Debra Callahan, MD

Clinical Pathologist / Laboratory Medicine Pathologist

Dr. Debra Callahan is a Clinical Pathologist / Laboratory Medicine Pathologist in Friday Harbor, WA with special training and skill in chemistry, microbiology, and immunology. As a Clinical Pathologist / Laboratory Medicine Pathologist, Debra Callahan, MD performs diagnostic tests on bodily fluids and tissue samples. Clinical Pathology / Laboratory Medicine is the use of laboratory tests to treat and prevent disease. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Clinical Pathologists / Laboratory Medicine Pathologists include infections, diabetes, and cancer. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Clinical Pathologists / Laboratory Medicine Pathologists include blood test, urine tests, and bone marrow biopsies.

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. Debra Callahan is a Blood Banking & Transfusion Medicine Pathologist in Friday Harbor, WA with special training and skill in performing and assisting physicians with blood collection. As a Blood Banking & Transfusion Medicine Pathologist, Debra Callahan, MD 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.