The division of Clinical Chemistry & Hematology conducts laboratory testing to prevent, diagnose and assist in
monitoring disease states as patients are cared for in the County Health Departments.
Currently offered testing includes blood chemistry analyses, including
electrolytes, BUN, creatinine, uric acid, total bilirubin, AST, ALT, cholesterol,
HDL cholesterol, a calculated LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose.
- Hemoglobinopathy detection and identification using alkaline
electrophoresis is performed daily. Further reflex testing is performed
on a weekly basis as indicated utilizing acid agar electrophoresis.
- Complete Blood Counts (CBC), with or without electronic WBC differential counts, are
analyzed Tuesday through Saturday.
- Lymphocyte immunophenotyping on HIV positive patients is performed twice a week.
- Rh testing and red cell antibody screening for
prenatal testing are performed Monday through Friday.
Technology
- An automated chemistry analyzer is in operation Monday through Friday.
- A hematology analyzer is operated Tuesday through Saturday.
- Lymphocyte immunophenotyping is performed by flow cytometry.
- Tube hemagglutination is used to determine the Rh type.
- Testing for unexpected red cell antibodies uses a solid-phase detection procedure. Positives are further tested using tube hemagglutination.
Twenty-four hour turn-around time is provided in most cases Monday through Friday
with the exceptions noted in the test section above.
Detailed, current information on available testing, and guidelines for ordering, collection,
transport, and submission of specimens is available in the
Laboratory Services Guide.
