Pathology and Laboratory Services
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Services at MCH is a state-of-the-art comprehensive facility that serves as the leading provider of pathological and laboratory services for children in the region. It offers highly sophisticated testing to support the diagnosis and on-going evaluation of children with cancer and blood disorders. Each of the pathologists on staff has particular expertise in pediatric malignancies.
Cytogenetics and flow cytometry are among the advanced laboratory services essential to the study of pediatric cancer that are offered at MCH. Cytogenetics is the study of chromosomes and related diseases that are caused by chromosome abnormalities.
The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Services offers a comprehensive list of cytogenetic tests, including routine chromosome analysis (karyotyping) of peripheral blood, bone marrow and other tissue. In addition, the department offers an extensive array of fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) testing. FISH tests introduce fluorescently labeled DNA probes to detect or confirm gene or chromosome abnormalities that are beyond the scope of routine cytogenetics. Flow cytometry involves analysis of specimens in a flow cytometer to evaluate blood malignancies and immunological abnormalities.
Radiology Diagnostic and Follow-up Services
The Department of Radiology at MCH offers a level of experience that makes it a regional leader in pediatric oncological diagnosis and follow-up evaluation.
The department features state-of-the-art equipment, including
- multidetector computed tomography (CT)
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- nuclear medicine
- single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT)
- ultrasound and general diagnostic radiology capability.
Our cutting edge CT and MR images allow complete follow-up imaging in a single sitting. MR spectroscopy and perfusion imaging allows for further tissue characterization.
The department is one of only four pediatric centers in the U.S. performing MIBG nuclear medicine scans and PET scans. The staff of 16 pediatric radiologists has an unparalleled level of experience in radiological evaluation of infants and children.