The De Los Santos Medical Center Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is a tertiary-level center, accredited by the Department of Health, situated on the ground floor of the hospital building. The Department comprises seasoned pathologists and highly skilled medical technologists who all work together for excellent pathology diagnosis for the best patient outcome. It is committed to contributing to excellent patient-focused healthcare by providing comprehensive, accurate, and quality laboratory diagnosis. We aspire to become a premier medical center through the continuous improvement of our services and the acquisition and upgrading of machines and equipment.
The comprehensive array of tests is offered by the following sections of the laboratory: Anatomic Pathology (Histopathology), Hematology, Blood Bank, Clinical Microscopy, Clinical Chemistry, Immunochemistry, Serology, Microbiology, Drug Testing, and Molecular Laboratory. The functions of these sections are briefly described below with some of the important tests offered by each section. Because almost all of the sections are fully automated, human errors are reduced to a minimum, thereby leading to standardized testing yielding accurate and timely results.
Anatomic Pathology (Histopathology)
The section is responsible for the diagnosis of diseases through the microscopic and macroscopic examination of tissues (biopsy specimens), and cytology samples (Pap smear, body fluids, and biopsy aspirates) submitted in the laboratory. The specimens are fixed, processed, and stained which enable the anatomic pathologist to examine the samples under the microscope, which are at times aided by immunohistochemical and special stains to arrive at the most accurate pathologic diagnosis.
Hematology
The section is mainly involved in the testing of patient samples by examination of blood specimens to aid in the diagnosis, management, and monitoring of patients. This is mainly done through complete blood count which further characterizes the level and proportion of the blood elements. Peripheral blood smears are examined by highly trained laboratory scientists and are referred to pathologists. Effective blood clotting (hemostasis) is also evaluated in this section through prothrombin time with INR, activated partial thromboplastin time and D-Dimer test.
Clinical Chemistry
This section is the area where patient samples like blood, urine, and other body fluids are checked for various biochemical components to determine the state of health of the patient. These tests analyze the functioning capacity of the various organs of the body through the determination of metabolites and enzymes, such as but not limited to serum electrolytes, enzyme levels, and protein values. This section also tests for the metabolic state of the patient to determine if medical intervention is warranted, this may be done through testing the levels of blood sugar and lipid profile. Several other tests are offered in this section which may be requested by your attending physician to aid in the diagnosis or monitoring of your health.
Immunochemistry
This section utilizes various immunologic assays for the detection and identification of circulating antigens and antibodies in human serum for the diagnosis of autoimmune and immunodeficiency disorders. Performs Tacrolimus assay (FK 506) an immunosuppressive drug used in solid organ transplantation. The drug is also used in severe forms of allergic diseases which are non-responsive to the usual anti-allergy therapeutic regimen. Several tumor markers, hormones, and drug monitoring tests are also offered in this section.
Serology
This section of the laboratory examines the fluid portion of the blood to determine the presence of previous or present infections through the detection of antigens from some infectious agents and antibodies produced by the body against these agents. Some of the infectious diseases detected in this section include hepatitis virus, Salmonella spp. and syphilis. It also offers tests for the assessment of the immune system such as the complement 3 and rheumatoid factor test.
Microbiology
This section of the laboratory examines a broad range of samples to identify the specific etiologic agent causing the infectious disease. It also offers susceptibility testing of many antibiotics to determine the most appropriate drug to be given. Both of these assays are automated which allows for the identification and sensitivity testing to be done with high accuracy and precision. However, routine staining such as gram stain and AFB stain as well as KOH and wet smear are also conducted in the section.
Clinical Microscopy
This section performs qualitative and quantitative analysis of body fluids such as urine, stool, and semen. Urine analysis involves macroscopic, biochemical, and microscopic examination of urine specimens providing important information on the functional capacity of the kidneys, presence of infection, and other forms of urinary tract diseases. Stool analysis and fecal occult blood testing determine the presence of intestinal parasites and gastrointestinal bleeding, respectively. The examination of semen provides information on the amount and quality of the sperm cells which serves as an initial test for the fertility status of the patient.
Blood Bank
This section of the laboratory works in cooperation with our clinicians in the recruitment of blood donors, compatibility testing, and responsible blood transfusion. The section screens blood donors and blood units are tested in accordance with DOH standards, to provide safe blood units for patients who are in need. Aside from regular whole blood donation, the section also offers apheresis service wherein desired cellular component is taken from the donor for component donor collection or therapeutic applications.
Drug Testing
The Drug Testing Laboratory performs screening tests for prohibited drugs, specifically Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Methamphetamine (MET).
Molecular Laboratory
This section of the laboratory performs DNA and RNA-Amplification assays utilizing the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The target gene is amplified for easy detection and quantification for purposes of disease diagnosis and monitoring response to treatment. These advanced systems are helping physicians treat infectious diseases sooner and with more precision. Currently, the laboratory performs COVID-19 RT-PCR viral detection.
Operating Hours:
Clinical and Anatomic Pathology: 24/7
Molecular Laboratory: 8AM-5PM Daily
For inquiries, contact:
Laboratory: 889-DLSMC (35762)/ 530-45762 ext. 3120 or 3126
Blood Bank & Transfusion Services: 889-DLSMC (35762)/530-45762 ext. 3131
Microbiology Section: 889-DLSMC (35762)/530-45762 ext. 3145
Anatomic Pathology/Histopathology: 889-DLSMC (35762)/ 530-45762 ext. 3135
Molecular Laboratory: 889-DLSMC (35762)/ 530-45762 ext. 8180