Department of Laboratory Medicine
The Department of Laboratory Medicine provides two basic services:
- All routine test procedures necessary to evaluate and maintain the general health of M. D. Anderson's cancer patients
- Those test procedures useful in the diagnosis and management of neoplastic disease
The clinical laboratory performs over 1,820 different tests and assays, all of which have immediate impact on the clinical management of the cancer patient. To adequately handle this large volume of tests, the department uses sophisticated automated analyzers, most of which interface directly with the laboratory computer system. Highly trained and certified technologists perform the microscopic and analytical procedures necessary to provide accurate test results. Specialized clinical pathologists interpret those results and consult with the medical staff. In addition, the Transfusion Medicine Section supplies all blood components necessary to support the medical and surgical management of Anderson's cancer patients. The Section of Microbiology maintains an active infection control program that covers all hospital areas.
The Department of Laboratory Medicine has evolved into a multidisciplinary organization containing the following major sections:
- Administration
- Clinical Chemistry
- General Services (Specimen Collection, Specimen Processing, Stat Laboratories)
- Hematology
- Microbiology
- Transfusion Medicine.
The department also provides laboratory support for most of the clinical research protocols in all the other clinical divisions in the institution. Several members of the departmental staff also maintain their own clinical research programs supported by government and/or private grants.
Sections of Laboratory Medicine
Each of these laboratory sections carries a heavy patient care service load in addition to various types of research and development as well as educational activities.