Pathology & Diagnostic Laboratory Services

Pathology & Diagnostic Laboratory Services

Your Path to an Accurate Diagnosis

At Keck Medicine of USC, we know diseases can develop in different ways, often without clear signs. You may not even realize something is wrong. Our expert pathologists specialize in understanding how diseases start, progress and affect the body — providing you with vital answers about your health.

We use several lab and screening tests to detect abnormalities in organs, tissues, cells and body fluids. These test results help us make an accurate diagnosis and monitor your condition closely. Once we understand your needs, we’ll connect you with the right medical experts. Our team works across specialties to ensure your care is seamless and designed just for you.

Types of Diagnostic Testing We Offer

Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, we use many diagnostic tests for screening purposes. Our goal is to prevent and detect diseases early to give you a better outcome. Your provider may recommend:

  • Comprehensive metabolic panel: This regular blood test measures several different substances in your body, like proteins, enzymes and minerals. It can help your provider get a picture of your overall health, including:
    • Bodily response to medicines and treatments
    • Blood sugar levels
    • Fluid and electrolyte balance
    • Liver and kidney health
  • Lab work: Laboratory tests examine blood, urine or tissue samples for abnormal substances. They can help detect infections, cancer and other diseases. Sometimes, blood work may include genetic testing for inherited disorders.

Our pathologists will use your test results to provide an accurate diagnosis and guide treatment decisions. You may need additional tests to monitor your health over time, depending on your condition.

Our Specialties

Our experts specialize in a wide range of anatomic and clinical pathology disciplines. This gives you access to the evaluations you need — all in one place.

Anatomic Pathology

Anatomic pathologists study your tissues and organs to diagnose and understand disease. This evaluation can include:

  • Cytopathology: Examining cells from tissues or bodily fluids.
  • Dermatopathology: Studying skin at a microscopic and molecular level.
  • Neuropathology: Testing tissue samples from the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles.
  • Surgical pathology: Studying tissue samples from a surgery or biopsy.
  • Transplant pathology: Monitoring tissues and organs before and after transplant surgery.

Clinical Pathology

Pathologists can also study your bodily fluids, like blood and urine, to detect diseases. Clinical pathology includes:

  • Chemical pathology: Analyzing fluids to identify chemical changes in the body.
  • Hematopathology: Studying blood, bone marrow and blood cell production.
  • Microbiology: Examining microscopic organisms in the body, like viruses and bacteria.
  • Molecular diagnostics: Analyzing DNA or RNA to identify gene mutations.
  • Transfusion medicine: Blood testing before and after a transfusion.

Centers and Programs

Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine Licenses and Certificates

Keck Hospital of USC – The College of American Pathologists
Keck Hospital of USC – Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
Keck Hospital of USC – Clinical and Public Health Laboratory License
Keck Hospital of USC – CDPH Biologics License
Keck Hospital of USC – FDA Registration

USC Norris – The College of American Pathologists
USC Norris – Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
USC Norris – Clinical and Public Health Laboratory License
USC Norris – CDPH Biologics License
USC Norris – FDA Registration

USC Clinical Laboratories, Clinical Sciences Center – Clinical and Public Health Laboratory License
USC Clinical Laboratories, Clinical Sciences Center – The College of American Pathologists
USC Clinical Laboratories, Clinical Sciences Center – Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments

Engemann Student Health Center – COLA Accreditation
Engemann Student Health Center – Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
Engemann Student Health Center – Clinical and Public Health Laboratory License

Pasadena – The College of American Pathologists
Pasadena – Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
Pasadena – Clinical and Public Health Laboratory License

Westside Norris – The College of American Pathologists
Westside Norris – Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
Westside Norris – Clinical and Public Health Laboratory License

Newport Beach – The College of American Pathologists
Newport Beach – Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
Newport Beach – Clinical and Public Health Laboratory License

Santa Clarita – The College of American Pathologists
Santa Clarita – Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
Santa Clarita – Clinical Public Health Laboratory License

Annual Physician Notice

Why Choose Us for Diagnostic Laboratory Services

Our team has diagnostic expertise within several anatomic and clinical pathology specialties. We can detect and monitor a full spectrum of diseases.

Our pathologists are board-certified and use state-of-the-art laboratory services. You’ll receive expert care with the latest approaches.

You’ll receive real-time consultations with a pathologist for your disease diagnosis and management.

We provide seamless care. Our pathology team works across specialties to connect you with the right experts for your condition.