Pathology Laboratory

The Clinical Laboratory Department at Shalamar Hospital has been operational since 1990 and is staffed with a skilled team of histopathologists, microbiologists, hematologists, chemical pathologists, molecular biologists, technologists, and technicians. We provide affordable lab tests 24/7 across all specialties to assess health risks and diagnose diseases. With over 400,000 tests conducted annually, our laboratory serves a growing number of patients both in-house, outdoor and emergency. Our technologists and technicians are highly trained, ensuring full compliance with all steps of sample collection and result accuracy. Additionally, our online lab results system offers patients convenient access to reports.

Since 2019, Shalamar Hospital Clinical Laboratory has also participated in External Proficiency Testing through the College of American Pathologists (CAP) to meet all applicable standards of quality and competence as per current diagnostic market practices.

Haematology

This section is equipped with fully automated analyzers of leading manufactures i.e Sysmex. Following are the tests offered in this section, CBC, ESR, Coagulation profile, Bone Marrow Aspiration & Trephine Biopsy. While Hemoglobin Variant Analysis is being analyzed on BIORAD instrument D-10, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We are delivering timely result based on high quality. The services are available for 24/7. This section performs over 100,000 tests annually. Our team comprises of consultant hematologist, qualified medical technologist and technicians working in close collaboration with treating physicians for providing better services to the patients.

Chemical Pathology

The Chemical Pathology section provides comprehensive, highest quality and cost effective biochemical diagnostic services to indoor, outdoor and emergency patients. Chemical section is equipped with variety of advanced instruments from ROCHE, MEDICA and BIORAD based on spectrophotometry, direct potentiometry and state of the art techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Chemical Pathology section is involved in STAT, routine biochemical testing and stone analysis, over 200,000 tests being performed annually, by our qualified and experienced technologist under guidance of qualified consultants to ensure best possible diagnostic services and interpretation of the results for management of patients. Our skilled professionals have extensive expertise in handling automated analyzers to ensure the highest standard of efficiency and reliability of test results. To ensure the consistent precision and accuracy of our laboratory results, we are having efficient internal and external quality control procedures.

Immunology

Immunology section is involved in testing in the areas of special chemistry, endocrinology, tumor markers and immunology by qualitative and quantitative determination of screening, diagnostic and prognostic markers. Our qualified and well-trained technologists are involved in comprehensive testing on manual and fully automated analyzers based on ELISA, chemiluminescence and electrochemiluminescence from ABOTT and ROCHE. Over 60,000 tests are being performed in immunology section annually. Consistent precision and accuracy for long- and short-term medical decision-making is being ensured by efficient internal and external quality control procedures.

Histopathology and Cytology

The Histopathology section handles over 5,000 surgical and cytology specimens annually, supervised by a team of highly experienced consultant histopathologists. Well trained with amply experienced technologists and technicians’ team are part of our team. This section is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments from leading brands such as SLEE, LEICA, MYER, MILESTONE, and DAKO. In addition to routine Haematoxylin and Eosin staining, a range of special histochemical stains, including Giemsa, PAS, PAP, and ZN, are available. Immunohistochemistry antibody is available with up to 70 antibodies for tumor diagnosis, classification, and confirmation. Breast cancer biomarker (ER/PR/Her2neu) are routinely performed for our breast cancer cases.

The Cytology section features a dedicated room for Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC), conducted on a regular basis. Additionally, a frozen (cryo) section facility is available to assist surgeons during various surgical procedures.

We also participate in external proficiency testing programs conducted by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), including the PIP, MK, and HER2 neu series.

Microbiology

The Microbiology Laboratory receives samples from patients to identify organisms that are responsible for infections including bacteria, fungi and parasites. The Microbiology section also performs routine tests including urine, stool, and semen analysis, comprehensive biological fluid analysis as well as staining techniques including Gram stain for bacteria, Ziehl-Neelsen stain for acid-fast microorganisms, and stains for visualizing fungi. Cultures and sensitivity testing for various clinical samples are conducted by conventional methods as well as on fully automated VITEK-2 system (for fast, accurate microbial identification, and antibiotic susceptibility testing) and VersaTREK automated microbial detection system for cultivating & recovering microorganisms, especially bacteria and yeasts from blood. Microbiology section is also equipped with an automated Media Pourer and Preparator.

The Microbiology section conducts over 40,000 tests annually by highly qualified and skilled laboratory technologists who work under the supervision of proficient clinical microbiologists. In partnership with the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, the section is equipped with sperm preparation services for Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI).

Transfusion Medicine

Section is equipped with instruments for blood component preparation and these components are stored at their optimal temperature. Apheresis instruments are available for donor apheresis procedures. Following services i.e. Blood Grouping, Antibody Screening and Donor Screening for (TTI) HbsAg, HCV, HIV, Syphilis & Malaria are offered in this section. Compatibility testing is conducted using state of the art BIORAD instruments. The services are available 24/7 and around 400 blood donations are collected monthly.

Shalamar Hospital Blood Bank adheres to all regulations set by Punjab Healthcare Commission & Punjab Blood Transfusion Authority (PBTA) and is licensed as category “A” blood bank by PBTA.

Molecular Biology

The Molecular Biology section processes over 7,000 specimens annually, including more than 5,000 COVID-19 tests. All tests are performed under the supervision of highly qualified and experienced Molecular Biologists.

This section operates with state-of-the art, fully automated equipment from leading manufacturers as ABBOTT and QIAGEN. It provides PCR-based testing for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and Covid-19. The Molecular Biology section is staffed by well-trained technologists and technicians. The section ensures the precise operation of these advanced instruments to deliver accurate and reliable results, thereby supporting treating physicians in providing optimal patient care.