Testing Information

Hematology
A department focused on identifying diseases in blood samples. Diseases diagnosed include:

• Anemia
• Blood clotting disorders
• Hemophilia
• Leukemia

Histology
A science that explores the microscopic structure of biological tissues and organs. The process includes:

1. Preparing tissue samples on microscopic slides
2. Staining the samples for detailed examination

Immunohistochemistry
A technique that uses antibodies to identify antigens, which are foreign substances that cause an immune response. With a microscope, a pathologist examines tissue samples to identify diseases such as:

• Cancer
• Alzheimer's disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Muscular dystrophy

Immunology
A department that uses patient specimens to diagnose many diseases. These include:

• Autoimmune diseases
• Allergies
• Immunodeficiencies

Microbiology
A department that provides tests to identify microorganisms causing infections. Services include:

• Culture and sensitivity testing
• Molecular diagnostic
• Serological assays

Molecular biology
A field that analyzes genetic material and detects pathogens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.

Molecular testing
Tests that identify microorganisms causing infections. Microorganisms identified include:

• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Fungi

Point of Care
A St. Luke’s team who provides immediate testing services at the patient's location. This helps care teams make quick, informed clinical decisions for various medical conditions. Services include:

• Rapid diagnostic tests
• Blood glucose monitoring
• Basic clinical assessments

Surgical pathology
A field focused on using broad and microscopic views to identify diseases. Key tasks include:

• Looking a biopsies
• Studying surgical resections
• Handling a range of other specimens

Urinalysis
A process that combines microscopic, visual, and chemical analyses to diagnose conditions. This test can detect conditions such as:

• UTI (urinary tract infection)
• Diabetes
• Liver (hepatic) diseases
• Kidney (renal) diseases

Allergy testing
Tests that measure IgE antibodies in the blood to identify allergies to certain substances. Offerings include allergy panels or individual substance tests for:

• Molds
• Milk products
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Shellfish
• Grains

Anatomic pathology
A branch of pathology that diagnoses diseases by examining tissues and cells. Services include:

• Histopathology
• Cytology
• Immunohistochemistry
• Molecular diagnostics

Blood bank and transfusion medicine
A department dedicated to performing safe, effective blood transfusion for various medical situations. Services include:

• ABO group typing
• Rh typing
• Blood screens

Chemistry
Daily tests using bodily fluids like blood and urine to evaluate a patient’s health status. Tests include:

• Liver function
• Endocrine function
• Electrolyte/pH imbalances
• Lipid and blood protein levels
• Kidney function
• Blood glucose levels
• Toxicology/urine drugs of abuse

Coagulation tests
Tests that identify issues in a patient’s clotting factors. Tests include:

• PT (Prothrombin Time) Test
• Platelet counts
• PR (Prothrombin Ratio) Test
• Fibrinogen assays
• aPTT (Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time)

Cytology
Tests that use single cell types for cancer screening and diagnosis. These include:

• Gynecological Panel
• Gastrointestinal
• Bodily Fluid Testing

Fertility testing
Tests that support fertility treatment. Types include:

• Comprehensive semen analysis
• Male hormone testing
• Female hormone testing

Gross processing
A step in pathology where tissue samples are examined for their physical traits. These include:

• Size
• Shape
• Color
• Texture

Gross processing helps determine whether:

• A tissue is cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign)
• A specimen needs resection
• Additional surgery or treatment is necessary