we perform 6.5 million tests/year covering more than 500 laboratory analytes, and more than 50 of these tests are available 24 hours a day. The laboratory provides several specialized diagnostic services that are unique in Hungary. The most important of these areas are summarized below.
In the investigation of leukemias and immunological disorders, the flow cytometry unit routinely uses 10–13-color-panels for the analysis of cell-surface and intracellular markers. It also offers precise detection of certain rare receptor deficiencies, such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and Glanzmann thrombasthenia.
The laboratory immunology unit supports the diagnostics and follow-up of autoimmune diseases by detecting more than 120 autoantibodies. Antinuclear antibody (ANA) detection is performed using an automated fluorescent microscope. In addition, allergen-specific IgE testing is also available, which enables confirmation of allergic conditions affecting nearly one-third of the population. In case of some allergens, component-based testing is also available.
Our separation-technique-based analytical methods support the diagnostics of catecholamine-secreting tumors and β-thalassemias. Laboratory tests are also available in the fields of thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreatic, growth, reproductive, and cardiac endocrinology. The detection of serum tumor markers and the assessment of bone turnover markers are performed using immunochemical methods.
Drug level monitoring includes more than 10 different medications used in the treatment of epilepsy, as well as various immunosuppressive agents.
We also provide a broad diagnostic work-up for a wide range of bleeding disorders, including platelet function disorders, the detection of all von Willebrand disease subtypes, rare coagulation defects, as well as thrombophilias.