Laboratory Services & Diagnostics

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are invasive yet essential diagnostic procedures used to evaluate the production and quality of blood cells within the bone marrow. Typically performed under local anesthesia, the procedures involve collecting samples from the iliac crest (hip bone) to assess hematopoietic function and identify abnormalities. The aspiration draws the liquid portion of the marrow, while the biopsy retrieves a small solid core to examine tissue architecture.

These procedures are instrumental in diagnosing blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. They also help identify marrow failure syndromes, unexplained anemia, pancytopenia, and metastatic infiltration by solid tumors. In post-transplant settings, bone marrow tests evaluate graft function and detect potential complications such as graft-versus-host disease.

While the process may sound intimidating, it is usually well tolerated with minimal recovery time. The information derived is invaluable for creating accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans. Advances in imaging guidance and needle design have further improved the safety and precision of these procedures.

• Diagnoses leukemia, lymphoma, and marrow infiltration 
• Evaluates anemia, thrombocytopenia, or pancytopenia 
• Monitors marrow response post-chemotherapy or transplantation 
• Helps guide prognosis in hematologic disorders 
• Performed with minimal risk and high diagnostic value 

Coagulation profiles are a series of tests that evaluate how well a person’s blood clots. These tests are essential before surgical procedures, during anticoagulant therapy, and when assessing unexplained bleeding or clotting events. Commonly included tests are Prothrombin Time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT), International Normalized Ratio (INR), and fibrinogen levels. Together, they offer a detailed picture of the coagulation pathway.

These assessments are especially crucial in patients with liver disease, inherited clotting disorders like hemophilia, or those on medications such as warfarin or heparin. In critical care settings, they help manage patients at risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), thrombosis, or major hemorrhage. They also serve as vital tools in obstetrics to identify complications like eclampsia or placental abruption.

Beyond diagnosis, coagulation profiles are regularly used to monitor therapy and adjust drug dosages. They provide real-time feedback to clinicians on how a patient’s blood is responding, enabling timely intervention and reducing the risk of complications.

• Detects bleeding disorders and hypercoagulable states 
• Essential before surgeries or invasive procedures 
• Assists in medication management and dosage adjustment 
• Monitors conditions like hemophilia, DVT, and liver failure 

Crucial in emergency and critical care diagnostics

Immunophenotyping is a highly specialized laboratory technique that uses flow cytometry to analyze the specific types and characteristics of cells, particularly immune and blood cells. This method identifies cell surface markers, which are proteins unique to certain cell types, helping classify diseases at a molecular level. It plays an especially vital role in diagnosing and subtyping leukemias, lymphomas, and other hematologic malignancies.

By using fluorescent-labeled antibodies, immunophenotyping can distinguish between B-cells, T-cells, NK cells, and abnormal cells that may not be evident under a microscope. This distinction is critical because the subtype of cancer significantly influences treatment decisions and prognosis. The method also enables the detection of minimal residual disease (MRD), helping clinicians understand how well a patient has responded to therapy and if any cancer cells remain.

The test is quick, precise, and highly informative. It has become a gold standard in hemato-oncology diagnostics and is increasingly used in autoimmune and immunodeficiency assessments as well.

• Differentiates between types of blood and immune cells 
• Crucial for leukemia and lymphoma classification 
• Enables early diagnosis and treatment stratification 
• Detects residual disease post-treatment 

Supports personalized, targeted treatment approaches

Molecular diagnostics involve the analysis of genetic material (DNA or RNA) to identify disease-specific mutations, gene rearrangements, or abnormal protein expressions. This approach provides a deeper understanding of disease biology and enables highly tailored therapeutic strategies. In hematology, molecular diagnostics are pivotal for identifying mutations such as BCR-ABL in chronic myeloid leukemia, JAK2 in polycythemia vera, and NPM1 in acute myeloid leukemia.

The impact of these tests extends beyond diagnosis. They help determine disease risk, predict prognosis, and guide the use of targeted therapies like tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Molecular techniques like PCR, FISH, and next-generation sequencing are capable of detecting even a small number of abnormal cells, improving sensitivity and early detection.

In infectious disease diagnostics, molecular methods have revolutionized the detection of pathogens by reducing turnaround times and improving specificity. These tests also play a crucial role in monitoring treatment efficacy and detecting resistance mutations. Their growing application in prenatal, oncology, and transplant medicine reflects their versatility and clinical value.

• Detects gene mutations linked to hematologic cancers 
• Informs precision medicine and treatment selection 
• Identifies drug resistance and monitors relapse 
• Enables early diagnosis and screening 

Applicable across oncology, virology, and genetic medicine

Laboratory services and diagnostics represent the core of accurate and personalized healthcare. They bridge the gap between symptoms and diagnosis, enabling clinicians to make informed, evidence-based decisions. The integration of traditional tests like CBC and bone marrow biopsies with advanced tools like immunophenotyping and molecular diagnostics allows for a deeper, more nuanced understanding of health and disease. 

At Kannappa Memorial Hospital, our diagnostic infrastructure is built to ensure precision, speed, and reliability at every stage. With a commitment to excellence and patient-centered care, we strive to provide comprehensive diagnostic solutions that support better health outcomes. Trust begins with accurate diagnosis, and we are proud to be your partner in delivering that assurance.