3. Lab Departments

LAB DEPARTMENTS

• Hematology: Study of blood cells and related tests (CBC, Coagulation studies).

• Chemistry: Analyzes chemical composition of body fluids (Electrolytes, Hormones, LFT).

• Transfusion Medicine: Blood typing, antibody screens, and crossmatching.

• Microbiology: Culture and identification of microorganisms.

• Histology: Microscopic study of tissues.

BODY FLUIDS

• Can be withdrawn for analysis

• Collection must be sterile and handled lab stat for integrity.

• Types: Intracellular (55%) and Extracellular (45%).

• Analyzed for RBC/WBC counts, composition, and infection indicators.

CEREBRAL SPINAL FLUID (CSF)

• Circulates the CNS, providing nourishment and acting as a shock absorber.

• Collected by lumbar puncture, analyzed for infection, malignancies, and other CNS issues.

• Normal values: 90-150 mL in adults, 10-60 mL in infants; should be clear, colorless.

• Testing includes RBC/WBC counts, protein, glucose, and microbial cultures.

SERIOUS FLUID

• Forms between membranes in body cavities.

• Transudate: clear appearance, low protein, common in systemic diseases.

• Exudate: cloudy, high protein indicating inflammation or infection.

• Evaluated for gross appearance, cell counts, and biochemical properties.

SYNOVIAL FLUID

• Lubricates joints, high in hyaluronic acid, collected via arthrocentesis.

• Normal appearance: light-yellow, viscous, low in cells and crystals.

• Analyzed for cell counts, differentials, and crystals for diagnosis of joint diseases.

AMNIOTIC FLUID

• Cushions fetus, collected via amniocentesis.

• Analyzed for genetic disorders, fetal lung maturity, and bilirubin levels to assess hemolytic disease.

• Normal appearance: colorless or pale yellow; indicates fetal health.