70 percent of medical decisions made by our physicians rely on the diagnostic tests carried out by Osler's Laboratory Services team. Open all day, every day, our laboratories play a critical role in informing diagnosis and treatment decisions. Our medical laboratory technologists:
- study blood cells
- test body fluids and tissues
- prepare samples
- interpret test results that help physicians diagnose and treat patients
Our laboratories use cutting-edge technology. For example, laboratory physicians now use next-generation gene sequencing to examine the DNA changes that cause cancer. The technique helps them prescribe therapies tailored to treating each individual's cancer.
Osler laboratories are accredited to international quality and competence standards. We also partner with other hospital and community laboratories to provide a high quality, seamless patient experience.
Our Laboratory Services include:
- advanced diagnostics: evaluating tissue samples for gene mutations to identify candidates for targeted therapy. Requisition and contact information can be found in our Find a Doctor or Service directory.
- anatomical and surgical pathology: preparing tissue samples to support the microscopic detection and diagnosis of disease
- clinical chemistry: performing tests on blood and body fluids to detect chemicals, hormones and/or drugs
- cytology: screening cells from various samples for cancer
- flow cytometry: analyzing white and red blood cells to detect leukemia and lymphoma
- hematology: performing tests to measure blood cells and to detect diseases or blood disorders
- microbiology: performing tests on blood, bodily fluids and/or tissue to detect bacteria, fungus, viruses and/or parasites and provide important results for infection control
- point-of-care testing: providing quality assurance programs for patient testing at the bedside
- transfusion medicine: performing blood typing and compatibility testing
