The Clinical Chemistry Laboratory is a state-of-the-art, fully automated laboratory. Clinical Chemistry includes STAT and routine testing in the areas of general chemistry, endocrinology, special chemistry, immunology and toxicology. The Clinical Chemistry Laboratory services the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System and the University of Illinois Reference Laboratory.

The Chemistry Laboratory performs 5 million reportable tests per year. The laboratory has a Beckman lab automation system, Power Express, Beckman AU5800s, Beckman Unicel DxIs, Abbott Architects, Radiometer blood gas analyzers, Bio-Rad Variant II instruments and  Agilent graphite furnace atomic absorption instruments. The testing menu includes routine chemistry and specialty testing such as hemoglobinopathy, tumor markers, reproductive hormones, hepatitis testing, therapeutic drug monitoring and infectious disease tests.

Director
Ming Jin, PhD, DABCC
Phone: 312-996-1625

Manager
Carmen Brana-Mulero, MS, MT(ASCP)
Phone: 312-996-5737
Email: cbmulero@uic.edu

Supervisors

• Chemistry/Quality Assurance:
  Linda Filson, MT(ASCP)
  Phone: 312-413-4768
  Email: lfilson@uic.edu
• Laboratory Automation:
  Archana, Shah, BS, MT(ASCP)
  Phone: 312-355-2044
  Email: archana1@uic.edu
• Evening Shift:
  Jignasa Patel, MT(ASCP)
  Phone: 312-996-8198
  Email: jgnasap@uic.edu
• Night Shift:
  Anitha Daniel, MT(ASCP)
  Phone: 312-355-2044
  Email: adaniel@uic.edu

Contact Information

• Hours of Operation:  24 hours/day, 7 days/ week
• Phone: 312-355-5800
• Address: Pathology Laboratories
  2nd Floor, Clinical Sciences Building
  840 South Wood Street (MC 750)
  Chicago, IL 60612

The Clinical Microbiology Laboratory is a full-service laboratory offering diagnostic bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, virology, and mycobacteriology. The laboratory receives specimens from in-patients at the University of Illinois Hospital and the University’s out-patient clinics, as well as from several outreach sites throughout Illinois and the United States. The Microbiology Laboratory is composed of several sections including Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteriology, Mycology, Parasitology, Mycobacteriology.

The Aerobic Bacteriology Section

• Isolates and identifies clinically significant microorganisms from clinical specimens and performs antimicrobial susceptibility testing on these bacterial pathogens. These functions are performed with the Vitek-2 automated instrument;
• Additional reference identification and susceptibility testing methods for other, more fastidious bacterial agents are also available;
• Performs blood cultures using the BactiAlert system, which provides continuous monitoring of blood cultures for the entire 7-day incubation period
• Performed amplified probe tests for detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeaeand Chlamydia trachomatis in urogenital specimens
• Performes “real-time” PCR on nares swab specimens and other specimen types are available for rapid detection/identification of methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
• Performs isolation and characterization of clinically significant anaerobic bacteria. For these purposes, the laboratory is equipped with a glove box, a gas-liguid chromatograph, and other methods to provide accurate identification of anaerobes.

The Mycology Section

• Performs identification and anti-fungal susceptibility testing on clinically significant yeast isolates;
• Provides identification of pathogenic moulds recovered from clinical specimens, including dermatophytes, moulds causing wound and systemic infections, and systemic mycotic agents such as Histoplamsa capsulatum and Blastomyces dermatiditis

The Parasitology Section

• Provides services for the diagnosis of various parasitic infections;
• Has a great deal of expertise and provides diagnostic parasitology services to several other local hospitals and clinics;
• Specimens submitted for parasitology include stool specimens for the detection of pathogenic amoebae, and flagellates, and for detection/identification of the ova belonging to various nematode (roundworms), cestode (tapeworms), and trematode (flukes) species
• Blood specimens are also submitted for the diagnosis and species identification of malarial parasites

The Virology/Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Section

• Provides services to aid in the diagnosis of viral infections
• Performs culture methods for several viral agents, and enzyme immunoassay tests are used for detection of several non-cultivable viral agents such as rotavirus
• Performs “real-time” molecular detection assays for influenza A and B viruses, and, in cooperation with Molecular Pathology, also offers multiplex molecular detection of several other respiratory viruses
• Performs HIV-1 antibody encyme immunoassays, syphilis serology, and cultures for Trichomonas vaginalis.

