Hematology is the study of the blood cells. There are 3 kinds of cells in the bloodstream:
- Red Cells transport oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body.
- White Cells are vital in fighting infection.
- Platelets help stop bleeding by forming “plugs” in the vessels.
A CBC measures the total amount of hemoglobin and the total number of red cells, white
cells, and platelets.
Immunology is the study of the body's immune system and its functions and disorders. These tests
are used to:
- Identify proteins (antibodies) made by specific white blood cells in response to a
foreign substance (antigen) like hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV in the body. A combination,
or fourth-generation HIV test, looks for both antibodies and antigens.
- Investigate problems with the immune system when the body's immune system attacks
its own tissues (autoimmune diseases) as in lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid
arthritis or when a body's immune system is underactive creating immunodeficiency
disorders.
- Determine organ, tissue, and fluid compatibility for transplantation.
Endocrinology is the study of hormones and the treatment of hormone based diseases. The common
diseases and disorders of the endocrine system include diabetes mellitus and thyroid
disorders.
- TSH and Free T4 detect disorders of the thyroid gland.
- Hemoglobin A1C measures the average blood glucose level over the past 3 months.
There are many different kinds of Chemistry tests. Some examples of “routine” chemistry tests are:
- Glucose is measured for the diagnosis and monitoring of Diabetes Mellitus.
- BUN/Creatinine are tests of kidney function.
- Sodium and Potassium are salt balance tests. They are important in people with disease
and in those taking diuretics.
- Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase, ALT, AST and GGT are liver function tests.
- Total Protein and Albumin provide information about liver function, kidney disease,
infection, nutrition, and certain disorders of the antibody producing cells.
Coagulation testing is ordered to rule-out a bleeding disorder. Various anticoagulants can be used to
prevent blood from clotting too quickly. The PT/INR test is used to monitor these
medications.
Anatomic Pathology provides diagnostic services for the diagnosis and comprehensive evaluation of disease
primarily through the study of tissues and cells. Histology refers to the examination of a biopsy or surgical specimen by a pathologist while
Cytology is specific to free cells of a single type and is mainly used to diagnose or screen
for cancer. Pap smear is a common cytological exam.
The Microbiology laboratory helps to find what is causing an infection and how the doctor should treat it. Testing
can be done on a wound or sore, blood, urine, stool or other body fluid. The specimens
are smeared on a small plate of agar (a gelatin–like material) and placed in an incubator
that is maintained at body temperature. After incubating, the plates are examined
for bacterial growth. The technologists determine what types of bacteria are present,
and which antibiotics would deliver the best treatment. This stage of the process
usually occurs over a two day period. For some slower growing organisms, it may take
up to six weeks to get the final results. Molecular testing methods have replaced
several of the conventional microbiology incubation methods, reducing the overall
time needed to obtain results from days to minutes.
Urinalysis is a common evaluation consisting of several chemical tests. These tests help detect
diabetes, liver disease, diseases of the kidney and bladder, and some blood disorders
and infections. The urine may also be examined under a microscope to confirm findings.
