A safe and adequate supply of whole blood and blood products, including platelets and plasma, is maintained in the Blood Bank. This division is also responsible for patient blood typing and antibody screening. Once classified, the pathogen is tested against various antibiotics to determine the most effective in battling the disease. The Clinical Chemistry division measures chemical and biologically active components found in body fluids. Glucose, cholesterol, and cardiac and liver enzymes levels are among the most common measurements requested.
Immunological testing transcends several areas.
Testing for infectious mononucleosis, for instance, takes place in Hematology, Special Chemistry and Coagulation. The Laboratory's future, experts agree, points toward ever-increasing technology and further reduction in turnaround time. Testing will continue to evolve, and equipment will become even more sophisticated and efficient. All pages contained on this site are copyright St. Mary's Hospital, Leonardtown MD 1999-2001.