Dr. Tricia Cottrell is a highly skilled Anatomical Pathologist, specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at a major hospital in Kingston, ON, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various medical specialties. The facility is situated in the Downtown Kingston, Queen's University Area, Sydenham Ward neighborhood, conveniently accessible from the Cataraqui Centre (West end) via Kingston Transit. 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 designed to ensure accurate and timely results that support clinical decision-making.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from The Johns Hopkins University in the United States and has over 3 years of experience practicing as an Anatomical Pathologist since 2021. Dr. Cottrell is recognized as a CPSO Recognized Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, reflecting her extensive training and expertise in her field.
Dr. Cottrell is committed to diagnostic accuracy and precision, utilizing advanced laboratory techniques and cutting-edge technologies. She emphasizes effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient management. Upholding the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety, she also contributes to medical knowledge through research and education where applicable. Her dedication to diagnostic excellence supports patient care in Kingston, and she provides diagnostic expertise and reporting in English.
Dr. Cottrell 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 Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Association of Pathologists (CAP-ACP) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. Reports and consultations are directed to referring physicians.
Dr. Cottrell works within a diagnostic laboratory located in Kingston's Downtown Kingston, Queen's University Area, Sydenham Ward neighborhood. The laboratory is situated in a modern medical complex close to the city’s core, providing accessible and efficient diagnostic services. It is conveniently accessible via Kingston Transit and is situated near the Cataraqui Centre (West end). The facility meets all accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex, equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to ensure accurate and timely laboratory results. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians are advised to contact the laboratory’s main office or their respective referral offices.
- How is accuracy ensured in pathology diagnoses made by Dr. Cottrell?
- Accuracy is paramount in pathology. Dr. Cottrell 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. Cottrell undergo extensive training and continuous medical education to maintain their diagnostic expertise and stay updated on the latest medical knowledge and diagnostic criteria.
- How long does it usually take to get pathology results from Dr. Cottrell'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. Cottrell, is the best person to provide an estimated timeframe for your specific results.
- Will I meet Dr. Cottrell directly as a patient?
- While Pathologists like Dr. Cottrell play a critical role in patient care, they primarily work behind the scenes in the laboratory, analyzing patient samples and consulting with other physicians. It's generally uncommon for patients to meet their pathologist directly, unless the pathologist has a subspecialty that involves some direct patient procedures (e.g., some hematopathologists performing bone marrow biopsies, though this is often done by hematologists/oncologists). Your primary interaction will be with your treating physician who orders the tests and discusses Dr. Cottrell's findings with you.
- What is the role of a Pathologist like Dr. Cottrell in healthcare?
- Dr. Cottrell is an 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, a physician expert in laboratory medicine and the study of disease. Pathologists are often called 'the doctor's doctor' because they provide essential diagnostic information to clinicians by analyzing patient specimens. This includes interpreting biopsies, surgical resections, cytological samples, and blood tests, ultimately helping to determine the correct diagnosis, prognosis, and appropriate course of treatment for a wide range of medical conditions.
- How are the findings from a Pathologist like Dr. Cottrell used by other doctors?
- Pathology reports from specialists like Dr. Cottrell 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. Cottrell's diagnostic work is therefore paramount for optimal patient outcomes.
- What kinds of samples does a Pathologist like Dr. Cottrell examine?
- Dr. Cottrell, in their role as an 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, analyzes many types of patient specimens. This can range from tiny needle biopsies taken to investigate a suspicious lump, to cells scraped or brushed from surfaces (cytology), to complex surgical specimens removed to treat cancer. They also interpret blood and bone marrow samples for hematological conditions. The specific types of samples depend on the clinical question being asked and the suspected disease.
76 Stuart St
Kingston, ON K7L 2V7
Laboratory Phone: (613) 533-6035
The laboratory facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex.
Dr. Cottrell is a licensed Anatomical Pathologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Pathology services by Dr. Cottrell 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. Cottrell's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Cottrell-Tricia-Ruth/0330197-120507