Department of Pathology

Anatomical pathology is a field of medicine that focuses on studying organs and groups of cells within the body. It plays a crucial role when doctors take tissue samples from patients for analysis in a laboratory. Anatomical pathologists provide definitive diagnoses based on these samples, which helps clinicians give the most effective advice and treatment.

There are two main subdivisions in anatomical pathology. Histopathology involves microscopic examination of samples taken from whole tissues, often enhanced by special staining techniques and associated tests. Cytopathology, or cytology, focuses on studying individual cells. It is used to diagnose various conditions and diseases.

Histopathology

1. Routine surgical biopsies
2. Frozen section
3. Specialised biopsies such as Renal biopsies, Bone marrow trephine biopies, Gastrointestinal biopsies, Liver biopsies etc
4. Immunofluorescence for renal and skin cases
5. Immunohistochemistry

Cytopathology

1. Gynaecological Cytology (Conventional Cervical Pap Smear and Liquid-based Gynaecological Cytology)
2. Non-Gynaecological Cytology (e.g., sputum, urines, peritoneal/ pleural fluid, lavages)
3. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology
4. Identification of infections and associated organisms including bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses.
5. Evaluation of joint aspirates

1. Urine Full Examination Microscopic Examination (UFEME)
2. Urine Dipstick Analysis
3. Urine Phase Contrast Microscopy
4. Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis
5. Pleural Fluid Analysis
6. Peritoneal Fluid Analysis
7. Synovial Fluid Analysis
8. Dengue Screen (Antigen testing, IgG and IgM Screen)
9. Helicobacter Pylori Rapid Screen Test

The Blood Banking & Transfusion Medicine section provides various blood components like red cells, platelets, plasma, and cryoprecipitate, as well as, purified plasma-derived blood products. These are used for routine transfusions and emergency situations such as severe bleeding. The hospital keeps a ready supply of blood for emergencies.

To ensure safe transfusions, the section provides round-the-clock testing, which includes determining blood types (like ABO and Rh), checking for antibodies that could affect transfusion safety, and testing compatibility between donor and patient blood. They also investigate transfusion reactions and perform specialised tests for complex conditions before sending samples to national reference laboratories. The hospital blood bank assists SKH Blood Transfusion Committee to oversee transfusion quality and safety through audits and quality monitoring.

1. ABO Grouping and RhD typing
2. Red cell antibody screening
3. Direct Coombs Test
4. Cross Match Compatibility Testing
5. Transfusion Reaction Workup
6.  Clotting Factor Provision Workflow for ROTEM-guided Coagulation Product Replacement
7. Rapid blood delivery to critical care areas by hospital pneumatic tube system

Clinical Biochemistry

The Clinical Biochemistry section offers 24-hour services for analysing the biochemical components present in blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and other body fluids. This comprehensive service encompasses a diverse array of tests providing valuable insights into the physiological and pathological conditions of patients, all aimed at supporting clinicians in the accurate diagnosis and effective management of a wide spectrum of diseases.

1. Renal Function Tests
2. Liver Function Tests
3. Thyroid Function Tests
4. Cardiac Markers
5. Lipid Panel
6. Anaemic Panel
7. Tumour Markers
8. Inflammatory Markers
9. Hormones
10. Blood Ketones
11. Glucose Tolerance Test
12. HbA1c
13. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
14. Arterial Blood Gases
15. HIV and Hepatitis Screen

The Microbiology section offers a 24/7 service for the diagnosis of clinically relevant acute and chronic infections. A wide range of assays spanning bacteriology and mycology are performed on a combination of automated platforms and manual systems, to provide a comprehensive infection science service. In addition, the laboratory offers microbial surveillance tests on both clinical and environmental samples.

Tests offered:

1. Bacteriology (Microscopy, culture and susceptibility testing)
2. Mycology (Identification for Candida species)
3. Mycobacteriology (Microscopy)

Sample types:

1. Blood (in blood culture bottles)
2. Fluid samples (both sterile and non-sterile sites)
3. Tissue samples
4. Respiratory tract samples
5. Urine
6. Stool
7. Environmental samples
8. Prosthetic devices (from sterile sites)
9. Nosocomial infection screening

The Haematology section plays a critical role by offering essential services such as routine analysis of blood cells, evaluating blood clotting functions, and screening for parasites that can be transmitted through the blood. These services are crucial for diagnosing various blood-related disorders and ensuring timely treatment.

Haematology

1. Full blood count
2. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
3. Blood Film Report
4. Blood for Malaria Parasite
5. Blood for Microfilaria
6. Reticulocyte Count

Coagulation

1. Prothrombin Time (PT) and INR
2. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT)
3. D-Dimer Test (Quantitative)
4. Fibrinogen Test
5. Thrombin Time (TT)

The Molecular Diagnostics section offers routine and rapid molecular tests for the detection of a repertoire of infectious agents, monitoring of viral loads, and genotyping of viruses.

In addition, the laboratory also offers tests for pharmacogenetics and oncogene mutations.

1. Candida auris PCR
2. COVID-19 PCR
3. CYP2C19 Genotyping
4. Gastrointestinal (GI) Panel PCR
5. Hepatitis B Virus PCR
6. Hepatitis C Virus PCR
7. HPV Genotyping
8. MERS Coronavirus & Respiratory Panel PCR
9. MRSA PCR
10. Next-generation sequencing for tumour mutations
11. Respiratory Panel Multiplex PCR