Types of Tests / Lab Resources

Chemistry:
Chemistry performs a wide variety of tests using the most current technology. It is defined as the scientific study of matter and the various compounds of the elements as it relates to the human body. Common tests analyzed in the chemistry laboratory are glucose, cholesterol, BUN, creatinine, potassium, liver and heart enzymes, thyroid  tests and hormone tests, and PSA.  CMH offers a variety of chemical analyses and a large array of tests including General chemistry  clinical endocrinology, toxicology, therapeutic drug monitoring, urinalysis and fecal analysis for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Hematology:
Blood is basic to almost all the body's functions, and a blood test can reveal more about your physical condition than almost any other kind of examination, so hematology is an important medical specialty, with many separate subjects. Since blood cells are formed in the bone marrow, the bones are one important focus for hematologists. The coagulation, or thickening, of the blood is another important subject, since coagulation is what keeps us from bleeding to death from even small wounds. And there are dozens of serious blood diseases, including anemia (a lack of red blood cells) and leukemia (cancer involving a buildup of white blood cells).
Microbiology:
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms including algae, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses. Any bodily fluid or tissue can be cultured for infectious disease. Once bacteria grows in culture, it can be tested against many different antibiotics to find the most effective for fighting the infection while limiting opportunities for antibiotic resistance.

Molecular diagnostics:
Molecular diagnostics is growing rapidly.  Molecular diagnostic tests detect specific sequences in DNA or RNA that may or may not be associated with disease, including single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), deletions, rearrangements, insertions and others. Clinical applications can be found in at least six general areas: infectious diseases; oncology; pharmacogenomics; genetic disease screening; human leukocyte antigen typing; and coagulation

Transfusion Services/Immunology:
Transfusion Services provides blood transfusion support by providing the patient with red cells, plasma, cryoprecipitate, or platelets. Testing is performed on the patient’s blood specimen prior to transfusing to make sure compatible blood is given. Blood products dispensed  by Caribou Memorial are supplied by the American Red Cross of Boise, Idaho.

Immunology:
Immunology is the study of immune products such as antibodies produced by the body in response to foreign material.

Molecular diagnostics:
Molecular diagnostics is growing rapidly.  Molecular diagnostic tests detect specific sequences in DNA or RNA that may or may not be associated with disease, including single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), deletions, rearrangements, insertions and others. Clinical applications can be found in at least six general areas: infectious diseases; oncology; pharmacogenomics; genetic disease screening; human leukocyte antigen typing; and coagulation.  CMH offers a wide variety of molecular testing for infectious diseases. These assays can cover multiple syndromic areas with high levels of efficiency, accuracy and flexibility to improve outcomes for all.