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Testing performed in the
Laboratory is very diverse.
Here’s an overview:
Microbiology
This Department is responsible for identifying “germs” which may
cause infections. Specimens are delivered to this department and the
microbiologist puts small portions of the specimen on, or in,
special material that allow the germs to grow rapidly and in large
numbers. After the germs have been allowed to grow for some time,
often hours or days, the microbiologist tests them with different
chemicals. Depending on the results of these chemical tests, the
microbiologist can identify what type of germ is growing and what
drugs may be used to treat the infection.
Hematology
This department has two broad functions. The first is to count the
number of several different types of blood cells. From the counting
of these cells the hematologist can determine if the patient is
“anemic” (has a low red blood cell count) or if the patient has a
bacterial or viral infection. By looking at the blood cells under a
microscope, the hematologist can also observe clues to several other
conditions that may afflict a patient, such as liver disease or bone
marrow disorders.
Coagulation testing is also performed in the Hematology department.
Technicians will add special chemicals to portions of a patients
blood specimen and determine how long it takes for it to clot.
Clinicians monitor certain “blood thinners” with results of this
testing. Blood clotting disorders can also be diagnosed from the
results of these tests.
Chemistry
This department performs testing that measures the concentration of
certain chemical compounds in blood and other body fluids.
Concentrations of therapeutic drugs, like Digoxin and Dilantin, are
determined in this department. In fact, the broadest variety of
testing is performed in the Chemistry department. Many people are
familiar with tests such as glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and
TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). Results from combinations of
chemistry tests can help clinicians diagnose many different
conditions, including kidney disease, heart attack, and diabetes.
Results from chemistry tests can also be used to monitor the
progress of these conditions.
Blood Bank
This department is responsible for “typing” and “crossmatching”
blood and blood products. The “Blood Type” that many of us are
familiar with, is just a small portion of the different blood-type
groups. Sometimes people develop antibodies to certain types of
blood cells that can cause them to react to, or reject, a
transfusion of this specific type of blood. This is why it is
important to test a patient’s blood specimen for unexpected
antibodies before they receive a blood transfusion.
Many products other than red blood cells are managed in the Blood
Bank.
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Plasma—the liquid portion of the blood which
contains chemical compounds, or “clotting factors”, that are
important to control bleeding
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Platelets—small blood cells that first serve
to “plug” a cut and stop bleeding
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Leukocytes—white blood cells that are given
to patients when these cell counts drop to dangerous levels
Histology
This department receives various tissue specimens (such as moles,
intestinal polyps, and gall bladders) and evaluates its structure.
This evaluation involves observations on overall physical
characteristics (size, shape, color, etc.) all the way down to the
structure of individual cells. This evaluation can determine the
normal or abnormal development of the tissue, and can rule-out or
diagnose conditions such as cancer. A tissue specimen evaluated in
the histology department is often referred to as a biopsy.
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