David N. Alter, MD

Chemical Pathologist

Dr. David N. Alter is a Chemical Pathologist in Grand Rapids, MI with special training and skill in identifying and studying disease by examining and analyzing electrolytes, hormones, and tumor markers. As a Chemical Pathologist, David N. Alter, MD performs laboratory tests and analysis of bodily fluids. Chemical Pathology is the biochemical diagnosis of disease and the monitoring of chemical changes that occur during treatment. Significant diseases and conditions treated by Chemical Pathologists include diabetes, heart and liver disease, drug abuse, and cancer. Medical tests, procedures and therapies provided by Chemical Pathologists include blood, urine, and saliva tests.

A chemical pathologist has expertise in the biochemistry of the human body as it applies to the understanding of the cause and progress of disease. This physician functions as a clinical consultant in the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. Chemical pathology entails the application of biochemical data to the detection, confirmation or monitoring of disease.

Clinical Pathologist / Laboratory Medicine Pathologist

Dr. David N. Alter is a Clinical Pathologist / Laboratory Medicine Pathologist in Grand Rapids, MI with special training and skill in chemistry, microbiology, and immunology. As a Clinical Pathologist / Laboratory Medicine Pathologist, David N. Alter, 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.