UHNM Pathology Department
The Pathology Directorate provides a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment monitoring service for North and South Staffordshire and beyond. Each year Pathology analyses in excess of one million samples, making it one of the largest laboratories in the country, and we employ over 450 well-trained, experienced and dedicated members of staff.
The modern PFI hospital complex at the Royal Stoke site offers an excellent purpose built laboratory with Pathology services occupying the second floor, bringing it closer to other clinical services, with multidisciplinary meeting rooms and a new mortuary located on the lower ground floor of the same building. Our Microbiology and Histopathology services have been centralised at the Royal Stoke site, whilst our Blood Sciences departments (Biochemistry / Haematology) have followed a hub and spoke model with an essential services laboratory located at the County Hospital site.
Our Departments and Services
The Pathology Directorate is comprised of the following departments and services:
Biochemistry
Involved in diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease through analysis of bodily fluids such as blood, urine and CSF. The results of biochemical tests are vital in selecting the most appropriate management pathways, and providing the best possible care for patients. Part of Blood Sciences with facilities at both Royal Stoke and County Hospital sites.
Haematology
Concerned with the study of blood, the blood-forming organs and blood diseases. It includes the study of aetiology, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention of blood diseases. Part of Blood Sciences with facilities at both Royal Stoke and County Hospital sites.
Histology
This is the study of tissue sectioned as a thin slice. Histopathology is an important tool in anatomical pathology, since accurate diagnosis of cancer and other diseases usually requires histopathological examination of samples. Facility at Royal Stoke site only.
Immunology
This covers the study of all aspects of the immune system. It deals with the physiological functioning of the immune system in states of both health and disease; malfunctions of the immune system in immunological disorders and the physical, chemical and physiological characteristics of the components of the immune system. Part of Blood Sciences with a facility at Royal Stoke site only.
Microbiology
This involves the examination of a wide range of samples to look for microorganisms which cause disease and includes bacteriology, Serology and molecular microbiology. Facility at Royal Stoke site only.