What types of samples might be collected from patients to use for laboratory testing?

Lab Extra Credit Case Study

Part I –The Clinical Laboratory
Marcus stepped out of his car and into the sunshine, ready to head into the hospital for another day of work in the molecular diagnostics laboratory. Having graduated six months ago from college, he felt very fortunate to have found a great job that would give him valuable experience until he was ready to apply to medical school. Marcus had majored in biology and spent his senior year working in a research lab studying the genes that control early embryonic development in zebrafish.
What made Marcus think that? What exactly is a molecular diagnostics lab, and how does it differ from a research lab?
A molecular diagnostics laboratory is just one of several types of laboratories that exist in hospitals. These laboratories are also referred to as medical laboratories, or clinical laboratories. The term “clinical” refers to the actual diagnosis and treatment of patients.
The following resources may help you to answer the questions below.
Questions
1. What types of samples might be collected from patients to use for laboratory testing?
2. What are some examples of situations where a doctor might order a lab test to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of a patient?