Four Different Types of Laboratories

Are you wondering what type of lab facility you need to hire for your needs?  Do you wonder who exactly is working to provide your medical testing needs when you send them your samples?  There are many types of lab facilities, including research labs, clinical labs, and hospital labs.   These laboratories are categorized depending on the type of service, purpose, and function they are providing their clients.  As a lab that specializes in diagnostic dermatopathology in Pittsburgh, PA, we help our medical partners make difficult diagnoses.  These are some of the most common types of lab facilities and the services they provide.

Diagnostic Labs

Diagnostic labs run tests on cell, tissue, and bodily samples, such as urine, blood, triglycerides, or cholesterols. Lab technicians, health professionals, and other medical experts will perform these tests to gain patient health information, such as disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. If they notice something when they are doing their testing, they may continue to request more information or more testing specimens so they can get a full picture and get the patient the right course of treatment.  It is common for diagnostic labs to be specialized and offer particular content areas within the medical world.

Hospital Labs

Similar to diagnostic labs, hospital labs primarily run tests on clinical specimens to obtain information on patient health in a timely manner.  This information is necessary in making patient diagnoses so that you can provide them with the right course of treatment and preventative medicine needed. Hospital laboratories often receive their funding through grants and may even run many assays. Although hospital labs are similar to diagnostic lab facilities, hospital labs are often used to perform emergency testing that is extremely time-sensitive.  For example, these services are great for those that come to the ER or require immediate medical attention.

Clinical Labs

Clinical laboratories help physicians diagnose, treat, and manage patients on a more widespread basis. These labs analyze and test patient specimens that will help them address the needs of medical and public health. When they are performing medical tests that can help the overall population, these are usually done in a clinical capacity.  They may take specimens from a sample of the population to determine trends in illnesses or diseases so that the can improve vaccinations, treatment options, and preventative medicine.

Research Labs

Research labs focus on scientific research or research in the humanities. Researchers that work in these labs are often associated with universities or medical programs.  Sometimes they are even performing work on their doctoral projects. Research labs in universities often include research labs, student labs, and demonstrative spaces for students to learn in a realistic environment.

These are a few types of lab facilities that perform tests, do research, or provide quality information to get a better understanding of certain illnesses, conditions, or other confusing principles.  As a lab that focuses on diagnostic dermatopathology in Pittsburgh, PA, we specialize in conditions of the skin that afflict many patients.  Contact us to hear about our range of diagnostic services today.