About
Dr. Brinda Balachandra is a highly skilled Anatomical Pathologist, specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at a major hospital or diagnostic laboratory in Edmonton, AB, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. She adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). She specializes in Anatomical Pathology, focusing on the macroscopic and microscopic examination of tissue biopsies and surgical specimens to diagnose a wide range of diseases, including cancer and inflammatory conditions. Her expertise is critical for accurate tumor grading, staging, and identifying prognostic markers. The laboratory where Dr. Balachandra works is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to ensure accurate and timely results, supporting clinical decision-making across various medical specialties.
She holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Manitoba, graduated in 2000, and is certified as an Anatomical Pathologist. She holds certifications including the Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC) and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC) in Anatomical Pathology. Her qualifications reflect her commitment to maintaining high standards of medical practice and continuous professional development.
Dr. Balachandra’s professional philosophy emphasizes diagnostic accuracy and precision. She utilizes advanced laboratory techniques and technologies to deliver reliable results. She values effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient management. Dedicated to upholding the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety, she also contributes to medical knowledge through research and education where applicable. Her focus is on providing diagnostic excellence to support patient care in Edmonton, delivering reports and expertise in English.
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.
Located in a diagnostic laboratory within Edmonton's Downtown East, Boyle Street, Riverdale neighborhood, the facility serves as a state-of-the-art environment for diagnostic pathology. The laboratory is easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including Light Rail Transit (LRT) and bus routes, providing convenient access for specimen drop-off and inquiries. The facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex. For specimen submission or specific questions, referring physicians and healthcare providers are advised to contact the laboratory's main office or their designated representative.
- 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 Anatomical 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?
- The turnaround time for pathology results can vary depending on several factors, including the type and complexity of the specimen, the number of specialized tests required (e.g., immunohistochemistry, molecular studies), and the overall lab workload. Simple biopsies might have results in a few days, while more complex cases or those needing extensive ancillary testing might take a week or longer. Your treating physician, who ordered the tests and receives the report from Dr. Balachandra, is the best person to provide an estimated timeframe for your specific results.
- 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.
- 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.
- What is the role of a Pathologist like Dr. Balachandra in healthcare?
- A Pathologist, such as Dr. Balachandra, is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by examining tissues, cells, and body fluids. They analyze samples obtained from biopsies, surgeries, or autopsies under a microscope and perform laboratory tests to identify abnormalities, determine the nature of a disease (like cancer or infection), and assess its severity. Pathologists provide crucial information that guides treatment decisions made by other physicians. Dr. Balachandra, as a Anatomical 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, plays a vital role in patient care through accurate and timely diagnosis.
10240 Kingsway NW
Edmonton, AB T5H 3V9
Laboratory Phone: (780) 735-5281 | Laboratory Fax: (780) 735-4715
The laboratory facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex.
Dr. Balachandra is a licensed Anatomical 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=8c1eb338-fb32-4b8d-ac64-7c63d9a8f137&i=131