Test Types | NorDx

Advances in the Human Genome Project are having a major impact on the diagnostic capabilities of clinical laboratories. NorDx offers a broad selection of molecular diagnostic tests such as:

Our Automated Chemistry and Special Chemistry departments provide 24/7 coverage by specially-trained and certified experts. We offer two comprehensive automated blood chemistry test menus for measurement of serum and plasma specimens. The use of serum indices provides automated detection of adverse specimen conditions such as lipemia and hemolysis.

Special Chemistry tests include, but are not limited to:

• Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
• Drugs of Abuse Testing
• Cardiac Marker Monitoring
• Tumor Marker Monitoring
• Fetal Lung Maturity Assessment
• Volatiles Analysis
• Pentobarbital Monitoring
• Breath Hydrogen Analysis

Our coagulation laboratory provides a comprehensive menu of services to assist providers in diagnosing and managing disorders of hemostasis and thrombosis. We use state-of-the-art technology in diagnostic evaluations, including molecular techniques. Services include:

• Rapid and complete evaluation of patients with bleeding disorders
• Assessing patients with thrombophilia
• Monitoring various forms of anticoagulation, including traditional oral anticoagulation and heparin, as well as the newer antithrombotic agents
• Monitoring oral anticoagulation and heparin in patients with Lupus anticoagulants
• Clinical consultation to assist providers in determining the most cost-effective utilization of our laboratory services and to provide the most meaningful clinical information
• Supporting other laboratories in meeting regulatory requirements and improving their performance
  • Establishing reference ranges, therapeutic ranges, reagent factor sensitivities, trouble-shooting and proficiency testing
• Veterinary coagulopathies

Cytopathology

Routine cytologic examination of Pap smears collected by conventional or ThinPrep® methods. Routine, negative specimens are reported using the Bethesda Reporting System.
Examinations of non-gynecological body fluids are performed using monolayer technology

Endocrinology

The Endocrinology Laboratory performs endocrine tests using automated immunoassay measurement systems that provide high analytic sensitivity and faster turnaround times. The Endocrinology Laboratory also features clinical correlation of test performance with MaineHealth Endocrinology and Diabetes - Scarborough. This includes:

• Comprehensive of thyroid hormone assays
• Endocrine function testing
• Fertility testing
• Microalbuminuria and Hemoglobin A1C testing

Tissue Pathology

Routine histologic examination of hematoxylin-and-eosin stained sections are performed. Histochemical and immunohistochemical stains are performed as indicated. Reports include gross description, final diagnosis, and comments on the differential diagnosis. 

Consultative services are also provided by staff with expertise in general pathology, as well as a wide range of subspecialty areas. Routine specimens are reported within two days of receipt, while more complex specimens requiring additional testing are reported within three days.

The Flow Cytometry Laboratory performs assays for clinical diagnostic testing. The major clinical applications are:

• DNA ploidy analysis of solid tumor
• T- and B-cell quantitation
• Leukemia immunophenotyping by flow cytometry
• Lymphoma immunophenotyping by flow cytometry
• Plasma cell disorders
• Platelet cell antibody testing

Our hematology team offers a variety of comprehensive laboratory and pathology tests for disorders of the peripheral blood and bone marrow. Accurate diagnosis and precise subtyping of hematologic neoplasms are essential for proper patient management. 

We also offer diagnosis of hereditary disorders that principally affect erythrocytes. Our goal is to provide the referring physician with an accurate hematologic evaluation in an efficient and cost-effective manner. 

Services include:

• Morphological consultation - Hematopathology consultation
• Essential for accurate interpretation of any hematologic study to include examination of:
• Peripheral blood smears
• Bone marrow aspirate smears, and/or bone marrow biopsy sections/blocks
• Enzyme cytochemical stains
• Miscellaneous stains and procedures such as:
• Kleihauer-Betke
• NBT dye
• Giemsa stain
• Hereditary disorders of the erythrocytes
• Hemoglobin electrophoresis
• G6PD
• Osmotic fragility testing to include both routine and incubated studies
• Veterinary hematology

The NorDx immunoassay laboratory offers a specialized menu of electrophoresis techniques for the evaluation of serum, urine, CSF proteins, LD isoenzymes and lipids as well as:

• Serum protein quantitation
• Rheumatoid factor
• Autoimmune antibody testing
• Complete serologic testing menu for hepatitis and HIV
• Immune status determination for childhood diseases
• RPR and CSF VDRL testing for syphilis
• Custom electrophoresis reports, pathologist reviewed

Our highly-trained and experienced microbiology experts use a broad spectrum of manual and automated methods to provide comprehensive service in all areas of infectious disease diagnosis and treatment.

• Routine Bacteriology
• Anaerobic Bacteriology
• Mycology
• Mycobacteriology
• Virology
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases