Laboratory Services

Welcome to the Laboratory Department

Our mission is to provide the highest quality care with outstanding values and superior service for both patients and providers.

Clinical laboratory results influence 70% to 80% of all the medical decisions healthcare providers make. Our Clinical Laboratory’s testing services provide clinical value and build knowledge that can lead to earlier detection, diagnosis and more effective treatment of illness through efficient and accurate testing.

Routine outpatient hours are Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The laboratory is closed on Saturday and Sunday for outpatients.

Accreditation

Monroe Surgical Hospital Laboratory is accredited by COLA. Under the direction of our board-certified pathologists, licensed medical technologists perform testing on blood and other body fluids to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of illness.

COLA is a physician-directed organization whose purpose is to promote health and safety through accreditation and educational programs.

Laboratory Services

Testing and services available through the Clinical Laboratory at Monroe Surgical Hospital include:

  • Chemistry
  • Hematology
  • Coagulation
  • Urinalysis
  • Serology
  • Blood Bank / Transfusion Services
  • Point-of-Care Testing
  • Reference Lab Testing referrals
  • Pathology & Cytology
  • Bone Marrow Biopsy & Fine Needle Aspiration

Laboratory Results

Monroe Surgical Hospital Laboratory reports the results of test procedures processed onsite to the healthcare provider the same day during regular business hours.

Core Laboratory

The Core Laboratory of Monroe Surgical Hospital consists of the Chemistry, Hematology, Urinalysis, Serology and Coagulation departments. The laboratory uses state-of-the-art technology, including automated analytic systems and information management systems, to ensure quality testing and rapid results for health care providers.

Chemistry tests

  • Profiles include:
    • BMP
    • CMP
    • Renal
    • Liver (Hepatic)
    • Lipid
    • Thyroid
  • Other individual tests:
    • CPK, Amylase, Phosphorus, Magnesium, CRP, Free T4

Hematology tests

  • CBC with platelet (without diff, with auto diff, or with manual diff [if specific criteria are met])
  • Sed Rate

Coagulation tests

  • Protime (PT) with INR
  • PTT

Urinalysis tests

  • Urinalysis, dipstick (no microscopic)
  • Urinalysis with microscopic (if specific criteria are met)

Kit Tests

  • Serum and Urine pregnancy test
  • Occult Blood
  • Influenza A & B
  • Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Test

Blood Bank/Transfusion Services

The Blood Bank at Monroe Surgical Hospital performs routine blood typing, antibody screening and compatibility testing to support the hospital surgical and medical services’ transfusion needs. LifeShare Blood Center provides packed red blood cells, platelets, fresh frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate for patient use.

Point-of-Care Testing

Laboratory testing devices have become increasingly smaller and easier to use. Technicians can now perform lab tests at the point of care (the patient’s bedside) more frequently. Common point-of-care tests (POCT) at Monroe Surgical Hospital are blood glucose and arterial blood gas.

When used to provide information for screening, diagnosis, or prevention of any disease or impairment, all waived and POCT done at Monroe Surgical Hospital meet all our accrediting agencies’ regulatory requirements. The Clinical Laboratory medical director is responsible for overseeing and monitoring the POCT program’s regulatory compliance.

Pathology & Cytology

The Pathology & Cytology Department offers services for all types of specimens, including tissue, bone and body fluids, to provide accurate diagnostic information to the provider. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are performed by the pathologist by appointment. The pathologist is also available to assist with scheduled Fine Needle Aspirations.

Referral Testing

Monroe Surgical Hospital Laboratory will refer specimens to licensed and accredited referral laboratories only for test procedures not available onsite. The laboratory report form will indicate the name of the laboratory actually performing the examination.