Medical laboratories in Dakar Plateau: getting your tests done

The Plateau is home to several private medical laboratories, convenient for a blood panel, a urine test or any check ordered by a doctor. Here is how to prepare for a sample and what to know about how these facilities generally work. For any question about your results, consult a healthcare professional.

The prescription, almost always required

Most tests requested at a laboratory require a prescription from a doctor, specifying which tests need to be carried out. Without this document, some laboratories may refuse to take the sample, particularly for specific tests. Always keep a copy of the prescription and present it at reception, along with identification if the laboratory asks for one. If you are on regular medication, mention anything taken recently, since some medicines can affect the result of certain tests.

Fasting or not: preparing properly

Some tests, such as blood sugar or a lipid panel, require fasting for several hours before the sample is taken, while others need no particular preparation. The prescription, or the laboratory itself, usually spells out these instructions ahead of time. If in doubt, call the laboratory the day before to confirm the exact conditions and avoid an unnecessary trip. It also helps to drink water before a blood draw, unless told otherwise, since this often makes the process easier for the person taking the sample.

Getting your results: online or at the counter

Depending on the laboratory chosen, results may be handed over at the counter, sent electronically, or made available through a secure online portal, depending on each facility's own practices. Turnaround time also varies by type of test, with some results ready faster than others. Ask about this when you drop off the prescription so you know how and when to collect the report. Keep older results together in a single folder, paper or digital, so any doctor you see later can easily track how your results have changed over time. This small habit also saves time whenever a new specialist asks about your medical history for the first time.

Check-ups before traveling

Some trips abroad require a health check-up or specific tests before departure, depending on the requirements of the destination country or the airline. In that case, plan well ahead: some results take several days, and a quick follow-up appointment with the prescribing doctor is still needed to interpret the results before the trip. Ask a healthcare professional about the specific steps for your destination.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• LABORATOIRE D'ANALYSES MEDICALES Dr. ROKHEYA NIANG : Plateau
• SOLABSEN : Dakar
• Laboratoire De Souza : Plateau
• LANAC ( Laboratoire National d'analyses et de Contrôle : Plateau
• Laboratoire Bio 24 : Plateau
• Laboratoire Houdrouge (Le Labo) : Plateau

To see all addresses in this category, or explore the Dakar directory as a whole, follow the links above.

Useful tools

• Route planner to organize trips to the Plateau
• Practical guide with useful numbers and transport information
• FCFA currency converter for visitors and the diaspora
• Recommend an address if you know a good laboratory to add

See also our article on medical laboratories in Dakar and our guide to the Plateau in Dakar.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a test done without a prescription?

It depends on the type of test and the laboratory: some exams require a prescription and others do not, so it is best to ask the laboratory directly.

How do I know if I need to fast?

The prescription, or the laboratory itself, usually spells out this instruction ahead of time: if in doubt, call the day before to confirm before heading over.

How far ahead of a trip should I get a check-up done?

That depends on the destination country's requirements and the type of test needed, so consult a healthcare professional early enough to get results back in time.