Question

1. Identify the different departments in a hospital and list all of the test performed in these departments:

2. List and justify the various pieces of information that must be included on a laboratory requisition

Answer 1

Different departments in the diagnostic division/section of the hospital are as following:

I. Laboratory department:

Biochemistry department:

Biochemistry/ chemistry department performs a wide variety of tests for chemical analysis of various samples of blood, serum, urine, saliva or other specimens by using the most current technology. Common tests analyzed in the chemistry laboratory are glucose, cholesterol, BUN, creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium liver and heart enzymes (SGOT, SGPT), thyroid function tests, prostate-specific antigens, and various other hormones, presence of chemicals in cases of poisoning, analysis of gases ib blood samples (ABG analysis).

Hematology department:

Hematology department deals with the study of blood, blood morphology and hematological diseases. Hematologists perform blood counts and classify blood cells into different categories, study morphology of blood cells. Coagulation studies are also performed in this department.

Microbiology department:

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms including algae, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. This department deals with the microbiological examination of any bodily fluid or tissue. It is concerned with the identification of causative organisms by culture. Once bacteria grow in culture, it can be tested for antibiotic sensitivity to find the most effective antibiotic for fighting the infection while limiting opportunities for antibiotic resistance.

Pathology:
This department deals with the identification of structural and functional changes in tissue specimens and organs of the body (removed by surgery like uterus), which cause disease or are caused by disease.

Transfusion department / blood bank:

The transfusion service department provides blood transfusion support by providing the patient with whole blood or blood components like packed cells, plasma, cryoprecipitate, or platelets. This department deals with the collection of blood from donors, preparation of various components of blood, preservation of collected blood or blood products, performing grouping and cross-matching of blood for those in need of a transfusion.

Immunology:
Immunology is the study of immune products such as antibodies produced by the body in response to foreign material. In many places it is a part of a blood bank or hematology department.

Cytology:
In cytology, a skilled cytotechnologist examines human cells under the microscope, looking for early signs of cancer and other diseases. The most common type of specimen processed in the Cytology department is the Pap smear.

II. Imaging department

X-ray department:

This department is concerned with x-ray studies of patients with actual or suspected fractures, accidents, bone diseases and disorders, dental conditions, other conditions like respiratory conditions. Some times specific tests like an x-ray after administering various dyes (like KUB -kidney, ureter and bladder) )are also performed. The test uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film.

Ultrasound department:

Also called sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. It is also used to confirm pregnancy and to monitor the progress of pregnancy and fetal well being.

CT scan/ Computed axial tomography (CAT scan) department:

This department conducts ct scan of various organs in patients with cancers and other diseases. CT scan is a non-invasive test that uses special X-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body.

Magnetic resonance imaging or MRI department:

This department conducts an MRI examination- a test or examination that uses a large magnet and a computer to take pictures of the organs. It is also used in patients with cancers or other conditions.

Endoscopy department:

This department is concerned with studies related to internal visualization of various body cavities like gastroscopy, colonoscopy, etc.

III. Other departments:

ECG department:

This department is for conducting ECG of the patients.

Echocardiography room:

This department deals with echocardiography of patients.

Pieces of information to be included in laboratory requisition form are:

· Name of the patient

· Laboratory request or test required

· Age

· Sex

· Registration/ inpatient/ outpatient number

· Clinical details

· Date of request

· Time of request

· Name of the physician who ordered the test

· Patients location(bed number, department or ward) or address in case of outpatient

· Telephone number of the patient