In the division of molecular biology, our team of professionals investigate the molecular basis and functional roles of fundamental biological structures and processes. The methods in this division are based on modern molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, biophotonics and bioinformatics. In this division, our professionals are equipped with advanced diagnostic capabilities to detect genetic abnormalities, identify infectious diseases, and screen for the molecular markers of cancer. Here is the list of techniques that we use:

• PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

  Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a laboratory technique used for producing millions and billions of copies of a particular segment of DNA. It is rapidly produced to study that DNA segment in detail. PCR uses primers, which are short synthetic DNA fragments, to select a segment of the genome which needs to be amplified. This is followed by multiple rounds of DNA synthesis to amplify that segment.

• 2.DNA Sequencing

  DNA Sequencing is a general laboratory technique for determining the accurate sequence of nucleotides, or bases, in a DNA molecule. The sequence of the bases helps in decoding the biological information that cells use to develop and operate. The bases are often referred to by the first letter of their chemical names: A, T, C, and G. DNA is like a printed text, and understanding this sequence is the key to understanding the function of genes and other parts of the genome. DNA sequencing is like a method to read the print text to understand the cell structure in a better way.

• Gene Expression Analysis

  Gene expression analysis is a transformative process where the information embedded in the gene is turned into a function. It can be considered as an on/off switch to control when and where the RNA molecules and proteins will be made, and it also acts as a volume control to determine how much of them will be produced. It occurs using transcription of RNA molecules that code for proteins and non-RNA molecules to serve other functions.

The Division of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology deals with the qualitative and quantitative analysis of biological fluids, like urine, serum, plasma, blood, or tissue for specific chemical constituents. The test results are essential to screen, diagnose, and monitor diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, liver disorders, and metabolic syndromes. Biochemistry tests help in detecting biochemical imbalances and monitor the health of vital organs, like the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Our Immunology Division features the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) technique, to detect and quantify antibodies and antigens in a sample. It helps in diagnosing diseases, tracking disease outbreaks, and screening for contaminants. This technique can be used to detect antibodies, antigens, proteins, hormones, diseases, and pregnancy hormones. Here are the tests that are performed in our Biochemistry and Immunology Division:

• Evaluation of Immune Factors Causing Disease:

  The components and functioning of the immune system are analyzed to identify the abnormalities that lead to diseases. The tests often focus on measuring levels of immunoglobulins, cytokines, and autoantibodies. These are helpful in diagnosing conditions such as autoimmune disorders, allergies, or immunodeficiencies.

• Evaluation of Endocrine Organ Function:

  Through these tests, the performance of the endocrine system glands is checked and monitored, including the thyroid, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and pancreas. These tests measure hormone levels, like thyroid hormones (T3, T4), cortisol, insulin, and reproductive hormones in blood or urine. With the results, the doctors can identify imbalances or dysfunctions, like hypothyroidism, diabetes, or adrenal insufficiency.

• Monitoring Response to Cancer Treatment:

  The tests in this category include monitoring the biomarkers and tumour-specific indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of cancer therapies. Tests measure the tumor markers, like PSA for prostate cancer or CA-125 for ovarian cancer, circulating tumor DNA, or immune responses to treatments.

• Assessment of Transplant Immunosuppression:

  After organ transplantation, monitoring is critical to ensure the immune system does not reject the transplanted organ. We have the facilities to conduct tests that evaluate drug levels, immune cell activity, and markers of inflammation to assess whether immunosuppressive medications are working effectively while minimizing side effects.

• Evaluation of Genetic Variation on Routine Therapies:

  Genetic testing evaluates individual genetic variations, such as polymorphisms, that influence how a person metabolizes medications or responds to therapies. It helps in providing personalized medicine by identifying the most effective and safe treatments for a specific individual.

• Assessment of Nutritional Status:

  The tests in this category analyze key vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in the body to detect deficiencies or imbalances, like anemia and malnutrition, that may affect overall health. Nutritional assessments are also used to monitor patients with chronic illnesses or those on specialized diets.

• Evaluation of Drug and Metal Toxicity:

  Toxicology tests are performed to identify harmful levels of drugs or heavy metals in the body. These tests detect substances such as lead, mercury, arsenic, or prescription/illicit drugs that may cause toxicity or poisoning. Results aid in diagnosing acute or chronic exposure, guiding treatment interventions, and preventing long-term damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, or brain.

The Hematology and Coagulation Division provides test results for accurate diagnosis and prognosis of haematological disorders, like anemias, hemoglobinopathies, leukemia, and disorders of hemostasis and thrombosis. At Labcorp Diagnostics, our goal is to assist you in making the best use of our results. Hence, our team of doctors interpret the results and provides detailed reports. The test reports cover result trend analysis, patient-specific interpretations, and comments from our experienced doctors in special cases. Here’s the list of tests that are covered in this Division:

• Complete Blood Count:

  This is a comprehensive and fundamental test that provides a detailed analysis of the cellular components of blood. It measures the number and characteristics of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin levels.

• Platelet Count:

  This test is specifically for counting the number of platelets as it helps in assessing blood clotting, which is essential in preventing excessive bleeding. The results either indicate Thrombocytopenia (low platelets) or Thrombocytosis (high platelets).

