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Pathology in Panama
When your doctor orders a biopsy, Pap smear, or other pathology study, the most important thing is to have an accurate diagnosis and a clear report that helps make timely clinical decisions. In these cases, the quality of the sample, the laboratory process and the interpretation of the pathologist team make all the difference.
We are the only private hospital in Panama with a pathology department that ensures comprehensive management, validation of results, and expedited results.
What the pathology service does
Pathology is the specialty that studies tissues and cells to establish a diagnosis. From a sample obtained in consultation, procedure or surgery, the laboratory performs the technical processing and the pathologists issue a report that guides the management of the case.
This service is key in the evaluation of benign and malignant lesions, monitoring of diseases, confirmation of findings by imaging and control of surgical margins, according to medical indication.
Studies available at The Panama Clinic
Biopsies and histopathological studies
Biopsies allow tissue to be analyzed to identify the type of lesion and its characteristics. In our service, histopathology studies are carried out with reading by pathologists and histological report preparation according to quality standards.
To coordinate a biopsy, it is important to confirm the type of sample, the recommended storage medium, and the minimum clinical information that should accompany it. You can request guidance from the team before submitting it.
Pap smears
Pap smears evaluate cells obtained by cervical sampling, puncture or other techniques, according to the doctor’s indication. They are useful for screening, monitoring and diagnostic evaluation in multiple clinical contexts.
Immunohistochemistry
Immunohistochemistry is a complementary study that uses specific markers to support the classification of certain lesions and improve diagnostic accuracy when the case requires it. Its indication depends on the clinical picture and microscopic findings.
Result turnaround times
At The Panama Clinic we prioritize timely delivery without compromising quality. For reference:
- Biopsies: results in 72 hours, depending on the type of sample and additional requirements.
- Pap smears: results in 48 hours, depending on the requested study.
Some cases may require additional steps, such as immunohistochemistry or additional revisions, which may modify the final turnaround time. If you need the report for a medical appointment or meeting, please contact us when coordinating the study.
Write to us or call us and we will guide you according to the type of sample and the indicated study.
How to Submit the Sample and What to Expect from the Process
Reception and requirements
To reduce delays, we recommend checking first:
- Complete data of the patient and the requesting doctor.
- Type of sample and anatomical site.
- Brief medical history and presumptive diagnosis.
- Fixing and labeling conditions, as appropriate.
Processing and quality control
Once the sample is received, the laboratory performs the technical processing and prepares the sections for microscopic evaluation. The report is issued by pathologists and is integrated with the available clinical information to provide a useful diagnosis for the treating team.
Delivery of results
The results are delivered according to the channel defined by the institution and the coordination of the case. If you are a referring physician and need to discuss clinical-pathological findings or correlation, we can coordinate with the service.
Fast and reliable results
We know that time is a deciding factor in medical treatment
Biopsies
Maximum 72 hours
Pap smears
Available in 48 hours
Immunohistochemistry and special stains
Available in 24 hours
Why Choose The Panama Clinic for Pathology
- Fast and reliable results in diagnostic tests, with defined turnaround times for biopsies and cytologies.
- Modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology for processing and diagnostic support.
- Highly qualified team, with reading and reporting by pathologists.
- Clear communication to coordinate sample requirements, timing, and delivery of results.
If you come in a referral or need to coordinate the shipment from the office, we help you organize the process so that the study progresses smoothly.
Request indications for your study and confirm the procedure for receiving samples in Panama with our team.
Agreements with Major Insurers
We accept national and international insurance to give you access to quality services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment to deliver a sample to the laboratory?
It depends on the type of sample and the receiving flow. Ideally, you should check the schedule and the labeling and fixing requirements in advance to avoid rejections or delays. Contact us and we will guide you step by step.
What can cause a biopsy to take longer than 72 hours?
Some samples require additional processes or complementary studies such as immunohistochemistry. The need for more clinical information or the condition of the sample may also play a role. We inform you in a timely manner if your case requires extra steps.
Do they deliver the results directly to the patient?
The delivery of results is coordinated according to institutional policy and the indication of the treating physician. If you need the report for a specific query, please indicate it at the time of coordinating the study.
Coordinate your pathology study
If you need pathology in Panama for biopsies, cytologies or complementary studies, at The Panama Clinic you will find a service aimed at diagnostic accuracy and defined response times. Contact us to confirm sample requirements, reception hours and estimated delivery time according to your case.