Pathology Lab Services

Haematology & Cytology

Haematology is the study of blood, blood-forming organs, and blood diseases. Our department helps diagnose anemia, infection, hemophilia, blood-clotting disorders, and leukemia.

CBC (Complete Blood Count)

The CBC is the most common blood test. It evaluates:
RBC (Red Blood Cells): Carry oxygen. Low count means Anemia.
WBC (White Blood Cells): Fight infection. High count means infection; low count means low immunity.
Hemoglobin: The protein that holds oxygen. Low levels cause fatigue and weakness.

Platelet Count

Platelets are tiny cells that help your blood clot. This test is critical in diagnosing Dengue Fever, where platelet counts can drop dangerously low, risking internal bleeding. It is also monitored during chemotherapy and for bleeding disorders.

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

ESR measures how fast red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. A faster rate indicates inflammation in the body. While it doesn't diagnose a specific disease, a high ESR alerts the doctor to infections, autoimmune diseases (like Lupus), or chronic illnesses like Tuberculosis.

AEC (Absolute Eosinophil Count)

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that becomes active during allergic reactions and parasitic infections. A high AEC is often seen in patients with Asthma, skin allergies, or intestinal worms.

Coagulation Profile (BT, CT, PT, APTT, INR)

These tests measure how long it takes for your blood to clot.
BT (Bleeding Time) & CT (Clotting Time): Basic tests for clotting function.
PT & INR: Essential for patients on blood thinners (like Warfarin) to ensure their dose is correct—not too thin (bleeding risk) and not too thick (clot risk).
APTT: Used to investigate unexplained bleeding or clotting.

MP (Malaria Parasite)

This involves examining a blood smear under a microscope or using a rapid antigen card to detect the presence of malaria parasites. Early detection is key to preventing severe complications like cerebral malaria.

Microbiology & Serology

This department identifies infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Accurate identification is the first step toward effective treatment.

Viral Markers (HIV, HBS Ag, HCV)

These are screening tests for serious viral infections.
HIV: Screens for the virus causing AIDS.
HBS Ag: detects Hepatitis B surface antigen, indicating a current Hepatitis B infection.
HCV: Detects antibodies against the Hepatitis C virus. These are standard pre-surgical checks to protect medical staff and patients.

Widal Test

The Widal test is a classic serological test used to diagnose Typhoid Fever (Enteric Fever). It detects antibodies against Salmonella bacteria. While widely used, it is best interpreted alongside clinical symptoms.

VDRL (Syphilis)

VDRL is a screening test for Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection. It is a mandatory test during pregnancy (antenatal profile) because untreated syphilis can cause severe birth defects.

Inflammatory Markers (CRP, RA Factor, ASO)

CRP (C-Reactive Protein): Rises rapidly with inflammation or infection anywhere in the body.
RA Factor: Detects Rheumatoid Factor, helping diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis (autoimmune joint disease).
ASO (Anti-Streptolysin O): Detects past strep infections (like sore throat) which can lead to Rheumatic Heart Disease if untreated.

Mantoux Test

This is a skin test for Tuberculosis (TB). A small amount of fluid (tuberculin) is injected into the forearm skin. If a hard bump forms within 48-72 hours, it indicates exposure to TB bacteria.

Dengue Serology

We test for three markers:
NS1 Antigen: Detects Dengue in the first 1-3 days of fever.
IgM/IgG Antibodies: Detected after 5-7 days, indicating recent or past infection.

Culture & Sensitivity Tests

For persistent infections (urine, pus, blood), we grow the bacteria in the lab and test different antibiotics on it. This tells the doctor exactly which medicine will kill the bacteria, preventing antibiotic resistance.

Semen Analysis

A crucial test for male fertility evaluation. It assesses sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape). It is also done to confirm the success of a vasectomy.

Special Hormones & Tumor Markers

Hormones control metabolism, reproduction, and growth. Even tiny imbalances can cause major symptoms. We use advanced CLIA technology for high-precision hormone testing.

Thyroid Profile (T3, T4, TSH, fT3, fT4)

The thyroid gland regulates metabolism.
TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): The most sensitive marker. High TSH usually means Hypothyroidism (slow metabolism, weight gain), while low TSH means Hyperthyroidism.
T3/T4 & Free T3/T4: Measure the actual hormone levels circulating in the blood. Free hormones (fT3/fT4) are more accurate as they are biologically active.

Fertility Hormones (FSH, LH, Prolactin)

FSH & LH: Control the menstrual cycle and egg production in women, and sperm production in men. Imbalances cause infertility or irregular periods (PCOD).
Prolactin: The milk-producing hormone. High levels in non-pregnant women (or men) can stop menstruation and cause infertility.

Vitamins (Vit B12, Vit D)

Vitamin D: Essential for bone strength. Deficiency is rampant and causes back pain, muscle weakness, and fatigue.
Vitamin B12: Crucial for nerve health and making red blood cells. Deficiency causes numbness in feet, memory loss, and anemia.

S.Beta - HCG

This is the definitive blood test for pregnancy. It can detect pregnancy earlier than urine strips and measures the exact hormone level to check if the pregnancy is progressing normally.

Tumor Markers (PSA, CA 125)

PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen): A screening test for Prostate Cancer in men. High levels require further investigation.
CA 125: Used to monitor Ovarian Cancer treatment and detect recurrence.

Clinical Pathology

This section involves the analysis of body fluids, primarily urine, to screen for diseases.

Urine Routine

A basic screening test that checks the physical (color, transparency) and chemical (pH, specific gravity) properties of urine. It is the first step in diagnosing urinary infections.

Complete Urine Analysis

This includes a microscopic examination. We look for:
Pus Cells: Indicate UTI (Infection).
RBCs: Indicate kidney stones or trauma.
Protein/Albumin: An early sign of kidney damage, especially in diabetics.
Sugar/Glucose: Indicates uncontrolled diabetes.
Casts/Crystals: Warning signs for kidney stone formation.

Urine Electrolytes

Measures the amount of Sodium, Potassium, and Chloride excreted in urine. This helps distinguish between different causes of kidney failure and adrenal gland disorders.

Special Procedures (Contrast X-Rays)

These are specialized functional tests using contrast dye to visualize organs that don't show up on normal X-rays.

IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram)

A functional test for the kidneys. Dye is injected into a vein, and X-rays are taken as the kidneys filter it out. It visualizes the entire urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder) to find stones, blockages, or tumors.

RGU (Retrograde Urethrogram)

For Men: Dye is injected gently into the opening of the penis to visualize the urethra. It is the gold standard for diagnosing Urethral Strictures (narrowing) which cause difficulty urinating or slow flow.

MCU (Micturating Cystourethrogram)

A catheter fills the bladder with dye, and X-rays are taken while the patient urinates. This checks for VUR (Vesicoureteral Reflux), a condition where urine flows backward from the bladder to the kidneys, damaging them. Common in children with recurrent UTIs.

HSG (Hysterosalpingogram)

For Women: A vital infertility test. Dye is injected into the uterus to check if the Fallopian Tubes are open. If tubes are blocked, sperm cannot reach the egg. It also checks the shape of the uterus for issues like fibroids.