Medical Labs

A medical laboratory, also known as a clinical laboratory, is a facility that performs tests on clinical specimens to collect information about a patient’s health in order to aid in illness diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Clinical medical laboratories, as opposed to research laboratories that focus on basic science, such as those found in some academic institutions, are examples of applied science. 

Medical laboratories come in all shapes and sizes, and they provide a wide range of diagnostic services. Acute-care hospitals and medical centers offer more comprehensive services, with laboratory testing accounting for 70% of clinical decisions. More basic testing services may be available in doctor’s offices and clinics, as well as skilled nursing and long-term care institutions. Medical laboratories that are for profit are known as commercial laboratories.

• Clinical microbiology is a broad term that includes bacteriology, virology, parasitology, immunology, and mycology, among other disciplines.
• Clinical chemistry involves the automated examination of blood specimens, as well as tests in enzymology, toxicology, and endocrinology.
• Hematology is the study of blood cells, both automatically and manually. It frequently contains coagulation as well.
• A blood bank is a facility that tests blood samples in order to provide blood transfusions and other services.
• Diagnostics at the molecular level DNA testing and cytogenetics, a specialist of genetics, are also available here.
• Some laboratories offer reproductive biology tests, such as sperm analysis, sperm banks, and assisted reproductive technologies.