CLINICAL LABORATORY
The Laboratory has the following divisions

• Haematology
• Biochemistry
• Microbiology

The Haematology abd Biochemistry departments are equipped with the most modern fully-automated Analysers like :-

• CELL – DYN 1700 ( ABBOT)
• ABX MICRO 60 ( BIOMERIEX)
• SYSMEX – K 1000
• COULTER 660
• HITACHI 902 ( TWO UNITS)
• MINI – VIDAS ( BIOMERIEX)
• ROCHE ISE sodium Pottasium analyzer.
• Nichols Luminometer
• Merk Mios Mini ELISA reader

Gamma Counter
Auto analyzers assure reliability, utmost accuracy and reproducibility.
SCHEDULE AND RATES

PATHOLOGY DIVISION

Concerned with tests which require examination and reporting by qualified Pathologists.

1. Cytology
2. Histopathology (Biopsy)
3. Peripheral smears.
4. Bone marrow aspiration and Biopsy.

This department is headed by senior Pathologists

• Dr. K.V.Praveen MBBS, MD ( Path)
• Dr. M.C.Savithri MBBS, DNB(Path)

The department is now recognized as a referral centre. The services of the Dr.V.K.Ramkumar MBBS, DCP, MD (Path), who handed over the division in its early years cannot be forgotten.

CYTOLOGY:

Cytology is the study of cells which are the basic units of any organ. The different categories under this are Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC), Fluid cytology and cervical smears. We also perform Barr body test for preliminary sex determination.

FNAC:
FNAC is done by the Pathologist to take cell samples from visible lumps in the body. Microscopic analysis of the material can help in deciding whether it is malignant, benign or infectious thus providing a guideline to further management. In some cases confirmation by biopsy will be necessary.

FLUID CYTOLOGY:
Involves examination of fluids from pleural, pericardial and peritoneal cavities which house lungs, heart and abdominal organs respectively. Cytology preparations of cerebrospinal fluid(CSF),joint cavity fluid and urine are also examined. Abnormal cells shed into these fluids can be detected by this method.

CERVICAL CYTOLOGY:
Popularly known as ‘Pap’ smears ,this test involves scraping the accessible lower part of the uterus called cervix. Microscopic examination of Pap smears help us to detect cancerous and precancerous lesions of cervix. Periodic Pap smear screening is recommended in older women as cervical cancer is one of the commonest cancers affecting women and more importantly is preventable if caught early in the precancerous stage.

Polyclinic has facilities to perform and report on cervical smear test.

HISTOPATHOLOGY

Organs and tissue biopsies taken during surgical and endoscopic procedures are examined by the Pathologist grossly and microscopically to arrive at a diagnosis. Histopathology is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of many diseases especially cancer.

PERIPHERAL SMEAR AND BONE MARROW PREPARATIONS:

These tests are done to diagnose disorders of blood. Bone marrow is the site where blood cells are formed. Blood and bone marrow cells are examined to arrive at a specific diagnosis or sometimes to give a preliminary idea so that further work up can be done to find out the specific disease.

The approximate turnaround time for these tests are:
Cytology (Advance appointment is necessary)	after 4pm of same day or next day (may vary according to the sample collection time)
Peripheral blood and bone marrow smears	after 4pm of same day or next day (may vary according to the sample collection time)
Histopathology	2 to 3 days

The Polyclinic has facilities to perform all these investigations under the guidance of experienced Pathologists.