HSN does not provide routine outpatient blood collection services. Please contact your local community laboratory to inquire about outpatient services and locations.
For Referral Clients - The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology is pleased to provide referral testing services. Should you require more information, please contact the Laboratory office at 705-523-7100 poste 4777.
Phlebotomy is the taking of blood from a vein. This procedure is often the first step in the work of an MLT. Blood samples are used to perform many of the laboratory tests ordered by physicians. Phlebotomy is part of a Controlled Act in Ontario.
Biochemistry is the study of the chemical and physiochemical processes of living organisms. As the study relates to humans, the medical laboratory technologist (MLT) performs a wide variety of biochemical analyses, including those to determine cholesterol and thyroid levels, enzyme levels for heart disease, and glucose levels for the diagnosis and management of diabetes. Measurement of chemical components including hormones and drugs in blood and body fluids. Common test: Blood glucose (blood sugar) test to diagnose and monitor diabetes.
Hematology deals with blood, blood forming tissues and the related cellular components. Investigation of bleeding or coagulation disorders, such as hemophilia, and monitoring of test results from patients taking anticoagulants are also performed in this specialty. Common test: Hemoglobin test to detect anemia.
Transfusion Medicine: Technologists working in transfusion science study antigens and antibodies associated with blood transfusions and certain complications of pregnancy. Determination of blood types. Common test: Cross-matching for blood transfusions.
Histology/Pathology deals with the microscopic identification of cells and tissues and the detection of disease. Histology technologists work with tissue biopsies and larger specimens from operating rooms. This work is sometimes performed on an urgent basis so surgeons can decide how to proceed in the best interest of a patient undergoing surgery. Common test: Biopsy of a breast lump.
Cytopathology is the study of the origin, formation, structure, function and classification of cells. The identification of normal and cancerous cells also falls within this discipline. Common test: Pap test to detect cervical cancer.
Microbiology is the study of bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites that invade the body. Common test: Throat swab to detect strep throat.
Flow Cytometry offers advanced cellular diagnostic services. testing includes the diagnosis of leukemia lymphoma and the monitoring of immune deficiency.
Cytogenetics is the study of chromosomes and the diseases associated with an abnormal number or structure of chromosomes. Common test: Amniocentesis and other forms of pre-natal testing.
Molecular Genetics - A strategic priority in the Ontario Cancer Plan for 2011-2015, personalized medicine focuses on the science of using a patient’s genetic information to predict cancer and its prognosis, and to diagnose, monitor and select cancer treatments most likely to benefit that individual. Our molecular diagnostics lab provides such information for patients with leukemias, lymphomas and solid tumours such as colon cancer. Common test: PCR-monitoring for minimal residual disease in patients on therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia.