Overview

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is part of the Medical Division at Taipei Veterans General Hospital Hsinchu Branch, currently headed by Director Yang Wan-Hua. The department was awarded the SNQ (Symbol of National Quality) certification by the Institute for Biotechnology and Medicine Industry (IBMI) in 2020.

The department's primary responsibilities include:

• Clinical laboratory testing

• Medical education

• Research

It is divided into four main units:

• Outpatient and Emergency Laboratory

• Clinical Biochemistry, Serology, and Blood Bank Unit

• Microbiology and Molecular Biology Unit

• Pathology Laboratory

The team includes:

• 1 board-certified pathologist

• 16 certified medical technologists

They provide both clinical diagnostic services and pathology consultation.

The lab has been ISO 15189 certified by the Taiwan Accreditation Foundation (TAF) since 2010 and renewed its certification in April 2023. It adheres to international standards and undergoes regular third-party evaluations to maintain quality and continuous improvement.

The department also actively supports national disease control initiatives and public health policies, operating under the core values of Professionalism, Teamwork, Compassion, and Innovation. It strives to create a patient-centered and employee-focused high-quality lab environment and be a trusted partner to both healthcare providers and patients.

Team Photos

Laboratory Features and Innovations

With the rise of AI and Precision Medicine, the lab plays a crucial role in personalized diagnostics and treatments. The department continues to develop smart systems and automation technologies to improve efficiency. Innovations include:

• Smart Blood Collection Management System

• Intelligent Specimen Sorting System

• Expert System with Integrated Biochemical/Immunoassay Analyzers

• Central Temperature & Humidity Monitoring System

• Point-of-Care Blood Glucose Monitoring System

• Smart Reagent Ordering System

• Intelligent Quality Control Monitoring System

• Laboratory Information Management System (LIS)

• Automated Test Result Verification System

• Automated Critical Value Alert System

Certifications and Awards

• 2010: ISO 15189 Medical Laboratory Certification (TAF)

• 2020: CDC P2 Negative Pressure Lab Certification

• 2020: SNQ Symbol of National Quality (IBMI)

• 2021–2023: SNQ Re-certification

• 2021: CDC-Designated TB PCR Testing Facility

• 2023: Extended ISO 15189 Certification

• 2023: Certified for Quantitative Immunoassay for Fecal Occult Blood Test (iFOBT)

• 2023: SNQ Application Submitted & Approved

• 2023: TCHA Poster Competition – Honorable Mention

• 2023: Best Abstract Award at Taipei Veterans General Hospital International Medical Education Conference

Testing Services

Outpatient & Emergency Testing

• Blood sample collection

• Routine blood/urine/body fluid tests

• Blood coagulation tests

• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

• OneTouch blood glucose test

• D-Dimer

• Pregnancy test

• Parasite egg detection

• Blood gas analysis

• Semen analysis

• Drug screening: Morphine, Methamphetamine

• Antigen tests for Streptococcus pneumoniae, H. pylori, Clostridium difficile, etc.

Blood Bank Tests

• Blood typing

• Antibody screening

• Cross-matching

• Coombs test

• Absorption/elution tests

• Subtype analysis

• Investigation of transfusion reactions

Biochemistry Tests

Examples: AST, ALT, total protein, albumin, bilirubin (total/direct), LDH, CPK, CK-MB, electrolytes, BUN, creatinine, amylase, glucose, calcium, ammonia, ethanol, valproic acid, hs-CRP, etc.

Serological & Immunology Tests

Examples: RPR/TPPA for syphilis, HbA1c, HAV IgM, HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HCV, HIV, tumor markers (AFP, CEA, CA 199, CA 125, PSA), thyroid function (T3, T4, TSH), hCG, ferritin, Vit B12, folate, troponin I, NT-proBNP, procalcitonin, COVID-19 antibodies, iFOBT, etc.

Microbiology Tests

• Gram stain, India ink stain, acid-fast staining

• Bacterial culture and identification

• Antibiotic susceptibility testing

Molecular Diagnostics

• PCR tests for:

  • COVID-19

  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis

  • Influenza

  • Multitarget pathogens and resistance genes

  • HBV, HCV

  • Clostridium difficile toxin

Pathology & Cytology

• Histopathology services

• Cytopathology evaluations

Outpatient Blood Collection Services

• Operating Hours:
  Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
  (Public holiday hours follow hospital schedule)

Laboratory Layout

Major Equipment and Testing Capabilities

Equipment	Test Capabilities
Fully Automated Biochemistry/Immunology Analyzer	Routine biochemical and serological markers
Real-Time PCR Analyzer	COVID-19, Influenza PCR
Automated Nucleic Acid Extractor	DNA/RNA Extraction
Rapid PCR Analyzer	Influenza Virus
HbA1c Analyzer	Glycated Hemoglobin
Smart Automated Specimen Sorter	Specimen handling, capping/uncapping
Smart Blood Collection System	Automated outpatient phlebotomy check-in
Blood Culture Machine	Blood and body fluid cultures
Mini VIDAS Analyzer	D-Dimer testing
Coagulation Analyzer	PT, APTT
PCR Workbench	Pre-PCR preparation
Microbial Identification System	Bacterial culture & ID, antibiotic susceptibility
Hematology Analyzer	CBC, differential counts
Automated Urinalysis Analyzer	Urine chemistry and sediment
Pathogen Multiplex PCR Panel Analyzer	Multi-target pathogen/resistance detection (e.g., respiratory, pneumonia, meningitis panels)
Biosafety Cabinet (A2 Class)	BSL-2 operations