The Mycobacteriology Section

• Receives specimens for the isolation and identification of acid-fast organisms including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium complex, and other important mycobacterial pathogens
• Utilizes state-of-the-art methods to detect growth and to confirm the identities of isolates, including the use of chemiluminescent ribosomal RNA probes for species identification

Laboratory Director
Nahed Ismail MD, PhD, D(ABMM), D(ABMLI)
Phone: 312-413-4189

Laboratory Associate Director
Omar Perez, PhD, PharmD
Phone: 312-413-9650

Laboratory Manager
Jo-Ann Curry, B.A., MT(HEW)
Phone: 312-996-7685
joacurry@uic.edu

Bacteriology/Blood Culture Section Supervisor
Kathy Ristow, M.S., MT(ASCP)SM
Phone: 312-996-3175

Contact Information

• Hours of Operation: 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
• Phone:                          312-996-3172
• Address:                      Pathology Laboratories
  2nd Floor, Clinical Sciences Building
  840 South Wood Street (MC 750)
  Chicago, IL 60612

The Clinical Tissue Typing/Transplant Laboratory provides state-of-the-art histocompatibility and immunogenetics testing for solid organ and stem cell transplantation, disease diagnosis and transfusion support. The laboratory is accredited by ASHI and CAP and has a comprehensive quality assurance program.

HLA antigens are integral cell membrane glycoproteins, which play a key role in immunity. These molecules represent major barriers to transplantation and have also been implicated in many disease processes. Two distinct classes of structurally similar HLA antigens have been well characterized and differ in their tissue distribution – class I HLA-A, -B, -C antigens are expressed ubiquitously on nucleated cells, whereas the class II HLA-DR, -DQ, -DP antigens are normally expressed on B cells, monocytes, macrophage, dendritic cells and on activated T cells.

HLA Typing

HLA typing identifies the unique constellation of HLA antigens for an individual. Tests of HLA-class I (A, B, C) and class II (DR, DQ, DP) is performed by DNA-based molecular diagnostic techniques. HLA typing using these newer DNA technologies provides more robust, accurate testing that is reliable in resolving allele-level differences in HLA genes that cannot be detected by serology. Several approaches to HLA typing are used, offering a range of typing resolution levels from low (antigen-level) to high (allele-level). Tests used to identify HLA types rely on amplification of limited stretches of genomic DNA within the HLA genes. The genetic polymorphisms associated with the different HLA alleles are identified through hybridization with specific amplification primers (SSP) or probes (SSO). Our laboratory provides HLA typing by both these methodologies.

KIR genotyping

Natural killer (NK) cells are the integral component of innate immunity. They kill infected cells, tumors and stressed cells without prior sensitization. Further, they secrete inflammatory cytokines which drive the antigen specific adaptive immunity. The inhibitory KIRs recognize determinants expressed on the surface of abnormal cells and subvert these unhealthy cells. Genes encoding KIRs and HLA ligands belong to polymorphic gene families located on different chromosomes. Since the integration of signals transduced from inhibitory and activating KIR receptors help to balance the NK cell response between tolerance of healthy cells and killing of unhealthy cells, the combinations of KIR and HLA class I molecules play an important role in human immunity and disease. The KIR genotyping test identifies the presence and absence of 15 distinct KIR genes. This test is offered by our laboratory by DNA SSP methodology and helps donor selection for bone marrow transplantation.

PRA and antibody identification testing

Patients who have become sensitized to allogeneic HLA antigens through pregnancies, blood transfusions, failed transplants, or other means represent a challenge when requiring a transplant or platelet transfusion. Preformed anti-HLA antibodies are associated with acute rejection of kidney grafts, failure of platelet transfusions and accelerated and chronic loss of solid organ transplants. Preformed anti-HLA antibodies may cause transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) in some recipients. Sensitization is reported as the percent Panel Reactive Antibody (PRA). The PRA also gives an estimate of the likelihood of finding a suitable donor. Patients who have autoimmune diseases, are on particular medications, or have infections may develop false positive reactions that are not caused by anti-HLA antibodies. Results are reported as the percent PRA and the anti-HLA specificities that were identified. Our laboratory performs this test on luminex platform that uses single recombinant HLA class I and class II antigens coupled to micro particles.

Flow cytometry cross match

This test is used primarily for solid organ transplant candidates to assess the suitability of a potential donor. Positive cross matches detected by flow cytometry suggest the presence of preformed anti-donor HLA antibodies and carry a risk of accelerated rejection and damage to the graft. These sensitive cross matches are interpreted in terms of the patient’s sensitization history and the quality of the donor organ. Our laboratory reports flow cytometry results as positive or negative based upon the median channel shift caused by the binding of a specific antibody.

