Pathology

The Department of Pathology provides state-of-the-art diagnostic services of the highest quality. We pursue innovative clinical solutions dedicated to improving the diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of childhood and maternal disease. The department recognizes that children have special needs that can be very different from the adult population: these special needs are reflected in the staffing complement of our doctors and technologists, who have unique training and experience in specialized fields within pediatric and maternal pathology.

The department provides a specialist pediatric / maternal diagnostic and consultation service equivalent to the top Pediatric and Maternal Pathology departments in the world.

We offer Western academic hospital standards of diagnostic laboratory services, integrating patient care with research and education. The faculty consists of board-certified subspecialist experts in pediatric and maternal laboratory medicine; their efforts are supported by our team of experienced technologists and scientists, working in our modern LEAN facility.

These divisions offer a scope of services tailored to the clinical needs of our patients, both in the outpatient center (OPC) and for inpatients. These services include specialist pediatric and maternal laboratory analyses such as diagnostic surgical pathology, metabolic screening, immunochemistry and immunohematology, flow cytometry, bacteriology and virology, genetic characterization of malignant and benign disease, molecular testing of infectious disease, and (coordinated with Sidra Medicine Research) translational diagnostic research.

Sidra Medicine’s Department of Pathology performs more than 1.5 million tests per year. Our mission is to provide laboratory care in a manner that is patient and family-centered, safe, integrated, inter-professional, effective, efficient, and innovative. To ensure pathology meets these goals, we follow an evidence-based approach to quality laboratory management: this includes peer review, clinical outcomes review, variance analysis, performance appraisals, key performance indicators (such as critical test turnaround time), and other modern quality management techniques. The laboratory provides service during working hours in the OPC, and 24/7 for inpatient care. Our experts are available around the clock to consult with other doctors and hospitals throughout Qatar.

The laboratory is divided into five divisions: Anatomical Pathology, Clinical Biochemistry, Genetic Pathology, Hematopathology, and Medical Microbiology & Virology (including Molecular Infectious Diseases).

Anatomical Pathology

The Division of Anatomical Pathology provides fully digitalized diagnostic histopathology services for Sidra Medicine patients. We use ancillary techniques such as immunohistochemistry and NGS for morphomolecular classification of pediatric tumors.

Our main task includes the macroscopic and microscopic analysis of body tissues, to diagnose disease processes. These tissues consist of small and large biopsy specimens, resected organs, as well as placentas after delivery.

Our most sensitive role is to care for deceased fetuses and children. We may perform an autopsy, with parental consent, if a fetus, baby or child has died, to try to understand why this has occurred.

Services:

• Pediatric surgical pathology
• Placental pathology
• Adult gynecological pathology
• Morgue Service

Clinical Biochemistry

The Division of Clinical Biochemistry provides a broad range of testing for pediatric patients as well as pregnant and non-pregnant adults. These include tests related to electrolyte, kidney, and liver diseases, endocrine disorders such as diabetes and thyroid disease, and specialized tests to measure levels of medications, vitamins, and trace elements in blood.

The Point of Care Testing programs allow some of these blood tests to be performed on patients at Sidra Medicine in the clinic, rather than having tests performed in the central laboratory.

Services:

• POC, Phlebotomy and Accessioning
• Routine Clinical Biochemistry
• Special Clinical Biochemistry

Genetic Pathology

The Division of Genetic Pathology provides Genetic & Genomic analyses, as well as diagnostic testing and expertise, for congenital, inherited, and acquired diseases. The most up-to-date, state-of-the-art technology platforms and methodologies are used.

Services:

• Targeted mutation and gene sequencing
• Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and WGS data analysis
• Non Invasive Prenatal Testing.
  • In Q3 – 2025

Hematopathology

The Division of Hematopathology provides routine and special hematology and coagulation testing and also provides diagnostic immunology and transfusion medicine services. We perform hematologic tests that assess red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and the coagulation system, as well as bone marrow and other hematopoietic tissues. Immunology testing includes allergy, autoimmunity, and flow cytometry. The Transfusion Medicine Laboratory performs pre- and post-transfusion testing and oversees the storage and provision of blood for transfusion to patients.

Services:

• Blood Transfusion
• Routine Hematopathology
• Special Hematopathology

Microbiology and Virology

The Division of Microbiology and Virology Laboratory provides comprehensive diagnostic and consultation services tailored for children and women in Qatar, including advanced molecular testing for infectious diseases. Our laboratory employs the newest available diagnostic technologies and develops our own molecular diagnostic tests to detect new and emerging infectious diseases. We believe that a high-quality interaction between the laboratory, doctor, and patient is critical for safe patient care. We work closely with our clinical colleagues, providing advice regarding specimen collection, test ordering, and interpretation.

Services:

• General Microbiology
• Parasitology
• Mycology
• Serology and Virology
• Molecular Infectious Diseases