 |
Dr. Mithra Baliga |
The Cytology Section, Department of Pathology, is a full-service laboratory addressing the needs of University Hospitals and Clinics and several private clients. Annually, the laboratory receives, processes, and signs out approximately 65,000 gynecologic specimens (liquid based), 1,200 non-gynecologic specimens (body fluids, brushes, and washes), and 600 fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens.
Notable among our private accounts is the Mississippi State Department of Health. Gynecologic volume from the MSDH account totals 55,000 specimens annually. Our cytology lab is one of the few locations in the country to have such a large public health account centralized into one immense database. This affords the client great control of their patient base, as well as resulting in excellent research potential for our pathologists and cytotechnologists.
The cytology laboratory is staffed by four full-time cytopathologists. The lab employs seven full-time cytotechnologists, five cytopreparatory personnel, and has three secretarial positions. Normal hours of operation are 7:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday.