The professional components of the Laboratory include:  Chemistry, Hematology, Diagnostic Immunology /Urinalysis, Blood Bank, Microbiology, Cytology, and Pathology.  Pathology provides the diagnostic evaluation of cytological and histological tissue specimens and is responsible for professional supervision of the clinical laboratory.  Thousands of tests are available, on a routine basis for both inpatients and outpatients.

The Chemistry division provides “state-of-the-art" testing on two VITRUS 5600 intergrated chemistry and immunoassay systems.  The procedures range from general chemistries, such as:  blood sugars, electrolytes, cholesterol, & toxicology testing to testing for endocrinology, therapeutic drugs, anemia, and hepatitis testing, as well as many other specialized tests.

The Hematology division offers a fully automated complete blood count and differential on a Beckman Coulted DxH8 and Hmx backup instrument. If necessary, slides are reviewed by a technologist for confirmation.  Coagulation studies include an automated PT, PTT, quantitative fibrinogen, and a manual screening test for fibrin split products.  All body fluids are evaluated with a manual cell count and slide review.

Diagnostic Immunology tests are done on-site for RA, Mononucleosis, Syphilis, Antistreptolysin, as well as a screen for HIV, and cold agglutinins.  The tests that are not done on-site are sent to our reference lab daily, with a courier.  Reference test Turn-Around-Time is 48-72 hours, or 2-3 business days.  All Fungal cultures take eight weeks for completion.  Reference test results are returned several times a day via internet connections.
 
The Blood Bank provides blood and blood components for patients for both routine and emergency medical and surgical procedures. Some of the tests include blood typing and antibody for prenatal and surgical patients.  It  is the responsibility of the transfusion service to maintain an adequate blood supply to ensure the safe transfusion of blood and/or blood products.  The American Red Cross is our primary blood product supplier.  Blood Bank policies and procedures are in compliance with the Standards of the American Association of Blood Banks and with State and Federal regulations.

In the Microbiology department, bacteria, parasites, and viruses are isolated and identified.  Contemporary test procedures offered by this laboratory include rapid viral screening for Influenza A & B and RSV.  Some of the other tests offered are, rapid Strep screens, specialized antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and screening for C. diff toxins A&B (performed daily).

Pathologists in the anatomical pathology division are responsible for the diagnostic evaluation of tissues through cytologic, histologic, and microscopic examination.  They are also responsible for performing frozen section evaluations.

The autopsy service offers diagnostic studies for inpatients. The autopsy can assist in establishing a cause of death, identifying the presence of heritable or familial diseases, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.  Pathologists, Phillip Bridgman, MD and Scott Smith, MD, may be reached by calling 265-3300, ext. 1205.

The Potsdam Laboratory is available for outpatient collection and testing Monday through Friday 7am to 6pm and Saturday 7am to 3pm. The Canton collection site is open Monday through Friday 7am to 4pm and Saturday 8am to 11am.

Appointments should be scheduled through Centralized Scheduling 261-5240, 379-9872 or 1-800-227-1074.

Direct inquires may be accomplished by contacting:
Carlos Alberto                                                                    
Administrative Laboratory Director                                      
50 Leroy St.                                                                     
Potsdam, NY  13676                                                            
(315) 261-5942
(800) 337-9190

Karen Cox
Laboratory Supervisor
(315) 261-5940
x1228