Introduction
Laboratory medicine is a medical department whose main task is to conduct and interpret tests related to the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of diseases using patient's blood, urine, feces, body fluids, and tissues.
Gachon University Gil Medical Center Laboratory Medicine is composed of Department of Clinical Chemistry, Diagnostic Blood, Clinical Microorganisms, Diagnostic Immunity, Molecular Genetics, Cell Genetics and Transfusion Medicine, as well as field studies (POCT), flow cytometry, urethral examination, and tissue compatibility testing. It acquires the new certification for excellent laboratory every year to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of the test. In addition, we provide the best medical services by quickly introducing the latest medical knowledge and examination techniques.
Area
Automation
The laboratory fully automated system was introduced in 2010 that operates 24/7, and is expected to be upgraded to the 3rd generation system very soon. This automated system can operate automatically for centrifugation of samples, test using biochemical equipment, immune equipment, refrigeration of samples and re-testing if necessary. In addition, biochemical tests such as general chemistry, special chemistry, urine chemical tests and immunological tests such as general immunity, viral markers, endocrine hormones, and tumor markers are provided through reliable and systematic results by strict quality control using integrated computerization.
Blood Part
Blood counts and hemoglobin are measured through complete blood counts (CBC), and a special blood test is used to diagnose blood cancer, such as clotting and leukemia to check for bleeding and blood clots. For general blood test, Sysmex XN, Advia 2120 series automatic blood cell measurement device can generate a result within 2 hours and test is performed 24/7. Blood coagulation tests - PT, APTT, Fibrinogen, Anti-thrombin III, D-Dimer, and Lupus anticoagulant tests - are run by an ACL-TOP analyzer, and platelet function tests are performed using the Multiplate method. We run about 800 bone marrow tests per year for the diagnosis of special blood diseases, and we work closely with flow cytometry, molecular diagnosis, and cytogenetics to provide accurate and fast comprehensive clinical diagnosis. Automated Digital cell morphology analyzer DI 60 is being used for slide speculum of samples suspected of abnormality in general hematology examination. In addition, it diagnoses malaria through cell counting of various body fluids such as cerebrospinal fluid, abnormal cell speculum, and peripheral blood smear.
Diagnostic Immunity Part
Various infection-related antigen/antibody tests and special immunity tests such as autoimmunity and allergy are available. In addition, special chemical tests such as tumor marker, drug, protein immunity test and glycated hemoglobin test are performed, and the accuracy of the test is guaranteed by using the optimal testing technique and the latest equipment for each test.
Microbiological Part
Various microorganism identification and antibiotic susceptibility tests, tuberculosis and fungal tests and rapid antigen tests are conducted to diagnose infectious diseases. Experienced examiners conduct tests using a variety of advanced equipment and report the results under the reading of a specialist. In addition, we are contributing to minimize medical-related infections by providing various microbial data for management of medical-related infections, rapid identification tests for major multi-drug resistant bacteria, extensive surveillance and culture test for patients and hospital environments.
Department of Genetics
Faculty of Genetics consists of Molecular Genetics and Cell Genetics.
Department of Molecular Genetics performs a variety of modern molecular genetic tests related to infectious disease, blood cancer, liquid biopsy and congenital genetic diseases. It plays an essential role in treatment of infectious diseases by quickly diagnosing infectious diseases for various bacteria and virus, and quantitatively analyze treatment responses. In addition, it provides the basis for determining the diagnosis and prognosis of blood cancer through leukemia fusion gene test and leukemia gene mutation test. In addition, we are helping to improve the level of expertise by supporting genetic testing of congenital genetic diseases including BRCA, family testing, and HLA testing related to transplantation.
Department of Cytogenetics conducts chromosome and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) tests to diagnose congenital chromosomal disorders, to diagnose blood tumors, to evaluate treatment responses, and to detect recurrence. Through the FISH test, we are diagnosing microdeletion syndrome that cannot be detected by chromosome testing alone. Cytogenetics part continues to strive for quality control and accurate and rapid testing.
Blood Transfusion Medicine Part
Blood Transfusion Medicine provides transfusion tests and blood products 24/7 using the latest equipment and computerized system for safe and appropriate transfusion. In addition to basic ABO and RhD blood type tests, blood transfusion tests include special blood type tests, blood type antibody titer tests, antiglobulin tests as well as non-anticipated antibody screening, identification and cross-check tests. In addition, various types of blood products such as red blood cells, platelets and plasma products are stored and supplied under strict management according to each regulation. In particular, we have a computerized system and a blood delivery system that can supply the best blood to patients who are unable to find suitable blood due to transplantation, specific blood types or various diseases. In addition, it is equipped with a blood product radiation irradiator to provide safe blood to immune decreased patients. Blood Transfusion Medicine part continues to strive for top quality control and safe blood transfusion by both medical specialists and staffs in charge.
Field Inspection Part
Field Inspection Part computerizes various field tests, such as blood glucose tests, blood gas tests, and cardiovascular marker tests, to make quick decisions in the field where patients are being treated, so that medical decisions can be made quickly, results can be monitored, and quality control can be done. In addition, we are in charge of systematic and continuous management of on-site by performing and managing necessity evaluation, various performance evaluation and correlation evaluation with pre-existing inspection at the stage of introducing new field inspection.