- Diagnostic Testing:Performs tests to identify diseases, such as infections, blood disorders, or cancer.
- Monitoring Patient Conditions:Tracks the progress of a disease or the effectiveness of treatment.
- Treatment Guidance:Provides information to help doctors choose the most appropriate treatment plan.
- Public Health:Contributes to public health efforts by detecting and monitoring outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Common Departments within a Hospital Laboratory:
- Microbiology: Identifies microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) that cause infections.
- Hematology: Studies blood and blood-forming tissues, diagnosing blood disorders like anemia and leukemia.
- Immunology: Analyzes the body's immune system and diagnoses immune disorders.
- Chemistry: Performs a wide range of chemical tests on bodily fluids to analyze the presence and levels of various substances.
- Genetics: Analyzes DNA and other genetic material to diagnose and monitor genetic disorders.
- Pathology: Examines tissue and cell samples to diagnose diseases, including cancer.
- Blood Bank: Manages blood and blood products for transfusions.
Importance of a Quality Hospital Laboratory:
- Accurate and Timely Results: Provides reliable data for clinical decision-making.
- Experienced Staff: Employs qualified professionals to perform and interpret tests.
- Advanced Equipment: Utilizes state-of-the-art technology for accurate analysis.
- Continuous Quality Improvement: Implements processes to ensure ongoing accuracy and reliability.