Pathology

The Montreal Children’s Hospital Department of Pathology provides general, medical and investigative diagnostics through biopsies and examination of organs, tissues and cells.

 The department is made up of a group of specialists who play an important role on many patient-care teams in the hospital. While our pathologists don’t directly treat patients, they work with nearly every department in the MCH, helping to supply pivotal data required for the evaluation, diagnosis and care of patients throughout the MCH. We contribute to decisions about medical care and treatment, as well as admission and discharge of patients based on medical test results.

Staff members:

• Dr. Steffen Albrecht 
• Dr. Chantal Bernard, Director 
• Dr. Miriam Blumenkrantz 
• Dr. Moy-Fong Chen 
• Dr. Alessandra Duncan 
• Dr. Josée Lavoie
• Dr. Van-Hung Nguyen

Cytogenetics

• Dr. Miriam Blumenkrantz, Associate Director 
• Dr. Alessandra Duncan, Director 
• Dr. Josée Lavoie, Associate Director

The MCH Pathology team conducts extensive cell and tissue testing in its laboratories, while follow-up of inpatients happens throughout the hospital. 

The Montreal Children’s Hospital is linked to the provincial Telehealth network, which ensures that the department’s consultation services are made available remotely.

Our team of pathologists provides laboratory test results and diagnostic services for patients from prenatal (in utero) to 18 years of age. Our consultation services include fetal and prenatal pathology for babies not yet born, and pediatric neuropathology, oncology, gastroenterology, nephropathology, and transplant pathology for infants, children and adolescents.

We work in close collaboration with doctors, nurses, technologists, administrative assistants, trainees and other healthcare providers to deliver complex diagnostics covering a wide spectrum of issues.  Our pathologists also review results of tests ordered or performed by specialists, such as blood tests ordered by a cardiologist, or a biopsy of a skin lesion.

The Cytogenetics Laboratory specializes in genomic analysis for a variety of conditions, including cancer diagnosis and management. Pathologists examine tissue biopsies to determine if they are benign or cancerous. Some pathologists specialize in genetic testing that can, for example, determine the most appropriate treatment for particular types of cancer. Our cytogenetic team also provides pre- and post-natal chromosomal analysis.

We also provide an autopsy service when required, which is focused on fetal and prenatal pathology, as well as cases of sudden and unexpected infant deaths.

Telehealth services are available on demand; services are available to healthcare providers and institutions outside the McGill hospital system.

The MCH Pathology department provides consultation services which cover the complete spectrum of pediatric pathology, including fetal and prenatal pathology, pediatric neuropathology, oncology, as well as medical specialties such as gastroenterology, pathology of the placenta, nephropathology, transplant pathology and dermatopathology. Our pathologists also play a key role in diagnosing or ruling out cancer, as well as gauging the efficacy of cancer treatments.

Investigative pathology

Investigative pathology is conducted to detect disease, inflammation or necrosis (tissue death), to identify injury to cells and tissues, to evaluate wound healing, and to test new tissue or growths. In addition, pathologists interpret medical laboratory tests to help rule out illness or monitor a chronic condition. 

Cytogenetics

The Cytogenetics Laboratory offers diagnostic chromosome assessment before and after birth, using conventional cytogenetic procedures as well as the more recently developed techniques of fluorescence in situ hybridization (ISH). ISH testing may be conducted to detect viruses such as cytomegalovirus, varicella-zoster, and hepatitis.

Pathology of the placenta

Pathology testing of the placenta can aid in early neonatal care, providing risk assessment and other valuable data.  

Dermatopathology and gastroenterology

Dermatopathology is conducted to study diseases related to the skin (cutaneous) at a microscopic level. Gastroenterology focuses on the digestive tract to identify complex intestine, liver, pancreas and nutritional disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases, hepatitis or digestive problems.

Transplant pathology: before, during and after

We offer a comprehensive biopsy and consultation service related to organ transplants, which aids in the planning of treatment strategies.

Our skilled pathologists may evaluate tissue from patients who are prospective transplant recipients. A pre-transplant biopsy helps determine the cause of the patient’s underlying liver, kidney, intestinal, lung or heart disease, and can help confirm the need for transplant.

Pathologists continue to test organs post-transplant (after the patient has undergone transplant surgery) to detect possible issues, including infection, ischemia (restricted blood supply to tissues), rejection of the new organ, or other complications. Additionally, conducting tests on tissue from the resected (removed) organ can confirm the pre-transplant diagnosis and may be used to confirm or modify the treatment plan.

To reach the office, call: 514-412-4495

Fax: 514-412-4258