The Laboratory at Cumberland Medical Center is a full service laboratory. Its people are healthcare professionals dedicated to giving the patient’s physician high quality test results, in a quick and efficient manner. People who come to Cumberland Medical Center for their laboratory testing needs, whether inpatient or outpatient, are treated with respect and are shown a concern for their privacy, and their well being.

The Laboratory provides services to the general population of Cumberland County and the surrounding area. All age groups are included, from the newborn to the geriatric patient. Services are provided to all patient types, including surgical, oncology, obstetrics, pediatrics, cardiac, trauma, and the general population of wellness patients.

The Laboratory has 51 employees, all of whom are certified in their specific areas of expertise. The staff consists of technologists, technicians, histotechnologists, cytotechnologists, phlebotomists, and various clerical personnel. The staff is overseen by a Laboratory Director and a Clinical Pathologist (MD).

Services provided include clinical chemistry, microbiology, parasitology, clinical microscopy, hematology, immunohematology, serology, anatomic pathology, cytology, and limited virology. These services utilize state of the art instrumentation, such as the Beckman LX20 in Chemistry, and the Beckman/Coulter HmX in hematology.

Clinical Chemistry does a variety of testing procedures to help the physician monitor a patient. These include tests such as Glucoses (Blood Sugar), Cardiac testing (CK, CKMB, TROPONIN I), Electrolytes, and Arterial Blood Gases. Chemistry also does testing to monitor the therapeutic drugs levels. A patient’s lipid levels (Cholesterol, HDL, & Triglycerides) can also be monitored in this department. Testing is done on state of the art instrumentation.

The Microbiology department tests specimen for the presence of abnormal bacteria and/or parasites. The specimen is inoculated to various growth media that allows any bacteria present to grow. If growth does occur the bacterial colony is subjected to numerous tests to identify the specific bacteria present. The Technologist then tests the bacteria against differing antibiotics to find one that will destroy the bacteria. Microbiology also tests specimen for the presence of parasites that could cause a variety of illnesses.

The Hematology department is composed of three areas: Hematology, Coagulation, and Urinalysis. The Hematology section does Complete Blood Counts (CBC) on blood specimens. This test monitors the patients White Blood Count, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, and Platelet Counts, as well as gives a differential count of the white blood cells. Testing done in this area helps the physician monitor a variety of conditions from infections to leukemia’s. The Coagulation section does testing to monitor patients on coagulation therapy. The results of the PT or PTT tests allow the physician to adjust the patient’s Coumadin or Heparin dosage. The Urinalysis area tests a patient’s urine for infection and/or kidney disease. The test is done in two parts: dipstick analysis and then microscopic analysis.

The Serology department tests specimen for a variety of illnesses. Blood serum specimens are checked for Lymes Disease, Mononucleosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and more. These tests check for an antibody in the patient’s serum against specific antigens in a test. If a positive result is found, it is reported to the physician for diagnosis and treatment.

Our laboratory collects and/or receives approximately 710,000 specimens for testing annually. We perform approximately 700,000 tests on the premises of C.M.C..

Our laboratory is accredited by both the State of Tennessee, and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

The main Laboratory is located on the second floor of Cumberland Medical Center. The Outpatient Lab is located on the first floor of the hospital, in the Admitting area. The Laboratory is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year round.

Cumberland Medical Center is a facility that has dedicated itself to helping others. The Laboratory is a part of this great organization, working together with you to provide quality healthcare for our community.