| The Department of Pathology provides a comprehensive
laboratory diagnostic service to hospitals, clinics,
National Centers, institutions and the public health
service. It has over 360 staff including more than 30
medical doctors who are involved in undergraduate and
postgraduate teaching. The doctors in the various disciplines
will advise clinicians on the interpretation of test
results.
Currently more than 450 different tests are performed
across the major disciplines in clinical biochemistry,
histopathology and microbiology. Sub-specialties include
cytogenetics, immunology, cytology, mycobacteriology,
chlamydiology and virology. The Department uses the
latest proven technology to deliver its services in
a cost-effective and timely manner. As all the laboratories
are computerized the test results are sent directly
to the electronic medical records system. In addition,
reports may be printed at several locations in the clinics
and wards.
The department has a comprehensive quality assurance
program to ensure that results are consistently reliable.
It participates in a number of external proficiency
testing programs organized by international agencies
such as the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease
Control, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia,
College of American Pathologists and the United Kingdom
National External Quality Assurance Scheme.
The department of Pathology also plays a broader role
in the following:
- Assists the Ministry of Health in the accreditation
and auditing of laboratories as well as the use of
laboratory services.
- Works closely with the Ministry of the Environment
and the Ministry of Health in the prevention and control
of disease outbreaks.
- Advises the Ministry of Health on the development
of laboratory services in Singapore and issues relating
to infectious diseases, infection control, cancers
and metabolic diseases.
The Department was accredited by the Royal College
of Pathologists of Australasia on 21 August 2000 for
training in Anatomical Pathology, Chemical Pathology
and Microbiology and on 9 April 2001, accreditation
was granted for training in Immunology. The department
is also recognized for training by the Specialist Accreditation
Board.
The department has a wide range of on-going research
programs varying from HIV to tuberculosis to breast,
prostate, colorectal and stomach cancer research. The
International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research
(INCTR) has signed a memoranda of understanding whereby
the Histopatholgy section has been designated as an
institutional section helping the region, in particular
Indonesia, to develop its diagnostic pathologic facilities
and capabilities. Collaborative studies are also undertaken
with other departments nationally and internationally.
The Microbiology section participates internationally
in the surveillance of influenza, antibiotic resistance
of bacteria and dengue serotypes. The Virology laboratory
is also the National Laboratory for Poliomyelitis Eradication
and participates in the WHO Poliomyelitis Eradication
Program for the Western Pacific Region
Under construction
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