Virtual Cross match
Cross match results can now be accurately predicted when the patient’s antibody specificities have been identified using recombinant single HLA antigen bead technologies and the potential donor HLA type is known. Our laboratory provides virtual cross matches for potential recipient donor pairs.

Director and Technical Supervisor
Sujata Gaitonde, MD
Phone: 312-996-4206

Laboratory Personnel

• Carol Wasik, MT(ASCP), CHS(ABHI) – Manager
• Wuhua Sun, MS
• Kristin Dastych, BS
• Juan Chen, MS

Contact Information

• Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
• Phone:  312-996-1670
  312-996-1671
  312-413-5753
• Address:
  Histocompatibility (HLA) Laboratory
  808 South Wood Street, Room 266
  Chicago, IL 60612

The UIC Cytogenetics Laboratory is a full service facility that offers chromosome analysis  for prenatal and post natal genetic anomalies, reproductive failure and hematologic cancer diagnosis.  Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis, including assays for a broad panel of hematologic probes and  HER2 amplification (see figure) in breast cancer is also offered.  Array comparative hybridization analysis (see figure) is performed on postnatal blood specimens and product of conceptions.  The Cytogenetics Laboratory services the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System and the University of Illinois Reference Laboratory.

Director
Valerie Lindgren, PhD, FACMG
Phone: 312-355-3619

Manager
Andrew Miner, BS, CLSp(CG)
Phone: 312-355-3620
E-mail: akminer@uic.edu

Contact Information

• Hours of Operation:  Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
• Phone:                            312-355-3618
• Address:                 Pathology Laboratories
  840 S. Wood St. (MC 750)
  2nd floor, Clinical Sciences Building
  Chicago, IL 60612

The Coagulation Laboratory offers expert interpretations of coagulation profiles and consultations in the diagnosis and management of patients with bleeding and thrombotic disorders. An extensive battery of tests is offered using advanced and progressive technologies. Consultation Services are offered for patients whose blood has been tested in this laboratory.

Coagulation tests are extremely sensitive to methods of collection and preservation. It is very important that specimen collection and processing instructions are followed closely to insure accurate test results. Please refer to the Laboratory Users Guide for our online searchable test database specimen collection instructions and other test-related information. Please contact the Coagulation Laboratory prior to specimen collection for additional testing information not covered in the Laboratory Users Guide.

Coagulation Test Menu

• Antithrombin III activity
• Plasminogen activity
• Protein C antigen
• Protein C functional activity
• Protein S total and free activity
• Factor II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII activity
• Factor VIII related protein
• Factor II mutation
• Factor V Leiden mutation
• Ristocetin cofactor
• Fibrinogen
• Thrombin Time
• D-Dimer
• Prothrombin Time (PT)/International Normalized Ratio
• PT inhibitor screen/PT mixing study
• Activated Partail Thromboplastin Time (PTT)
• PTT inhibitor screen/PTT mixing study
• Dilute Russel viper venom test
• Lupis anticoagulant
• Platelet function/aggregation (COL, EPI, AA. ADP, RISTO)
• Heparin induced thrombocytopenia, qualitatiive (HIT)

Updates and changes to laboratory tests and/or laboratory practices may be viewed in our archived Lab Alerts.

Director
Vladimir Vidanovic, MD
Phone: 312-996-6727

Contact Information

• Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Phone:                         312-996-4440
• Location:                     Pathology Laboratories
  2nd Floor, Clinical Sciences Building North
  840 South Wood Street (MC 750)
  Chicago, IL 60612

The Hematology Laboratory performs routine hematology testing, limited coagulation, and various body fluid testing and analysis. The testing utilizes the latest technologies to provide the most accurate results. Complete blood counts (CBC) with differentials are performed with the Backman Coulter DxH series of analyzers along with its automation line.

Stago STAR instriment perform high volume but limited coagulation testing for PT, PTT, TT, fibrinogen and D-Dimers.

The Hematology Laboratory also performed body fluid analysis including:

• Automated Urinalysis with the IRIS
• Rapid pregnancy screening
• Stool analyses for occult blood
• Joint fluid analyses for crystal evaluation, cell counts, WBC differentials
• Cell counts and WBC differentials on CNS, pleural and ascetic fluids​

Please refer to the Laboratory Users Guide for our online searchable test database and other test-related information.

