Dr. Arumugam Thambirajah Balachandra – Pathologist | Edmonton, AB

Dr. Arumugam Balachandra is a highly skilled Forensic Pathologist, specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at a major hospital or diagnostic laboratory in Edmonton, AB, he collaborates closely with clinicians across various medical specialties. The facility is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to ensure accurate and timely results, supporting clinical decision-making across a broad spectrum of medical disciplines. The laboratory where Dr. Balachandra practices is situated in Edmonton's SW: McKernan, Belgravia, Parkallen neighborhood, conveniently accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) including LRT and bus routes. It is a state-of-the-art diagnostic environment, typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex, with access to specimens for testing and consultation arranged through referring physician offices or the laboratory's main contact.

He is a graduate with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Sri Lanka (1971), and has completed extensive postgraduate training in pathology. Dr. Balachandra holds the necessary certifications to practice as a Forensic Pathologist in Alberta, including certification from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). His professional credentials are complemented by ongoing medical education and adherence to provincial and national standards for diagnostic laboratory practice.

Dr. Balachandra is committed to diagnostic accuracy and precision, utilizing advanced laboratory techniques and technologies to ensure reliable results. He emphasizes effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to facilitate optimal patient management. Upholding the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety is central to his practice. He also contributes to medical knowledge through research and education where applicable and maintains objectivity and impartiality in medico-legal investigations. In addition to providing primary reports in English, he is capable of communicating findings in Sinhalese and Tamil when liaising with multilingual clinical teams, ensuring clarity and comprehensive understanding in complex medico-legal cases. His dedication to diagnostic excellence supports patient care in Edmonton and the broader community.

Dr. Balachandra provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic pathology services. For specific inquiries about test availability or consultative services, referring physicians should contact the laboratory directly.

Note: This list outlines key diagnostic areas. Pathology services support a wide spectrum of medical investigations. Detailed reports are provided to referring physicians for clinical correlation.

All pathology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Association of Pathologists (CAP-ACP) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. Reports and consultations are directed to referring physicians.

Situated in Edmonton's SW: McKernan, Belgravia, Parkallen neighborhood, the diagnostic laboratory or hospital pathology department where Dr. Balachandra practices is a modern, accessible facility. It is conveniently located near the Edmonton Oilers NHL Team's arena and is easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The laboratory meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex, providing a state-of-the-art diagnostic environment. Specimen drop-off, inquiries, and consultations are coordinated through the referring physician's office or the laboratory's main contact, ensuring seamless integration of services for timely diagnosis and medico-legal investigations.

How are the findings from a Pathologist like Dr. Balachandra used by other doctors?

Pathology reports from specialists like Dr. Balachandra are critical tools for treating physicians. They contain detailed descriptions of microscopic findings and a definitive diagnosis. This information allows other doctors to understand the exact nature of a patient's illness, plan surgeries, choose medications, monitor disease progression, and assess the effectiveness of treatments. The accuracy of Dr. Balachandra's diagnostic work is therefore paramount for optimal patient outcomes.

What kinds of samples does a Pathologist like Dr. Balachandra examine?

Pathologists like Dr. Balachandra examine a wide variety of biological samples. These include small tissue samples from biopsies (e.g., skin, colon, breast), larger surgical resections of organs or tumors, cytological preparations (like Pap smears or fluid samples from body cavities), blood smears, bone marrow aspirates and biopsies, and, in some cases, entire bodies during an autopsy. Each type of specimen provides unique information for diagnosing different diseases. As a Forensic Pathologist involved in the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis of disease based on the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids such as blood and urine, as well as tissues, Dr. Balachandra is skilled in interpreting these diverse samples.

How long does it usually take to get pathology results from Dr. Balachandra's lab?

Receiving pathology results typically takes anywhere from a few days for routine cases to one or more weeks for complex specimens requiring special stains or molecular analysis. Dr. Balachandra and the laboratory team strive for accuracy and completeness, which sometimes requires additional processing time. Your referring doctor will be notified once Dr. Balachandra's report is finalized and will then discuss the findings with you.

Will I meet Dr. Balachandra directly as a patient?

Typically, patients do not have direct appointments with Pathologists like Dr. Balachandra. Their expertise is utilized through the analysis of specimens sent to the lab by your treating doctor (e.g., surgeon, family physician, oncologist). Dr. Balachandra then provides a diagnostic report back to your doctor, who will share the results and discuss the implications with you. The pathologist's work is essential for your diagnosis and treatment plan, even if you don't meet them in person.

How is accuracy ensured in pathology diagnoses made by Dr. Balachandra?

Accuracy is paramount in pathology. Dr. Balachandra and their laboratory adhere to stringent quality control and quality assurance protocols. This includes standardized specimen handling and processing, use of calibrated equipment, participation in proficiency testing programs, internal case reviews, and consultations with colleagues on complex cases. Pathologists like Dr. Balachandra undergo extensive training and continuous medical education to maintain their diagnostic expertise and stay updated on the latest medical knowledge and diagnostic criteria.

7007 116 St NW
Edmonton, AB T6H 5R8

Laboratory Phone: (780) 427-4987 | Laboratory Fax: (780) 422-1265

The laboratory facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex.

Dr. Balachandra is a licensed Forensic Pathologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. Pathology services by Dr. Balachandra are accessed via referrals for specimen analysis from primary care physicians or other specialists. Results and reports are communicated back to the referring doctor.

Verify Dr. Balachandra's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=dc2da522-04b6-4ca5-94ea-66a0d9435630&i=130