The pathology department at Decatur General is composed of two major branches, anatomical pathology, which is the application of procedures and techniques for investigation of tissue removed during surgical procedures, and clinical pathology, which is the evaluation of test results from hematology, chemistry, immunology and microbiology that are performed to assist the primary physician in making the most accurate diagnosis possible. Both the anatomical pathology and the clinical laboratories are accredited by the College of American Pathologists, the premier program for the accreditation of laboratories, and are directed by our pathologists who are board certified in both branches.

The pathologists make up a vital part of the tumor board, a weekly conference at which selected cancer cases are presented to physicians. Many of the cases are presented via the use of a video camera mounted on a microscope so the pathologists can show relevant histologic features of various neoplasms used in their diagnostic process. Intra operative frozen sections are performed when needed for immediate diagnosis of suspected malignant lesions to determine the adequacy of the margins of a neoplasm.

All histology and cytology specimens and autopsies are processed at Decatur General. The histology/cytology department performs a number of routine and special stains useful in the evaluation of malignant neoplasms. This department also processes fine needle biopsies and aspirations of lesions from many anatomical sites. Our in-house cytotechnologist and our pathologists examine cytology specimens as part of the evaluation process of patients with suspected neoplastic diseases.

The laboratories are staffed by a registered medical technologist, certified phlebotomists and histology/cytology/laboratory technicians 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The clinical laboratory performs a variety of diagnostic procedures to monitor oncology patients and to chemically determine tumor markers. Tests that are not performed at Decatur General are referenced to Mayo Medical Laboratories. Essential blood components for transfusion are provided through our blood bank and the American Red Cross.

James O. Dailey, MD
Pathology