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Pathology

USA Health pathologists work with primary care physicians to make proper diagnoses about your health.

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About Pathology

USA Health pathologists study body tissues and fluids to aid your primary care physician to provide you with a medical diagnosis and perform laboratory tests to monitor patients with chronic conditions.

Whiddon College of Medicine

Our physicians are also educators in the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama. Visit the Department of Pathology to learn about its academic mission and residency program.

USA Health has received the following recognition:

The Joint Commission National Quality Approval2017 Accc Innovator AwardNational Committee For Quality Assurance Ncqa

USA Health Pathology Services

USA Health offers the following services in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology.

Anatomic Pathology

Director: Wei Xin, M.D., Ph.D.

Autopsy

Director: Osama R. Elkadi, M.D.

Cytopathology

Director: Guillermo A. Herrera, M.D.

Dermatopathology

Pediatric Pathology

Director: Elizabeth Manci, M.D.

Surgical Pathology

Interim Director: Kurt Knowles, M.D.

Renal Pathology

Director: Guillermo A. Herrera, M.D.

Clinical Pathology

Blood Bank and Transfusion

Director: Gary Carnahan, M.D., Ph.D.

Clinical Chemistry

Director: Gary Carnahan, M.D., Ph.D.

Clinical Cytogenetics

Director: Eric X. Wei, M.D., Ph.D.

Clinical Microbiology

Electron Microscopy

Director: Guillermo A. Herrera, M.D.

Hematopathology

Director: Jacek Polski, M.D.

Molecular and Genomics Pathology

Cytopathology

Diagnostic Cytopathology involves the interpretation of cells that spontaneously exfoliate or are removed from tissues by abrasion or fine needle aspiration, such as specimens from the cervix (Pap tests), breast, thyroid, lymph node, lung, liver, etc. The Division of Cytopathology actively participates in all aspects of diagnostic cytopathology as well as cytopathology research.

Director:
Guillermo A. Herrera, M.D.

Electron Microscopy

Electron microscopy is an important part of our pathology program. We have a national outreach program in renal, muscle and nerve pathology, and these specimens require ultrastructural evaluation. We also use electron microscopy for research purposes. A technique known as ultrastructural immunolabeling is an integral part of our laboratory. This technique offers exquisite immuno-morphologic correlations and is extremely valuable in addressing research issues and in dealing with selective clinical decisions. The personnel in the electron microscopy laboratory is well versed in the technical preparation of these samples.

Our electron microscopy is now with the latest capabilities. Our residents use it in their clinical and research projects and learn to utilize it very well.

Director:
Guillermo A. Herrera, M.D.

Hematopathology

Hematopathology involves the study of hematopoietic cells and related diseases. A diagnostic hematopathologist uses a microscope to examine peripheral blood smears, body fluids, bone marrow aspirates and biopsies, lymph nodes, and other tissues. He or she interprets laboratory values, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, cytogenetic, and molecular diagnostic tests and uses his or her expertise to diagnose blood, bone marrow, and lymph node diseases and especially lymphomas and leukemias. The hematopathologist supervises hematology and flow cytometry laboratories and works closely with the hematology/oncology service. The residents on hematopathology rotation actively participate in all aspects of diagnostic hematopathology, lab supervision, and research. Our Flow Cytometry Laboratory operates the state-of-the-art, 10-color clinical Beckman Coulter Navious EX flow cytometer with up to 10-color reagents (ClearLLab 10C).

Director:
Jacek Polski, M.D.

Molecular and Genomics Pathology

The equipment in molecular diagnostic lab include:

  • Illumina MiSeq for Next generation sequencing (NGS)
  • ABI 7500 Realtime qPCR machine
  • QiaQuant realtime qPCR machine
  • QiaSymphony instrument for automated nucleic acid extraction
  • Promega Maxwell for automated nucleic acid extraction
  • SeqStudio for DNA Sanger sequencing and DNA fragment analysis
  • Agilent Tapestation for nucleic acid quality assessment
  • Biocartis Idylla instrument for fully-automated single-gene mutation analysis
  • NuAire Biosafety cabinets
  • Airclean PCR workstations

USA Health Pathologists

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Upcoming Events

Mar252025

An educational program for oncology patients, caregivers, and the community. Meetings are located in the second-floor multipurpose room at the Mitchell Cancer Institute.

Mar292025

On March 29, USA Health Mobile Unit is coming to you! This event will provide free PSA screenings for qualified groups.

Apr222025

An educational program for oncology patients, caregivers, and the community. Meetings are located in the second-floor multipurpose room at the Mitchell Cancer Institute.

May42025

Local Goodness, presented by the USA Foundation, is a farm-to-table event that pays tribute to local cuisine and music while raising awareness and support for USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital.

Dec312025

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