Cook Children's Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Outpatient lab check-in

Driving and location information

Meet your team

All services are not available at all locations. Please call the Fort Worth Main Lab, 682-885-4300, first to confirm your service and location. The Prosper location does not have an outpatient lab. Phlebotomy services are performed by nursing staff for ED and inpatients only.

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Cook Children's provides comprehensive services in pathology, clinical laboratory and transfusion services. Our highly trained laboratory professionals are skilled at handling the unique needs of children and families.

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.