Pathology Lab & Diagnostic Units

PATHOLOGY LAB/ DIAGNOSTIC UNITS

PATHOLOGY LABORATORY

·       A Pathology Laboratory is a medical facility that analyzes body fluids (blood, urine, CSF, etc.), tissues, and cells to diagnose diseases.

Types of Pathology Labs

Type	Description
Clinical Pathology	Analyzes blood, urine, stool, and other body fluids for general health checks and disease diagnosis.
Hematology	Studies blood and blood-forming organs (e.g., CBC, ESR, coagulation tests).
Histopathology	Examines tissue samples under a microscope to detect diseases like cancer.
Cytopathology	Studies cell samples (e.g., Pap smears, FNAC).
Microbiology	Detects infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.).
Molecular Pathology	Uses molecular and genetic techniques (e.g., PCR, RT-PCR, NGS).
Biochemistry	Measures chemical substances in blood (e.g., glucose, cholesterol, liver enzymes).

Key Functions

• Disease diagnosis
• Monitoring therapy
• Screening & preventive health
• Epidemiological surveillance
• Medical research support

Infrastructure Requirements

• Sample collection area
• Phlebotomy station
• Processing & storage area (with centrifuges, freezers)
• Lab benches with biosafety cabinets
• Computers for Lab Information System (LIS)
• Trained personnel: Pathologists, Lab Technicians, Microbiologists

Safety & Quality Control

• Use of PPE & biosafety measures
• NABL accreditation standards
• Internal and external quality assurance programs
• Proper biomedical waste management

DIAGNOSTIC UNITS – RADIOLOGY & SCAN CENTRES

·       Radiology/Scan Centres are diagnostic units that use imaging techniques to visualize internal body structures for disease diagnosis and treatment planning.

Major Radiological Modalities

Modality	Description
X-ray	Uses ionizing radiation to image bones, chest, etc.
Ultrasound	Uses sound waves (safe in pregnancy) to image soft tissues and organs.
CT Scan	Combines multiple X-ray images for cross-sectional imaging.
MRI	Uses magnetic fields & radio waves, ideal for soft tissue imaging (e.g., brain, spine, joints).
Mammography	X-ray of the breast for cancer screening.
Fluoroscopy	Real-time moving X-ray imaging, e.g., barium swallow.
PET Scan	Shows metabolic activity using radioactive tracers (mostly used in oncology).

Personnel Involved

• Radiologist (MD/DNB)
• Radiologic technologist or radiographer
• Reception & administrative staff
• Nurses (for contrast studies or emergency care)

Infrastructure & Equipment

• Lead-lined rooms (for radiation protection)
• PACS system (Picture Archiving & Communication System)
• Emergency equipment (oxygen, defibrillator)
• Waiting area, reporting room, and darkroom (if required)

Safety Considerations

• Radiation safety protocols
• Lead aprons, thyroid shields
• Pregnancy precautions
• Regular equipment calibration
• AERB (Atomic Energy Regulatory Board) compliance

Role in Hospital Services

Pathology Lab	Radiology/Scan Centre
Blood tests, biopsy, cultures	X-rays, CTs, MRIs, ultrasounds
Essential in nearly all diagnoses	Crucial for trauma, cancer, etc.
Used in pre-operative evaluation	Guides surgeries & interventions
Works closely with clinicians	Integral to multidisciplinary care

Importance in Healthcare

• Early detection of diseases
• Non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring
• Reduces need for exploratory surgery
• Enables personalized treatment
• Plays a vital role in emergencies, chronic care, and preventive health

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