Introduction to medical Laboratory

Introduction

Laboratory is a place that is equipped with different instruments,

equipments and chemicals (reagents) etc., for performing
experimental works, research activities and investigative
procedures.

Medical laboratory is one part of the laboratory that is equipped

with various biomedical instruments, equipments, materials and
reagents (chemicals) for performing different laboratory
investigative activities by using biological specimens (whole blood,
serum, plasma, urine, stool, etc ).
 Classification of medical laboratories

The world Health Organization (WHO) lists four kinds of levels of

laboratories based on their biosafety.
 Basic laboratory (level I)

 Basic laboratory (level II)

 Containment laboratory (Level III)

 Maximum containment laboratory (Level IV)

 Basic laboratory level I
Basic laboratory level I is the simplest kind
and adequate for work with organisms
which have low risk to the individual
laboratory personnel as well as to the
members of the community. Such
organisms are categorized under Risk
Group I by WHO. These organisms are
unlikely to cause human diseases.
Example, food spoilage bacteria,
common molds and yeasts.
 Basic laboratory level II
Basic laboratory level II is suitable for work
with organisms that predispose to
moderate risk to the laboratory worker and
a limited risk to the members of the
community. Such organisms are
categorized under Risk Group II by WHO.
They can cause serious human diseases
but not serious hazards due to the
availability of effective preventive
measures and treatment. Example,
staphylococci and streptococci.
 Containment laboratory (Level III)
Containment laboratory is more advanced
and it is used for work with infectious
organisms that present a high risk to the
laboratory personnel but a lower risk to
the community. Such organisms are
categorized under Risk Group III by
WHO. Example, Tubercle bacilli,
Salmonella typhi and HIV .
 Maximum containment laboratory (Level IV)
Maximum containment laboratory is

planned for work with viruses, which

predispose to a high risk for both

laboratory personnel and the community.

Such organisms are categorized under

Risk Group IV by WHO. Example, Small

pox, Ebola, Lassa fever and others. Most

of these organisms cause serious

disease and readily transmitted from on

person to another.
 Role Of Medical Laboratory Services
The medical laboratory services play a essential role in
 Treating patients and monitoring their response to treatment.

 Monitoring the development and spread of infectious and dangerous

pathogens (disease causing organisms),
 Deciding effective control against major prevalent disease,

 Deciding health priorities and allocating resources.

 Without Reliable Laboratory Services:
 The source of a disease may not be identified correctly.

 Patients are less likely to receive the best possible care.

 Resistance to essential drugs may develop and continue to spread.

 Epidemic diseases may not be identified on time and with

confidence.
 Types Of Laboratories
many countries, there are two main types of labs

1. Hospital laboratory are attached to a hospital, and perform

tests on patients.

2. Private (or community) laboratory receive samples

from general physician, insurance companies, clinical research
sites and other health clinics for analysis.
 Laboratory Departments
In many countries there are mainly three types of Medical
Laboratories.
1. Clinical Pathology: Hematology, Histopathology, Cytology, Routine
Pathology
2. Clinical Microbiology: Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology,
Immunology, Serology.
3. Clinical Biochemistry: Biochemical analysis, Hormonal assays etc.
Blood Banks
Blood bank is a separate body. Its laboratory need Microbiological
analysis for infectious diseases that may be found in blood. also to observe
Blood grouping, Hematology & cross matching reactions.