Laboratory Medicine

Laboratory Medicine, also known as Pathology or Clinical Laboratory Science, is a medical specialty focused on the analysis of bodily fluids (like blood, urine, and tissues) to diagnose, monitor, and prevent diseases. It plays a critical role in providing accurate diagnostic information that supports patient care.

Causes for Laboratory Testing:

Laboratory tests are typically recommended to investigate:

Signs and symptoms of illness
Routine health check-ups
Monitoring chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disorders)
Pre-surgical assessments
Screening for infections or genetic conditions
Evaluating organ function (liver, kidney, heart)

Symptoms That May Require Lab Tests:

Patients may be advised laboratory investigations for symptoms like:

Fever or unexplained infections
Fatigue or weakness
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Sudden weight loss or gain
Changes in urination or bowel habits
Hormonal imbalances
Suspected allergies

Treatments Informed by Lab Tests:

While Laboratory Medicine itself does not offer direct treatment, it enables accurate:

Diagnosis of diseases (e.g., anemia, infections, cancers)
Guidance on proper medical or surgical treatment
Monitoring effectiveness of treatments (e.g., glucose levels in diabetes)
Detection of drug toxicity or therapeutic drug levels
Early detection of complications or relapses

Prevention & Early Detection:

Routine lab screening helps detect diseases at an early, more treatable stage
Preventive screenings include blood sugar tests, cholesterol profiles, thyroid function tests, and cancer markers
Identifying risk factors early allows for timely lifestyle modifications and medical intervention

Common Laboratory Services Include:

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Blood Sugar & HbA1c
Lipid Profile
Liver & Kidney Function Tests
Thyroid Profile
Urine & Stool Analysis
Culture and Sensitivity Tests
Hormonal Assays
Tumor Markers
Coagulation Profiles
Infectious Disease Panels (HIV, Hepatitis, Dengue, etc.)

Laboratory Medicine