Pathology labs perform comprehensive urine analysis to detect and analyze the presence of various substances such as red and white blood cells, bacteria, crystals, and other components. This helps in diagnosing urinary tract infections, kidney disorders, bladder diseases, and other urological conditions.
Labs can culture urine samples to identify specific bacteria causing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and determine their antibiotic susceptibility. This information is crucial for urologists in selecting appropriate antibiotics for treatment.
Pathology labs conduct various blood tests that provide valuable information about kidney function, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels for prostate cancer screening, electrolyte imbalances, liver function, and other relevant markers. These tests aid in diagnosing and monitoring urological diseases and conditions.
Pathology labs receive tissue samples obtained during urological procedures such as prostate biopsies, bladder biopsies, or kidney biopsies. They examine the tissue under a microscope, perform histopathological analysis, and provide a detailed report to urologists. This helps in diagnosing malignancies, determining tumor grade and stage, and guiding treatment decisions.
Pathology labs offer cytology services, where they examine cells collected from urine or other urological samples to identify abnormal cells, such as those indicative of bladder cancer or other urothelial malignancies. Cytology plays a crucial role in cancer screening, surveillance, and diagnosis.
Some pathology labs provide advanced molecular testing, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. These tests can detect specific genetic abnormalities or mutations associated with urological cancers, such as bladder cancer or prostate cancer, providing additional diagnostic and prognostic information.
