Pathologielabor

PathologieLabor refers to a laboratory facility dedicated to pathology services, including anatomical pathology, cytology, and related diagnostic testing. Such labs process specimens from surgical resections, biopsies, cytology samples, and body fluids to determine the nature, cause, and grade of disease, notably cancer.

Typical workflow includes specimen accessioning, gross description, tissue processing, paraffin embedding, sectioning, and staining (most commonly hematoxylin and eosin). Slides are examined by pathologists who produce a diagnostic report. Additional tests may be required, such as special histochemical stains, immunohistochemistry, molecular pathology, and flow cytometry, to support classification and treatment decisions.

Laboratories may provide autopsy services, consultative pathology, and tumor profiling; some also participate in molecular cancer diagnostics, infectious disease testing, and research. Equipment includes microtomes, tissue processors, embedding centers, cryostats for frozen sections, automated stainers, microscopes, and digital scanners for whole slide imaging.

Quality assurance is maintained through standardized protocols, internal controls, participation in external proficiency testing, and accreditation by relevant authorities (for example CAP or ISO 15189 in many regions). Biosafety and waste disposal follow biosafety guidelines.

Staff typically include board-certified pathologists, histotechnologists or histotechnicians, cytotechnologists, and molecular technologists, with ongoing education and interdisciplinary collaboration with clinicians and surgeons. PathologieLabor plays a central role in patient diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning, and operates under patient confidentiality and regulatory compliance.