Understanding Diagnostic Tests
A Comprehensive Guide to Modern Pathology: How routine and specialized clinical assays are performed, sample requirements, fasting guidelines, and analytical methodologies.
How Accredited Clinical Laboratories Classify Tests
Diagnostic pathology is structured into distinct accredited laboratory departments, each utilizing specialized automation, calibration standards, and analytical principles.
Clinical Biochemistry
Measures electrolytes, enzymes, blood glucose, lipids, and organ function markers (e.g., Liver LFT, Kidney KFT) using automated spectrophotometry and enzymatic assays.
Hematology & Coagulation
Analyzes cellular components of whole blood (RBCs, WBCs, Platelets, Hemoglobin) via automated impedance and laser flow cytometry, plus clotting factors (PT/INR, APTT).
Immunology & Serology
Detects antigen-antibody interactions, autoimmune antibodies (ANA, Anti-CCP), infectious serology (HIV, Hepatitis), and endocrine hormones using ECLIA and CLIA.
Clinical Microbiology
Cultures, isolates, and performs automated antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) on bacterial and fungal isolates from blood, urine, sputum, and tissue specimens.
Molecular Diagnostics (PCR & NGS)
Amplifies and sequences nucleic acids (DNA/RNA) for viral load monitoring (HBV, HCV, HIV), high-risk HPV genotyping, TB NAAT, and oncological mutation profiling.
Pre-Analytical Protocols: Why Fasting & Specimen Tubes Matter
Up to 70% of diagnostic laboratory errors occur during the pre-analytical phase—before the sample ever reaches the analyzer. Strict preparation ensures precision results.
10–12 hours overnight fasting (water is permitted and encouraged). Essential for accurate Fasting Glucose, Lipid Profiles (Triglycerides), and Insulin assays.
Cortisol, Testosterone, and ACTH follow circadian rhythms and should be collected between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM for accurate reference interval comparison.
Different anticoagulants (EDTA for CBC/NGS, Sodium Fluoride for Glucose stability, SST Gel for Serum Biochemistry) preserve specific analytes from degradation.
Explore 781 Pathology Tests in Directory
Reficio categorizes all canonical tests across 11 accredited disciplines with transparent specimen and fasting requirements.
Relevant Diagnostic Investigations
Explore verified pathology tests, precision genomic panels, and clinical guidelines related to Routine & Specialized Pathology Testing.
Standard & Specialized Pathology Tests
Liver Function • Sample: Refer to individual tests
Liver Function • Sample: 5 ml
Liver Function • Sample: Refer to individual tests
Hematology • Sample: 1 ml
Relevant Precision Genomics Assays
BRCA1, BRCA2, TP53, PALB2 • 10 to 14 working days
6,000+ OMIM-annotated human disease-causing genes encompassing all known Mendelian phenotypes • 14 to 21 working days
EGFR (Exons 18-21), KRAS (Codons 12, 13, 61, 146), NRAS, BRAF (V600) • 7 to 10 working days