A pathology unit in a healthcare facility is a specialized laboratory where medical professionals analyze blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids to diagnose diseases, monitor treatment progress, and conduct preventive screenings. It forms a critical backbone of diagnostic medicine, influencing nearly 70% of clinical decisions.
The design of a pathology unit is far more than a matter of aesthetics — it directly impacts diagnostic accuracy, turnaround time, infection control, staff workflow, and patient safety. A well-planned medical lab layout ensures smooth specimen flow, minimizes errors, and supports advanced technology integration.
In the context of modern healthcare facility planning, thoughtful design of pathology units is essential. It not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to a safer, more sustainable, and patient-centric environment.
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1) Introduction
The Pathology Unit provides facilities and equipment for the examination of body tissues and fluids, involving receipt of patient specimens, testing and issue of reports. Pathology may be divided into specialist disciplines including (but not limited to):
- General Pathology – involves a mixture of anatomical and clinical pathology specialties in the one Unit
- Anatomical Pathology – involves the diagnosis of disease based on the microscopic, chemical, immunologic and molecular examination of organs, tissues, and whole bodies (autopsy); Anatomical pathology is itself divided in subspecialties including Surgical Pathology, Cytopathology and Forensic Pathology.
- Clinical / Chemical Pathology involves diagnosis of disease through the laboratory analysis of blood and bodily fluids and/or tissues using the tools of Chemistry, Microbiology, Haematology and Molecular Pathology;
Haematology is concerned with diseases that affect the blood and the management of blood transfusion services;
Microbiology is concerned with diseases caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites; clinical aspects involve control of infectious diseases and infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria;
- Genetics / Clinical Cytogenetics – a branch of genetics concerned with studying the structure and function of the cell, particularly the microscopic analysis of chromosomal abnormalities; molecular genetics uses DNA technology to analyse genetic mutations
- Immunology – a broad discipline that deals with the physiological functioning of the immune system and malfunctions of the immune system such as autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivities, immune deficiency and transplant rejection
2) Planning of Pathology Unit
i) Functional Areas
The Pathology Unit will consist of the following Functional Areas:
- Entry/ Reception area with patient waiting
- Specimen collection area including patient toilets ( this area may also be located remotely in Ambulatory Care areas); the collection area shall have a workbench, space for patient seating and hand washing facilities
- Specimen Reception registration and sorting area
- Laboratories, which may include specialists laboratories
- Support areas, including Clean-up, Sterilisation area, Storage areas for reagents, appropriate storage for flammable liquids, general supplies, refrigerated storage for slides and reagents, disposal facilities for contaminated waste
- Refrigerated blood storage
- Staff Areas including Offices, Meeting Rooms, Staff Room, Lockers and Toilets
Specimen Reception
The Specimen Reception area is where specimens for analysis are received, sorted and held temporarily before despatch into laboratory areas.
The area will require specimen registration facilities which may include computerised/ barcode systems, sorting benches and a holding area for specimens including refrigerated holding if required.
Following registration, specimens are transported to the relevant laboratory or area for processing and reporting.
Laboratories
Laboratories will be provided according to the Role Delineation and Operational Policy and will require the following considerations:
- Laboratories must be secure with restricted access for dedicated staff only
- Laboratory workbenches with space for equipment such as microscopes, appropriate chemical analysers, incubator/s and centrifuge/s
- Access to vacuum, gas and electrical services at the workbench
- Sinks with hot and cold water; may be used for the disposal of non-toxic fluids
- Hand basin with paper towel and soap fittings for staff hand-washing
- Emergency shower and eye flushing devices; drainage to a separate holding area
Note: The size of the laboratory shall be appropriate to the function and provide a safe working environment.
ii) Operational Models
Pathology Services may be provided according to the following models and will be dependent on the Role Delineation and the Operational Policy of the facility:
- On-site laboratory providing a comprehensive range of tests and services
- On-site provision limited to a stat laboratory for a limited range of urgent tests
- Off -site laboratory with services provided by an external laboratory on a contracted or other basis; the external laboratory may be a separate private business unit
- Networking of hospital laboratories across an area or region with varying arrangements for specialisation between laboratories
iii) Functional Relationships
The Pathology Unit, if in-house, is best located adjacent to the areas that utilise the service the most such as the Operating and Obstetric Units. Collection areas may be located with close access to the Outpatients facilities.
3) Design of Pathology Unit
i) Environmental Considerations
If radioactive materials are employed, facilities shall be available for long-term storage and disposal of these materials.
No special provisions will normally be required for body waste products from most patients receiving low level isotope diagnostic material.
ii) Fixtures & Fittings
The Operational Policy shall describe the type and location of all special equipment that is to be wired, plumbed, or plugged in, and the utilities required to operate each.
iii) Safety and Security
Chemical safety provisions including emergency shower, eye-flushing devices, and appropriate storage for flammable liquids shall be made.
4) Components of the Unit
i) Introduction
The Pathology Unit will consist of a combination of Standard Components and Non-Standard Components. Standard Components must comply with details in Standard Components described in these Guidelines. Refer also to Standard Components Room Data Sheets.
ii) Standard Components
Provide the Standard Components as identified in the Schedule of Accommodation. Provide the Non-Standard Components as identified in this section and in the Schedule of Accommodation, according to the Operational Policy and Functional Brief.
iii) Non-Standard Components
Blood Store
Description and function – The Blood Store provides for the secure, temperature controlled storage of blood and other blood products for access by authorised staff only. The Blood Store should be a minimum of six m2.
Location and relationships – The Blood Store should be located with ready access to Pathology Unit, Emergency Unit, Operating Unit and Critical Care areas. Consideration shall be given to blood storage location in relation to external after-hours access and security.
Considerations – The blood storage refrigerators shall be secured, accessed by authorised staff only, and equipped with temperature monitoring and alarm signals. Alarms and controls should be located to ensure easy staff control. The blood refrigerators / freezers will require an essential power supply.
5) Schedule of Accommodation
Pathology Unit Generic Schedule of Accommodation
Schedule of Accommodation for a Pathology Unit for Level 4
Please note the following:
- Areas noted in Schedules of Accommodation take precedence over all other areas noted in the FPU.
- Rooms indicated in the schedule reflect the typical arrangement according to the Role Delineation.
- Exact requirements for room quantities and sizes will reflect Key Planning Units identified in the service plan and the policies of the Unit.
- Room sizes indicated should be viewed as a minimum requirement; variations are acceptable to reflect the needs of individual Unit.
- Office areas are to be provided according to the Unit role delineation and staffing establishment.
- Staff and support rooms may be shared between Functional Planning Units dependant on location and accessibility to each unit and may provide scope to reduce duplication of facilities.
6) Functional Relationship Diagram
Pathology Unit Functional Relationship Diagram
