The Department of Laboratory Medicine provides relevant testing and diagnostic services to physicians, healthcare providers, researchers and epidemiologists for the benefit of patients and of the general population of Singapore.

We adhere to high quality standards by conforming to the regulatory requirements set by the Ministry of Health of Singapore as well as the accreditation requirements from the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Aside from CAP, we also subscribe to external quality assurance programmes provided by RANDOX International Assessment Scheme (RIQAS), the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA), Quality Control for Molecular Diagnostics (QCMD) and the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) of Singapore.

We have adopted a quality management system which aims to produce accurate, reliable and timely results. All staff are committed to the culture of quality and share the responsibility for identifying nonconformities or opportunities for improvement to ensure that the laboratory continuously meets the needs of its internal and external customers. We maintain a competent workforce by engaging them in continuous learning.

The services offered by the laboratory include Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Immunology, Haematology and Coagulation, Blood Transfusion, Urine and Body Fluids, Special Chemistry, Clinical Microbiology, Anatomic Pathology, Molecular Diagnostics and Point-of-Care testing.

Anatomic Pathology

The Anatomic Pathology section offers Cytopathology and Histopathology services. Cytological examination is generally for the cytological detection of malignancy. The Cytology section performs screening of cervico-vaginal samples, as well as, interpretation of non-gynaecological and fine needle aspiration specimens.

Cytopathology Services

Liquid-based gynaecological cytology
Non-gynaecological cytology for pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, urine, sputum, broncho alveolar lavage (BAL)
Fine needle aspiration cytology from various superficial and deep tissues
Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA)
Renal Medicine
Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
Rheumatology

Histopathology Services

The Histopathology section offers surgical, anatomical and consultative pathology services.

Histopathology Services

Routine surgical specimen

Routine surgical biopsies

Frozen section service

Immunohistochemistry

Blood Gases, Urine and Body Fluids

The section tests blood, urine, and other body fluids using a variety of techniques including:

Blood gas analysis and co-oximetry
Urine chemistry and microscopy examination for presence of cells and formed elements
Body fluid chemistry and cell count
Rapid dengue serology test and Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test for syphilis

Blood Transfusion

The Blood Bank Section provides safe transfusion services through the implementation of the electronic blood and blood product transfusion workflow in Singapore. This workflow was introduced to:

Enhance patient safety
Achieve a hassle-free blood and blood products and plasma derivatives requisition and administration process
Achieve a seamless integration and flow of information in real time
Preserve data integrity and provide audit trails, and to reduce clutter from paper-based workflow

The scope of services include:

Blood grouping
Rhesus typing
Antibody screening
Direct Coomb's Test or Direct Agglutination Test
Compatibility testing

Clinical Chemistry and Immunology

The section is highly automated to ensure efficiency and quality in handling thousands of laboratory test requests every day. The section provides 24 hours services with a comprehensive menu of clinical chemistry and immunology tests for serum, plasma, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and other body fluid specimens.

The testing menu includes:

Renal panel
Liver panel
Lipid studies
Calcium studies
Urine chemistries
Cardiac biomarkers
Diabetes monitoring
Endocrinology testing
Therapeutic drug monitoring
Tumour markers
Virology and serology

Immunohaematology

The scope of services include:

Blood grouping
Rhesus typing
Antibody screening
Direct Coomb's Test or Direct Agglutination Test
Compatibility testing

Haematology

We offer a comprehensive scope of haematology and coagulation tests to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of different diseases. The services include full blood count, reticulocyte count, blood film morphology, ESR, blood-borne parasite screening and coagulation assays like PT/INR, APTT, quantitative D-Dimer, fibrinogen, thrombin time, mixing studies and lupus anticoagulant tests. Equipped with state-of-the-art instruments like digital imaging and software-based algorithms, the section delivers fast and accurate results. Haematology consultants are present for training and expert advice for clinical and technical matters.

Microbiology

We perform a range of tests pertinent to the diagnosis of infectious diseases, covering areas such as Bacteriology, Mycology and Parasitology. Tests performed by this section include bacterial culture, identification and susceptibility testing, Acid Fast Bacilli smear testing (for mycobacteria) and identification of medically important fungal pathogens and parasites.

Molecular Diagnostics

We offer tests for the detection of infectious agents by molecular methods. The section also offers molecular tests for the monitoring of Hepatitis B and C viral loads and antibiotic-resistant genes and provides diagnostic support to the clinical needs in times of pandemic crisis (eg. SARS-CoV-2).

Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)

The key objective of Point of Care testing is to generate rapid results which is helpful in streamlining the patient diagnostic processes. POC testing enables physicians to make rapid triage and treatment decisions to provide patient with the most effective and efficient care. The devices are readily available for bedside testing providing fast results during critical moments when every second counts. The POC test menu includes:

Blood gases and electrolytes
Glucose
PT/INR
Glycated haemoglobin
Haemoglobin
Urine pregnancy test
Urine dipstick
Blood ketone
Viscoelastic testing
Activated clotting time

Special Chemistry

The section supports a variety of assays that use more specialised methodologies including chemiluminescent immunoassays, automated enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISA), immunoblot technique, capillary electrophoresis and immunofixation gel electrophoresis. The section offers specialised diagnostic tests which includes thalassaemia screening, myeloma screening, autoimmune disease workups, infectious disease testing and faecal calprotectin testing.