The Pathology Department and Clinical Laboratory at Decatur General Hospital are both committed to the best possible level of patient care. There are two major branches of the Pathology Department at Decatur General. The branch most directly tied to diagnosing and classifying cancer is Anatomical Pathology, which is the application of procedures and techniques for investigation of tissue removed during surgical procedures. Playing a critical supporting role to Anatomical Pathology is Clinical Pathology, which facilitates the evaluation of hematological, chemical, immunologic and biologic procedures performed by the laboratory. These tests are done to assist the primary physician in making the most accurate diagnosis possible. The Anatomical and Clinical Pathology laboratories are accredited by the College of American Pathologists, the premier program for the accreditation of laboratories, and are directed by our pathologists, board certified in both branches.

The pathologists are a vital part of the Tumor board, which is a weekly conference where selected 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 or to determine the adequacy of the margins of a neoplasm.

All histology and cytology specimens, including autopsy specimens, 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. Cytology specimens are examined as part of the evaluation process of patients with suspected neoplastic diseases by our in-house cytotechnologist and our pathologists.

The Clinical Laboratory utilizes the latest technology available by having top-of-the-line instrumentation to perform the laboratory procedures required to support the diagnostic and treatment monitoring process. The laboratories are staffed by qualified, well-trained laboratory professionals and other support staff. Our Clinical Laboratory is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those tests not done at Decatur General are referenced to Huntsville Hospital Laboratory or Mayo Medical Laboratories. Essential blood components for transfusion are provided through our blood bank and LifeSouth Community Blood Services with additional products by the American Red Cross when necessary.

Patricia Springer-Gross, MD, (FCAP)
Pathology