Clinical Laboratory & Onco - Pathology
Clinical Settings
The pathology and laboratory services at Andromeda Cancer Hospital are seamlessly embedded within the clinical workflows of all Clinical Laboratory & Onco - Pathology departments. We support a wide range of diagnostic needs across outpatient clinics, inpatient wards, day-care units, intensive care, and surgical theatres. Specimens are received from various clinical specialties such as breast oncology, gastrointestinal oncology, gynecologic oncology, thoracic oncology, head and neck oncology, genitourinary oncology, and hematolymphoid malignancies. The integration of our laboratory with clinical, surgical, and radiological departments ensures a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and patient care.
Types of Laboratory Services
Clinical Biochemistry
Our Clinical Biochemistry laboratory conducts an extensive range of biochemical investigations essential for baseline evaluation, disease monitoring, and treatment planning. Tests include blood glucose levels, liver and kidney function tests, lipid profiles, electrolyte balances, tumor markers, and enzyme assays. These tests provide vital insights into organ function, metabolic status, and systemic complications in cancer patients. Rapid turnaround times and automated analysis ensure accurate and timely results to guide therapeutic decisions.
Hematopathology and Clinical Pathology
Clinical Laboratory & Onco - Pathology services cover a broad spectrum of essential investigations such as complete blood counts (CBC), peripheral smear evaluations, reticulocyte counts, coagulation profiles, and urine analysis. These tests are critical in assessing anemia, infection, clotting abnormalities, and other systemic derangements commonly seen in cancer patients, either due to the disease itself or as a consequence of treatment. Our pathologists also interpret peripheral smears for morphological abnormalities, ensuring prompt detection of hematologic malignancies or treatment-related changes.
Microbiology
Our microbiology division is equipped to detect and identify a wide variety of infectious agents including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. We process blood, urine, sputum, pus, body fluids, and catheter tips for culture and sensitivity. Once a pathogen is isolated, advanced antibiotic sensitivity testing is conducted to guide clinicians in choosing the most effective antimicrobial therapy. This service is especially crucial in immunocompromised cancer patients who are at increased risk of life-threatening infections. Close coordination with treating oncologists ensures immediate communication of critical results.
Histopathology
Histopathology forms the cornerstone of cancer diagnosis. At Andromeda Cancer Hospital, our histopathology lab processes a wide range of tissue samples—from small endoscopic or needle biopsies to large, complex surgical resections. All specimens are carefully grossed and fixed in 10% buffered formalin before being processed and stained. Our pathologists then examine tissue slides under a microscope to evaluate the type, grade, margins, and staging of tumors. We adhere to internationally accepted guidelines such as those issued by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Our turnaround time is among the shortest in the region, without compromising accuracy.
Cytology
We offer comprehensive cytological services including Pap smears, body fluid cytology (pleural, ascitic, and pericardial), urine cytology, imprint cytology, and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Cytology plays an essential role in early cancer detection, especially for cancers of the cervix, thyroid, lymph nodes, and breast. FNAC is a minimally invasive technique that allows rapid diagnosis without the need for surgical biopsy. Our team ensures quick reporting, often within the same day, facilitating swift clinical decision-making.
Frozen Section
Frozen section is a rapid intraoperative diagnostic technique crucial in many cancer surgeries. During surgery, a fresh tissue sample is sent to the laboratory where it is frozen and cut into thin slices using a cryostat, stained, and examined by a pathologist—all within 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the operating surgeon to make real-time decisions, such as whether cancer margins are clear or additional tissue needs to be excised. Our hospital is equipped with the advanced Leica cryostat system, known for its precision and reliability. Frozen section is particularly valuable in breast-conserving surgery, sentinel lymph node biopsy, ovarian masses, and complex head and neck cancers. The availability of this facility often avoids the need for repeat surgeries and improves the chances of complete cancer removal in a single operation.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) enhances the accuracy of cancer diagnosis by detecting specific markers on tumour cells using antigen-antibody reactions. IHC is used to confirm the presence and type of cancer, determine the organ of origin in metastatic disease, and identify therapeutic targets such as ER, PR, HER2, and PD-L1. It is also helpful in assessing proliferation indices (e.g., Ki-67) and differentiating between benign and malignant lesions. Currently, IHC testing is outsourced to a reputed partner laboratory. However, we are in the process of establishing an in-house IHC facility to provide rapid and complete diagnostic services under one roof.
