Clinical Pathology Service

Clinical Pathology Service is comprised of Microbiology, Immunology, Radio Immuno Assay (RIA), Virology, Chemistry, Hematology and Transfusion Services. These sections offer state-of-the-art equipment and diagnostic testing on tissue and body fluids.

Microbiology specimens from various sites are cultured and microorganisms found are tested for their sensitivity to various antibiotics to aid the physician in choosing the right drugs for the treatment of the patient.

From a small sample of blood the Chemistry section can perform many tests. Here is a small example of these tests:

• Bone tests such as alkaline phosphatase, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous.
• Iron tests such as serum iron, iron binding capacity, transferrin saturation and ferritin.
• Kidney function tests such as albumin, creatinine, total protein and blood urea nitrogen.
• Lipid tests such as cholesterol, high- and low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides.
• Liver function tests that include albumin, asparate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, direct and total bilirubin, gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LD).

Results of the tests are reported through the Laboratory's SunQuest computer system. Outpatient results are faxed to physician offices.