Laboratory & Pathology Services

Our pathologists are experts in cancer care. We help screen, diagnose, and stage cancer. We’ll work with your doctors to plan and monitor your treatment.

Learn about our services related to cancer screenings and diagnosis, as well as cancer treatments. We also specialize in treating specific cancers like skin cancer, lymphoma and leukemia, and cervical cancer.

Specialized Breast Pathology

We have advanced expertise in breast screening and diagnosis. Our pathologists work closely with the BreastCare Center to provide the best care for breast health and breast cancer.

Our multidisciplinary services include:

Each year, pathologists at BIDMC examine approximately 50,000 tissue specimens and perform nearly 8 million laboratory tests. Every blood or urine sample, throat culture and tissue specimen comes to the pathology laboratories at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) where pathologists examine, measure, analyze, and interpret to glean information that is critical to the care of that patient.

Pathologists Guide Treatment

Before a physician can begin to treat the patient, they must have as much information as possible about the specific disease the patient has and how it might respond to various treatments.

It is the special responsibility of the pathologist to examine and interpret the tissue biopsy and to conduct specialized tests to correctly identify the type of disease and help the treating physician develop the right treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcome. The experience and knowledge of the pathologist is critically important in this team effort.

Clearly, if the pathologist does not correctly diagnose the disease, then the treatment outcome may be compromised.

Research: Building on Division Strengths

We are also actively engaged in research efforts to enhance the accuracy and the thoroughness of tissue and laboratory diagnosis. Personalized medicine depends on the pathologist’s ability to analyze each patient sample and extract the right information to help the physician select the most appropriate treatment plan.

We are at the beginning of a revolution in individualized tissue diagnostics. Pathologists at BIDMC are leading the way in developing new, more comprehensive tests to produce the best possible clinical outcomes.

Learn about BIDMC's Cancer Center.

Your Lab Test Results & Records

Our team will let you know when and how to expect your test results. Many results will appear in your Patient Portal when they are ready. Learn more about your Medical Records.

On-Site Specimen Evaluation

During imaging procedures, our pathologists can evaluate specimens on-site to ensure accurate results. This helps you get the right diagnosis faster. Learn about our Radiology & Imaging services.

Blood Bank

Our blood bank plays a crucial role in patient care by providing blood products for surgeries, emergencies and other medical needs. This ensures that you have the necessary support during treatment.

Tissue Sample Collection

We examine tissue samples to help diagnose and treat conditions. The samples may be collected during surgery or biopsy. Other procedures are non-invasive or minimally invasive. One example is fine needle aspiration (FNA), which allows you a quick and accurate diagnosis with minimal discomfort.

Autopsy Services

For families who have lost a loved one, we offer autopsy services to help understand the cause of death. Our team is here to support you during this difficult time. If you have questions about this service, call Patient Relations at 617-975-9750.