Laboratory medicine / pathology
Sonic Healthcare is the largest provider of laboratory medicine / pathology in Australia, Germany and Switzerland. We also have a significant presence in North America and across Europe.
Our state-of-the-art laboratories are staffed by more than 1,300 specialist pathologists and thousands of medical scientists and technicians, providing clinicians with timely and accurate results for optimal patient management.
What is laboratory medicine / pathology?
Laboratory medicine / pathology is the branch of medicine that studies samples of blood, urine, tissue and bodily fluids to identify patients at risk of disease, to determine the cause and nature of disease, and to guide and monitor treatment and progress of disease management.
Laboratory medicine results provide clinicians with the information they need to manage patients in a timely and appropriate way, enabling optimal health outcomes for the individual as well as the community.
Laboratory medicine informs almost every aspect of modern medicine and is necessary in 70% of all medical diagnoses and in every single cancer diagnosis. It provides doctors with vital information about what is affecting the patient, so they can determine the best course of action. This can range from understanding which type of antibiotics to prescribe for a particular infection, through to guiding the surgeon to ensure complete removal of a tumour and the required follow-up treatment.
Types of laboratory medicine / pathology testing
Biochemistry
The measurement of different chemical substances in the body.
Cytopathology
The study of cells and cell structure to detect cancerous and pre-cancerous changes.
Genetics
The prediction and diagnosis of genetic disorders and cancer using cutting-edge technologies that perform DNA, RNA and chromosome testing.
Haematology
The study of blood cells, blood producing organs and blood diseases.
Histopathology
The examination of tissue samples by anatomical pathologists to diagnose cancer and other conditions.
Immunoserology
The measurement of antibody levels and other factors in the blood to assess immune status and diagnose diseases.
Microbiology
The study of disease-causing organisms, including bacteria and fungi.
Molecular pathology
The study of DNA, RNA and proteins for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.
Prenatal testing
Screening for genetic conditions either prior to conception, or during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.
Toxicology
The testing of body fluids to detect the presence of chemicals, drugs or toxins.
Ancillary functions
All technical functions are supported by quality staff in Collection Centres, IT, Couriers, Specimen Reception, Data Entry, Stores, Accounts, Results and Communications.