CLINICAL LABORATORIES:
CHEMISTRY
The Chemistry section of the Central Core Laboratory uses multiple automated platforms as well as manual methods for measurement of electrolytes, basic and comprehensive metabolic panels, troponin, hormones, soluble tumor markers, lipids, glycohemoglobin, therapeutic drug monitoring, and detecting drugs of abuse. Specialized tests include measurement of amino acids for several inherited metabolic disorders and sweat chloride analysis for diagnosis of cystic fibrosis.
CYTOGENETICS
The laboratory performs standard high-resolution G-banding on blood, bone marrow, amniotic fluid and skin fibroblasts. A wide array of FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization) probes are used for characterization of inherited and acquired disorders, complex translocations, and other karyotypic abnormalities. It is the only laboratory in Suffolk County certified to perform cytogenetic analyses on pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) for the Children's Oncology Group (COG).
HEMATOLOGY
The Hematology section of the Central Core Laboratory uses automated analyzers, supplemented with manual verification and image analysis, for complete blood counts (CBCs) and WBC differentials. Routine Coagulation testing includes prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, D-dimer levels, fibrinogen, and rapid assays to screen for platelet dysfunction and monitor the effect of anti-platelet drugs. The Special Hematology/Coagulation section performs assays for coagulation factors and inhibitors, vWF, protein C and S, antithrombin, lupus anticoagulant, heparin levels, screening tests for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, and platelet function testing by impedance aggregometry. This section also tests for hemoglobinopathies using capillary electrophoresis and conventional electrophoresis.
HLA-TISSUE TYPING
The HLA lab utilizes bead-based immunoassays and PCR-based methods for tissue typing, cross-matching, and engraftment monitoring. The lab supports the renal transplant and stem cell transplant services at Stony Brook University Hospital and also performs deceased donor testing and crossmatching for LiveOnNY/UNOS. The laboratory is accredited by ASHI, in addition to NYSDOH and CAP.
IMMUNOLOGY
The Immunology laboratory performs autoantibody testing for rheumatological disorders; serum/urine protein electrophoresis and immunofixation for plasma cell disorders; QuantiFERON-TB testing for tuberculosis; and infectious disease serological tests for hepatitis, HIV, and syphilis, as well as Lyme disease tests (including EIAs and Western blots). The clinical flow cytometry section performs quantitative tests of lymphoid subsets for HIV/AIDS; complete leukemia/lymphoma panels for hematology-oncological disease diagnosis and monitoring; and additional flow-based tests. The laboratory also operates a separate flow cytometry research core facility for investigators throughout the university.
MICROBIOLOGY
The Microbiology Laboratory provides services in bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, and parasitology (virology testing is performed in the Molecular Genetics Laboratory). The lab uses standard culture techniques to detect bacteria, mycobacteria, and fungal organisms; biochemical panels and mass spectroscopy for organism identification; and multiple methods for susceptibility testing. The Parasitology section performs microscopic-based detection for a variety of protozoans and helminths. Common gastrointestinal pathogens (bacterial, protozoan, and viral) are detected with a multiplexed PCR assay.
MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICSThe Molecular lab performs tests in the areas of genetics (factor VLeiden and prothrombin mutations), oncology (quantitative RT-PCR assays for BCR-ABL), and microbiology. The latter includes high throughput and rapid tests for SARS-CoV-2 RNA; multiplexed PCR panels for other respiratory pathogens; automated platforms for detection of Chlamydia trachomatis/Neisseria gonorrhoeae, HPV, MRSA, and Clostridioides difficile; and HIV and HCV viral load tests.
TRANSFUSION SERVICES/BLOOD BANK/APHERESIS/DONOR PROGRAM
The Stony Brook University Hospital blood bank was one of the first hospitals in the nation to set up full automation for immunohematology testing. Automated and manual methods are used for ABO/Rh typing, detection and identification of allo-antibodies, and crossmatching. The Apheresis section performs RBC exchanges, WBC reductions, therapeutic plasmapheresis, photopheresis, and stem-cell collections. SBUH is also the only hospital in Suffolk County that has an on-site donor program; it collects whole blood and apheresis platelets. The blood bank is accredited by the FDA and FACT/NMDP as well as NYSDOH and CAP.
