Laboratory staff perform tests to help doctors diagnose illness in patients. Tests done in the lab at Avera Marshall Regional Medical Center are too numerous to mention, but most fit within the following categories: hematology, urinalysis, chemistry tests, and microbiology.

• Results from a hematology test (blood count) show the number of red and white blood cells and platelets in the blood. It can be used to test for infection or to determine a patient’s hemoglobin level.
• When doing a urinalysis, the lab tests a urine sample for signs of infection or kidney problems.
• Examples of chemistry tests are glucose and cholesterol screenings.
• Microbiology can test for strep throat and pneumonia.
• Blood banking involves cross-matching units of blood before they are given to a patient.