Christina Otterness, DO

Anatomic & Clinical Pathologist

Dr. Christina Otterness is an Anatomic & Clinical Pathologist in Bolivar, MO with special training and skill in determining the origin, type, and severity of a disease. As an Anatomic & Clinical Pathologist, Christina Otterness, DO performs laboratory tests to detect and treat the causes of illnesses. Anatomic Clinical Pathology is the study of disease in bodily fluid, tissues, and organs. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Anatomic & Clinical Pathologists include diabetes and cancer. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Anatomic & Clinical Pathologists include diagnostic tests on blood, urine, sputum, feces, spinal fluid, pleural fluid, and belly fluid, as well as biopsy and autopsy.

A pathologist deals with the causes and nature of disease and contributes to diagnosis, prognosis and treatment through knowledge gained by the laboratory application of the biologic, chemical and physical sciences. A pathologist uses information gathered from the microscopic examination of tissue specimens, cells and body fluids, and from clinical laboratory tests on body fluids and secretions for the diagnosis, exclusion and monitoring of disease.

Blood Banking & Transfusion Medicine Pathologist

Dr. Christina Otterness is a Blood Banking & Transfusion Medicine Pathologist in Bolivar, MO with special training and skill in performing and assisting physicians with blood collection. As a Blood Banking & Transfusion Medicine Pathologist, Christina Otterness, DO performs procedures to treat bloodborne pathogens and blood loss. Blood Banking & Transfusion Medicine is the collection, storage, and delivery of blood plasma. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Blood Banking & Transfusion Medicine Pathologists include blood diseases and blood loss. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Blood Banking & Transfusion Medicine Pathologists include blood testing, blood draws, blood storing, component separation, and blood delivery.

A physician who specializes in blood banking/transfusion medicine is responsible for the maintenance of an adequate blood supply, blood donor and patient-recipient safety and appropriate blood utilization. Pre-transfusion compatibility testing and antibody testing assure that blood transfusions, when indicated, are as safe as possible. This physician directs the preparation and safe use of specially prepared blood components, including red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma constituents, and marrow or stem cells for transplantation.