Advanced Molecular Testing
With relentless progress in the field of Clinical Laboratory & Onco - Pathology, advanced molecular testing is becoming a routine requirement. Search for genetic mutations as a cause of hereditary cancers, somatic mutation analysis, tumor mutation burden, liquid biopsies, testing of genome, transcriptome, proteome, etc is becoming more and more common. Flow cytometry is also used commonly for a variety of hematological malignancies. Andromeda Cancer Hospital ensures access to high quality testing in this domain through tie up with accredited laboratories.
Radical Specimen Reporting
For major cancer surgeries such as mastectomy, colectomy, gastrectomy, hysterectomy, or nephrectomy, our pathologists provide detailed specimen analysis and reporting. Each report includes tumor type and grade, resection margin status, lymph node involvement, lymphovascular invasion, and pathologic TNM staging according to AJCC/UICC standards. Tumor regression grading is also done for cases that have received neoadjuvant therapy. These detailed reports are essential for prognostication, adjuvant therapy decisions, and long-term follow-up. All complex cases are discussed in our multidisciplinary tumor board.
Turnaround Time
We understand the urgency and anxiety surrounding cancer diagnosis. That’s why our laboratory is committed to delivering results as quickly as possible:
Routine blood and biochemistry tests: within 2 to 4 hours
Diagnostic Histopathology reports: within 48 to 72 hours
Reporting of radical surgery Histopathology within 7 to 10 days
Frozen section diagnosis: within 30 to 45 minutes
Note: Any abnormal or critical result is immediately conveyed to the treating consultant to ensure timely clinical action.
Scope of Services
Our comprehensive laboratory and pathology services cover:
Diagnostic tissue biopsy and surgical specimen analysis
Fine-needle aspiration and cytology
Immunohistochemistry and biomarker profiling
Intraoperative frozen section support
Microbiology, biochemistry, Hematology, and immunology
Tumor board participation and expert second opinions
Recommendations for molecular and genomic testing
Research and clinical trial reporting support
Technology and Quality Assurance
Andromeda Cancer Hospital takes pride in maintaining high-end laboratory infrastructure that meets global standards. We utilize fully automated analyzers, tissue processors, and stainers to ensure consistency and precision. Our equipment includes cryostats for frozen sections, barcode-enabled sample tracking, and laboratory information systems (LIS) for seamless reporting. We implement rigorous internal quality control measures and regularly participate in external quality assurance schemes (EQAS) under national and international accreditation programs. This ensures our lab results are accurate, reproducible, and clinically relevant.
Conclusion
Andromeda Cancer Hospital's Clinical Laboratory & Onco - Pathology Department is the foundation of precise cancer diagnosis and treatment. The lab provides a full range of services, including biochemistry, hematopathology, microbiology, and histopathology, to support all clinical oncology departments.
The department is led by expert pathologists and a skilled team that uses state-of-the-art technology, like automated analyzers and cryostats for frozen sections, to ensure high-quality and timely results. With a strong commitment to quick turnaround times, Andromeda Cancer Hospital delivers critical reports—including detailed surgical specimen analysis and rapid cytology to facilitate prompt and effective patient care.
FAQs
Q. Why is pathology so important in cancer care?
Pathology provides the definitive diagnosis of cancer, determines the tumor type and stage, and guides the treatment plan. Without it, cancer therapy cannot be personalized or accurately targeted.
Q. How long does it take to get a biopsy report?
Most routine biopsy reports are available within 48 to 72 hours. Complex cases requiring special stains or IHC may take a bit longer.
Q. What is a frozen section, and when is it used?
A frozen section is a rapid biopsy method done during surgery to assess margins or lymph nodes. It allows immediate decision-making while the patient is still under anesthesia.
Q. What is immunohistochemistry, and why is it needed?
IHC uses specific antibodies to detect proteins in cancer cells. It helps in accurate tumor classification and guides targeted therapy selection.
Q. Can I get a second opinion on my pathology report?
Yes. All complex and challenging cases are reviewed in our tumor board, and second opinions are offered whenever needed for clarity or reassurance.
Q. Do you offer genetic or molecular testing?
Yes. We coordinate with reputed molecular labs to offer advanced genomic testing such as NGS, FISH, and PCR-based assays when clinically indicated.