• Hemoglobin Levels:

  Hemoglobin is an oxygen-carrying protein in blood cells and it helps in delivering oxygen to the tissue. The haemoglobin levels can be either low or high, indicating problems like iron deficiency, chronic lung diseases, and polycythemia.

• Blood Smear Analysis:

  The blood smear analysis includes examining a thin layer of blood under the microscope the assess the shape, appearance, and structure of blood cells. It helps in identifying abnormalities in blood cells, white cell morphology, and platelet morphology.

Our NABL-accredited lab includes the division of Microbiology reference and development expertise in different areas of conventional and molecular medical microbiology. We have implemented myriad culture techniques, immunoassays, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and molecular methods. With these techniques, microbial pathogens can be detected, identified, and characterized, and our detailed reports can help in figuring out a thorough treatment. The tests in this division include culture of blood, cerebrospinal fluid, stool, and tissue. Other human samples for aerobic, anaerobic, mycobacterial, and fastidious bacterial species and fungi. In our laboratory, molecular diagnostic testing can be performed to detect (HIV), adenovirus, gonorrhea, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), parainfluenza virus (1,2,3), influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and BK virus. The Serology Division performs various procedures on blood serum to detect antibodies or antibody-like substances that are associated with some type of disease. Our NABL-certified lab supports enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) to perform serological test which makes use of the fluorescent, chemiluminescent, or colorimetric signal for the detection of antibodies in a solution. Here’s the list of activities performed in the Division by our professionals:

• Culturing:

  Culturing involves growing microorganisms from clinical specimens such as blood, urine, sputum, stool, or wound swabs in controlled laboratory conditions. This helps in isolating and identifying the pathogen causing the infection, like bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), respiratory infections, and surgical wound infections.

• Identifying Pathogens:

  Once microorganisms are cultured, we implement advanced techniques to identify the specific pathogen responsible for the infection. It includes staining techniques like Gram stain, biochemical testing like enzyme activity and metabolic profiling, molecular diagnostics, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing.

• Sensitivity Testing for Antibiotics:

  Antibiotic sensitivity testing determines which antimicrobial agents are effective against the identified pathogen. This is essential for selecting the most appropriate treatment and customising the antibiotic therapy.

• Antimicrobial Resistance Detection:

  The Division is equipped with advanced techniques for identifying antimicrobial resistance (AMR). It usually occurs when pathogens evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotics. Early detection helps in modifying the treatment.

Our Clinical Pathology and Histopathology Division provides comprehensive diagnostic services by combining advanced laboratory techniques with doctor analysis to provide accurate results with detailed reports. The Clinical Pathology department deals with the diagnosis and analysis of diseases based on the assessment performed on bodily fluids, like blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. This division encompasses different divisions, like hematology, coagulation, immunology, clinical chemistry, and microbiology. The techniques help in identifying a range of conditions, including infections, metabolic disorders, and kidney diseases. The Histopathology Division specializes in the examination of tissue samples at a microscopic level. The tissue samples that are obtained from biopsies, surgical specimens, and autopsies are carefully examined in a well-controlled laboratory environment to get accurate results. The histopathology analysis is essential for accurate diagnosis and prognosis of many diseases, like cancers, infections, inflammatory conditions, and genetic disorders. Here are some techniques used in this Division:

• Staining:

  Staining is a fundamental technique in microscopy used to enhance the contrast of cells and tissues. It makes the structures more visible under a microscope, helping in better understanding and diagnosis.

• Immunohistochemistry (IHC):

  Immunohistochemistry is an advanced technique that uses antibodies to detect specific antigens (proteins) in tissue samples.

• Molecular Pathology:

  Molecular pathology focuses on the analysis of DNA, RNA, and proteins to diagnose and understand diseases at the molecular level.

• Electron Microscopy:

  Electron microscopy is a sophisticated imaging technique that uses a beam of electrons instead of light to visualize ultra-fine details of cells, tissues, and pathogens.

Cytology Division involves examination of cells from body tissues or fluids to look for characteristics of abnormal cells. Cytology tests are suggested in case to diagnose infectious diseases, inflammatory conditions, thyroid lesions, and diseases that involve the body cavity, like the pleural cavity. There are different types of cytology tests, like gynecologic, urinary, breast, thyroid, lymph node, respiratory, eye, and ear cytology tests. Here are some of the common techniques used in the Cytology Department:

• Pap Smear (Papanicolaou Test):

  This test is primarily used for cervical cancer screening and detecting precancerous changes in the cervix. The Pap smears detect cervical dysplasia, infections (like HPV), and early signs of cervical cancer, facilitating timely treatment and prevention.

• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA):

  This test involves the collection of cells from lumps or masses, such as those found in the breast, thyroid, lymph nodes, or other tissues, for the diagnosis of tumors. The results of this test help in distinguishing between benign and malignant growths.

• Body Fluid Cytology:

  The tests under this category deal with examining pleural, peritoneal, and cerebrospinal fluids and are used to detect infections, cancer cells, or inflammation in body cavities. It also includes analysis of urine samples for abnormalities in suspected cases of bladder or urinary tract cancers.

• Brush and Wash Cytology:

  Bronchial washing or brushing are technique used to collect cells from internal organs, including the lungs, for diagnosing conditions like lung cancer or chronic infections.