Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is a state-of-the-art, computerized, full-service laboratory open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On-call pathologists are also immediately available for clinical consultation and for surgical pathology services.

The laboratory has advanced instrumentation utilizing the expertise, innovation and experience of a team of well-trained professionals focused on delivering superior services to the healthcare community ranging in age from neonates to 21 years. The appropriateness, clinical necessity, timeliness and the extent of our laboratory services are determined, in part, by the complex needs of our pediatric patients and by our pathologists, director, managers, supervisors, laboratory staff and medical staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment?

No. For your convenience lab services are provided at all three locations on a walk in basis, no appointment necessary.

What is a blood test?

A blood test is a common, but important procedure that may help your child’s doctor diagnose an illness or monitor treatment.

How will your test be collected?

Specimen collections may be obtained by blood (from the heel, finger or venous), urinalysis (clean catch or bagged), swabs and feces.

How can you get your results?

The test(s) will be sent to the hospital’s main laboratory for testing. The laboratory will send your test results to your doctor’s office. Your doctor will discuss the results with you.

What is a glucose tolerance test?

A glucose tolerance test is used to detect diabetes or hypoglycemia. This test has timed blood and urine collections and usually takes up to two hours. The two main tests are used to measure the presence of blood sugar problems.

What is a sweat test?

Sweat tests are used to test for cystic fibrosis. The salt (sodium and chloride) from a stimulated area of the skin is measured.

Laboratory Tests

Non-fasting tests (no eating restrictions):

• Allergen tests
• CBC - Complete blood count
• Cholesterol
• Cortisol
• Drug testing
• Glucose - non fasting
• Growth hormone
• Hemoglobin
• Hematocrit
• Hepatitis tests
• Iron
• Mono test
• PCR (Respiratory and GI Panels)
• Pregnancy test
• Prothrombin time
• RSV rapid test
• Sodium
• Streptococcus - strep test
• Total bilirubin
• Thyroid test
• Type and crossmatch
• Sweat test
• Stool test
• Urinalysis
• Urine culture

Fasting tests (do not eat after midnight):

• Lipid panel
• Basic metabolic panel
• Comprehensive metabolic panel
• Thyroid panel
• Hepatic panel
• Glucose tolerance test - to detect diabetes or hypoglycemia

Accreditation and Certification

Laboratory Accreditation
The College of American Pathologists, the leading organization of board-certified pathologists, serves patients and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine. It is dedicated to quality medical care for the American public with the services and information needed to ensure quality laboratory services.

CAP # 2146301

CLIA # 45D0660518

Employee Certification
The American Society for Clinical Pathology is recognized as the preeminent certifying agency for clinical laboratory personnel. Driscoll Children’s Hospital Laboratory employees are 100% ASCP certified.