Microbiology: Conduct tests on Blood or other body fluids and/or tissue samples to detect bacteria, fungi, viruses, and/or parasites. Common test: Throat swab to detect strep throat.
Hematology: Conduct tests to evaluate blood cells and to detect diseases/disorders of the blood. Common test: Hemoglobin test to detect anemia ("low blood")
Biochemistry: Conduct tests on blood and other body fluids to detect chemicals, hormones and/or drugs. Common test: Blood glucose (blood sugar) levels to indicate the presence of, or to monitor diabetes.
Blood Services: Transfusion science conducts blood typing and blood compatibility tests. Common test: Cross-matching for blood transfusions.
Histology: Prepare samples of body tissues for tests to detect disease. Common test: Biopsy of a breast lump.
Cytology: Conduct tests on cells taken from the body to detect cancer. Common test: Pap test to detect cervical cancer.
Genetics: Conduct tests on chromosomes, DNA and RNA from cells of body fluids and tissues to diagnose genetic diseases. Common test: Amniocentesis and other forms of prenatal testing.
Other speciality areas include immunology, electron microscopy, virology, parasitology and flow cytometry.
