Cook Children's Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Please call the Fort Worth Main Lab, 682-885-1095, first to confirm your specific service and location.

Services are provided in the following areas

Anatomic pathology/histology

Includes the gross and microscopic examination of surgical specimens, immunohistochemistry, cytopathology and post-mortem studies.

Clinical chemistry

Involves the qualitative and quantitative testing of blood, urine and other body fluids. Standard chemistry tests offered include glucose, electrolytes, proteins, enzymes, hormones, and therapeutic drug monitoring. These results are essential in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Hematology/Coagulation/Urinalysis

Hematology is the study of blood, blood-forming organs, and blood diseases. Hematology testing includes the quantitative and functional analysis of red cells, white cells and platelets in blood and bone marrow. Coagulation studies include the analysis of proteins and enzymes involved in the body's bleeding and clotting processes. Urinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine and is used to detect a wide range of disorders, such as urinary tract infection, kidney disease and diabetes.

Mass spectrometry

An extension of the chemistry department introducing the technologies of chromatography and mass spectrometry for the accurate and specific analysis of small molecules. Applications include biochemical genetics, metabolite analysis and therapeutic drug monitoring.

Microbiology/Serology

Involves the study of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. Testing involves isolation, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of medically important pathogens. Serological testing is offered to detect antibodies produced by the body's response to an organism and can be helpful in making a diagnosis.

Molecular Diagnostic Testing (PCR)

Cutting edge molecular technology is used to perform rapid and accurate detection and identification of viral and bacterial pathogens.

Phlebotomy/Processing

Lab assistants at Cook Children's utilize pediatric expertise to collect blood, urine, and sweat specimens with exceptional patient care and minimal discomfort. Specimen processing involves receiving, handling and test preparation of patient samples delivered to the laboratory for testing.

Point-of-care testing

Involves rapid medical testing provided at or near the patient's bedside. This allows physicians to make immediate clinical decisions concerning patient care. Testing is conducted by Clinical Laboratory, Nursing, ED, Transport, Surgery and Respiratory staff. The Point-of-Care department in the Laboratory ensures all regulatory requirements and quality standards set forth by regulating agencies are followed.

Referrals

When a highly complex lab test is ordered, the Referral department locates a lab, processes, packages and ships the specimen following the appropriate referral lab directions and IATA, ICAO and US DOT regulations.

Transfusion services

Performs blood typing, antibody screening and cross-matching blood products to provide treatment of acute blood loss, chronic anemia, low platelet count and other bleeding disorders. This department provides services and clinical support for routine, pre-op, acute emergencies and ECMO patients.

If you have been referred to Cook Children's Palliative Care program, there are some things you can do ahead of time to help make your visit more comfortable. The following information is provided to help reduce anxiety and unnecessary stress for both you and your child.

Before your visit

Prior to your visit, you will want to contact your managed care provider with questions about your insurance coverage, co-payments or deductibles. You may also be contacted by a patient registration representative with benefit information for your service. Depending on your situation, you may want to meet with someone from our social services department for assistance with financial issues and, if you’re coming from out of town, information on transportation and accommodations.

What you'll need to bring

Bring the following information to your child's appointment:

• Your photo identification and insurance card(s).
• Paperwork for referrals, authorizations and physician's orders.
• You will be asked to pay any deductibles, co-payments or unmet out-of-pocket expenses that apply. For your convenience, most major credit cards are accepted.

Upon arrival at the medical center

Please check-in at Patient Registration on the day of your appointment to complete the registration process and receive directions to your appointment location

We're here to help.

If your child is living with a complex, chronic, or life threatening illness, we can help. If you would like to schedule an appointment or refer a patient to our staff, please call our offices at 682-885-1095.