Updates and changes to laboratory tests and/or laboratory practices may be viewed in our archived Lab Alerts.

Director

• Frederick Behm, MD
  Phone: 312-996-3150

Manager

• Magdalena Laskowski
  Phone: 312-996-3987

Supervisors

• Rasa Aleksiunas, Evening Supervisor
  Phone: 312-996-0669
• Mokshada Shah, Night Supervisor
  Phone: 312-996-0601

Contact Information

• Hours of Operation: 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
• Phone:                          312-315-2533
• Location:                     Room 215, 2nd Floor, Clinical Sciences Building North
• Address:                      Pathology Laboratories
  2nd Floor, Clinical Sciences Building
  840 South Wood Street (MC 750)
  Chicago, IL 60612

he Molecular Pathology Laboratory preforms diagnostic testing in the areas of infectious disease, oncology and genetics utilizing commercial and in-house developed assays. A key strength of the laboratory is the development and validation of cutting edge tests in-house, with the goal of translating basic molecular knowledge to the actual practice of clinical medicine. The laboratory is well equipped with the latest instrumentation and performs over 25,000 test a year with the continual addition of new tests. In addition, the lab actively participates in translational research with the aim of developing molecular tests for clinical applications. The Molecular Pathology test menu is listed below.

Infectious Disease

• HIV, HBV, HCV, CMV and BKV viral loads
• HCV genotyping
• BioFire Respiratory panel
• Bacterial Fingerprinting by rep-PCR

Oncology

• BCL-ABL, p210 and 190, PML-RARa,  CBFb -MYH11 (Inv16), RUNX1-ETO  – Qualitative
• BCR-ABL, p210, JAK2 V617F mutation – Quantitative
• BCR-ABL mutation (entire kinase domain by sequencing)
• Chimerism analysis by real time PCR (analytical sensitivity of 0.05%)
• Microsatellite instability (MSI, mononucleotide panel)
• KRAS mutation
• BRAF mutation
• EGFR mutation (exons 18 – 21)

Genetics

• Factor V, Factor II, MTHFR Mutation C677T  & A1298 C
• Warfarin genetics (CYP2C9, VKORC1, CYP4F2)
• Clopidogrel resistance – CYP2C19 genotype
• Warfarin genetics and clopidogrel resistance testing supports the personalized medicine initiative of the Pharmacogenetic program at UIC

Director

• Shrihari S. Kadkol, MD, PhD, HCLD
  Phone: 312-355-3521

Manager

• Carol Dodge
  Phone: 312-996-2917
  Email: cdodge@uic.edu

Supervisors

• Lynn Terrile, lterrile@uic.edu
• Mei Shen, meisje@uic.edu
• Phone: 312-996-7702

Contact Information

• Hours of Operation:  8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday
• Phone:
  312-996-7702
  312-996-2660
• Address:
  Pathology Laboratories
  2nd Floor, Clinical Sciences Building
  840 South Wood Street (MC 750)
  Chicago, IL 60612

The University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System Transfusion Medicine laboratory is operated by the Institute for Transfusion Medicine (ITxM), and provides approximately 20,000 blood components and performs approximately 1,600 therapeutic apheresis procedures annually. The hospital blood bank is located on the third floor of the hospital in Room 3153. Therapeutic apheresis services are located in UIH Room 1100 in the Hemotherapy Center on the first floor of the hospital.

Licensure and Accreditation

• CLIA
• Food and Drug Administration (ITxM)
• AABB (formerly American Association of Blood Banks)
• FACT

Useful Information

Circular of Information: Often referred to as the “package insert for blood products”, this publication is available here.

University of Illinois Hospital and Health Science System Hospital Policy TX 5.03: Blood Component Therapy—this policy describes procedures and requirements for specimen labeling, blood product ordering and availability. Instruction on how to properly label specimens and requisitions is available here.

Director

Sally Campbell-Lee, MD
Phone: 312-996-3150

Manager

• Blood Bank
  Lavinia Sereseanu, MT(ASCP)
  Phone: 312-996-1351
• ​Hemotherapy Center
  Melissa Keller, RN, OCN
  312-996-3945

How to Contact Us

• Phone:  Blood Bank:                312-996-3980
• Hemotherapy Center: 312-996-6970
• Transfusion Medicine physician on call pager:  3808
  This pager is staffed 24 hours/day, 7 days/week. Please contact our service at this pager with questions regarding blood component selection, transfusion reactions, blood availability, or requests for therapeutic apheresis.