What is the typical procedure regarding specimen testing for pathology services?

In pathology services, the typical procedure involves sending the specimen to an outside laboratory for testing. This process is common because specialized laboratories are equipped with the necessary technology, expertise, and staff to conduct comprehensive analyses on various specimens, such as biopsies or blood samples. These external labs follow strict quality control measures and have access to advanced diagnostic tools that may not be available in a physician's office. This ensures accurate test results, which are crucial for effective patient diagnosis and treatment.

In contrast, while certain minor tests may be performed in some physician offices, comprehensive pathological testing generally requires the resources of dedicated laboratories. It's also important to note that specimens are not just discarded post-collection; they are processed and analyzed to generate meaningful medical information. The notion that a physician could perform all tests in-house is less common in practice, as the breadth of tests and the complexity of analyses often necessitate outsourcing to specialized facilities.