Pathology Testing
Pathology Definition
“The scientific study of the nature of disease and its
causes, processes, development, and consequences.”
Haematology
"Haematology is the branch of medicine
concerned with the nature, function and diseases of the blood. It
covers the cellular and serum composition of the blood, the
coagulation process, blood cell formation, haemoglobin synthesis
and disorders of all of these."
SHLS’s laboratory in Abergavenny offers a wide range of tests
that measure various elements in the blood, including white blood
cells (WBC), red blood cells (RBC) and platelets. Results
from a Full Blood Count can indicate conditions
such as anaemia, bacterial or viral infection and blood clotting
disorders. A typical Full Blood Count analysis will include the
following:-
Biochemistry
"Biochemistry is the study of the chemical
processes in living organisms and deals with the structure and
function of cellular components such as proteins, carbohydrates,
lipids, nucleic acids and other biomolecules."
SHLS helps to keep people healthy and in work by offering an
extensive range of tests for monitoring these chemical substances
to ensure a healthy process and therefore a healthy person.
Profiles are often requested as part of routine medicals,
pre-employment screening and screening for visa and emigration
purposes: below are some typically requested biochemistry profiles
which can include a Full Blood Count:-
A further addition of CDT (Carbohydrate Deficient Transferrin)
to this profile is often requested as an indictor of long term
alcohol consumption. Profiles can be created to your company’s
specific needs and can be incorporated into your personalised
request form to make requesting such a test easy.
Microbiology
"Microbiology is the branch of biology
that deals with the study of micro-organisms and their effects on
other living organisms. Medical Microbiology is both a branch of
medicine and Microbiology which deals with the study of
micro-organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites
which are of medical importance and are capable of causing diseases
in human beings."
The microbiology department covers a range of areas, including
bacteriology, mycology, and parasitological and involves the
culture of various clinical and non-clinical samples to look for
the presence of pathogenic organisms. In particular, SHLS offers
both rapid PCR and culture screening for the detection of MRSA and,
in doing so, are able to support both private and NHS hospitals in
their battle for control of infection.
- Food handler screening
- Faeces culture and sensitivity
- Urine culture and sensitivity
- Faeces for ova, cysts and parasites
- Faecal occult blood
- Chlamydia – male and female
- Pregnancy testing
Virology and Blood Borne Viruses
"Virology is the branch of medical science that studies
viruses and viral diseases."
Blood-borne viruses (BBVs) are carried in blood but can also be
found in urine, saliva, sputum and sweat (although minimal risk).
The main BBVs of concern are Hepatitis B, C and HIV and our
screening service includes post vaccination screening for Hepatitis
to check immunity levels, Hepatitis B surface antigen screening to
check for current or recent infection and Hepatitis B core antibody
screening to look for past infection.
Other examples of virology tests available to establish any need
for vaccination are:-
- Hepatitis A
- Rubella
- Measles
- Mumps
- Varicella zoster (chicken pox)
-
Syphilis
Biological Monitoring
To check the efficacy of PPE and working
environments when using potentially toxic substances and compliance
with Health and Safety Regulations eg CLAW (Control of lead at
work).
- Lead - Blood (for inorganic lead)and
urine (for organic lead)
- Zinc protoporphyrin – ZPP. Long term lead
exposure
- Isocyanates in urine – special container with
preservative required, available from laboratory.
- Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)
- SPMA for benzene
- Urine and blood metals
- PCB