In just a few short months, the UT Health San Antonio laboratory team has achieved a series of groundbreaking milestones that are reshaping the future of care for South Texans. From launching the institution’s first hospital-based clinical and microbiology laboratories to establishing a vital transfusion medicine service, our team is setting new standards in diagnostic excellence.
With over 1.4 million tests performed since opening in December, the laboratory is a driving force behind faster diagnoses, cutting-edge research and improved patient outcomes—further propelling our mission to deliver world-class care.
The highest standards
Reflecting our commitment to the highest level of quality and safety the laboratory adheres to both the College of American Pathologists and the Joint Commission standards. Looking ahead, the lab plans to pursue additional accreditations through:
The Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB)
The Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT)
These accreditations will help grow our capabilities in transfusion medicine, biotherapies and cellular therapies, helping us deliver comprehensive, cutting-edge care to patients in South Texas and beyond.
Lab Services Power Exceptional Care
The hospital's 24/7 laboratory supports both inpatient and high-volume outpatient care through the following departments and teams:
Blood Donor Center: The hospital’s blood donor center is located on the second floor and serves as a vital link between volunteer blood donors and UT Health San Antonio's patients undergoing cancer treatment, surgery and other therapies. It upholds the highest safety standards and offers incentives for both employee and visiting donors.
Blood Bank (Immunohematology): This team makes sure every patient gets safe and matched blood when they need it—whether it’s for surgery, an emergency, or regular treatment.
Core Lab: This is where everyday lab tests happen, like checking patients' blood, urine or body chemistry. Some results are routine, while others are urgent and help doctors make fast, lifesaving decisions.
Anatomic Pathology (AP): These experts study tissues and organs to find diseases like cancer, infections or inflammation. They look closely at biopsies and samples from surgeries.
Cytology: This part of pathology looks at individual cells and helps doctors find early signs of cancer or other health problems. A Pap smear is one common example.
Microbiology: This team studies tiny germs like bacteria, viruses and fungi that can make people sick. They test samples like blood or swabs to find infections and help doctors choose the right treatment.
Phlebotomists: These are the friendly team members who draw blood from patients and donors. They are trained to do this carefully, safely and comfortably.
Specimen Processors: They check and prepare all samples—like blood or urine—before testing. Their careful work helps prevent mistakes and delays.
Send-Out Lab Technicians: When samples need to be tested somewhere else these technicians make sure they are sent quickly and correctly.
Point-of-Care (POC) Testing: POC testing gives fast results right where you are—like in the ER or at your hospital bedside—so doctors can act fast when needed.
Medical Couriers: These team members transport lab samples and important documents safely between clinics and labs. They help make sure everything gets where it needs to go, quickly and securely.
Looking ahead
Cellular Therapy Lab: This advanced facility will process, preserve and prepare cellular products used in cutting-edge therapies such as stem cell transplants and immune cell treatments. Operating under strict quality controls, the lab will work closely with our clinical and transplant teams to deliver life-changing care.
We are proud of our laboratory professionals and the advanced, expert services they provide every day. They help our doctors make the best decisions for our patients—and their work helps lay the foundation for exceptional care in South Texas and beyond.