Eastern Health's Laboratory Medicine Program is staffed by highly trained, dedicated professionals who collect samples and perform millions of specialized tests each year that help diagnose and treat disease.

We conduct tests on blood, body fluid and/or tissue samples using complex instruments and electronic equipment, and work as an essential part of your health care team. 

There are thousands of different tests that are performed in the areas of the medical laboratory. Some common tests include:

• Tests on blood and body fluid to detect chemicals, hormones and/or drugs
     Common Test: Blood Glucose (blood sugar) to diagnose and monitor diabetes. 
• Tests on blood, body fluid and/or tissue samples to detect bacteria, fungi, viruses, and/or parasites
     Common Test: Throat swab to detect strep throat.
• Tests to measure blood cells and to detect diseases/disorders of the blood
     Common Test: Hemoglobin Test to detect anemia.
• Blood typing and blood compatibility tests
     Common Test: Cross-matching for blood transfusions.
• Prepares samples of body tissue for tests to detect disease
     Common Test: Biopsy of a breast lump.
• Tests on cells taken from the body to detect cancer
     Common Test: Pap test to detect cervical cancer.
• Tests on chromosomes, DNA and RNA from cells of body fluids and tissues, to diagnose genetic diseases
     Common Test: Amniocentesis and other forms of pre-natal testing.

These are only a small sample of the many tests performed by Laboratory Medicine. Please visit other areas of the Laboratory Medicine section to learn more about our services.