Pediatric Pathology
A major advantage of a children’s hospital associated with an academic medical center is the availability of specialized resources. Stony Brook Children’s has the only Department of Pediatric Pathology of its kind in Suffolk County and one of the few on Long Island. This means that the majority of biopsies, specimens, and other samples can be examined in-house, typically resulting in faster, more accurate diagnoses without the need for outside consultation.
Also, because different diseases manifest in children in different ways and in different frequencies, it is important that pathologists trained in pediatrics examine samples and make the diagnoses. In the unfortunate case of an infant or child death, the department conducts the investigation, which can give important information that can impact diagnosis and care management in the future.
In addition, because of its specialized expertise, when asked, the department consults with other physicians at hospitals across Long Island.
Services
As typical to Stony Brook Children's, the Department of Pediatric Pathology uses the most state-of- the-art technology available for bloodwork, specimen examination, DNA evaluation, biopsies and oncology staging.
The laboratory’s capabilities include electron microscopy, immunohistolic techniques and flow cytometry—with continual updates as new technology becomes accessible.
Our Team
Location
Research and Education
Stony Brook School of Medicine residents train with Dr. Cynthia Kaplan during part of their pathology rotation to get additional experience in pediatric pathology. She also participates in conferences, forums and teaching opportunities with other physicians. On the research front, the department works with the national Pediatric Oncology Group to coordinate enrollment of children into the appropriate clinical trials. Dr. Kaplan works with the Obstetrics Department on diagnosing chorioamnionitis.
Advances and Recognition
The Department of Pediatric Pathology is fully accredited by New York State and the College of American Pathologists. Dr. Cynthia Kaplan is the current president of the Society of Pediatric Pathologists, an international organization.
