Our Services

Our team delivers advanced pathology services with trusted expertise and local oversight, supporting hospitals, providers, and patients across Iowa.

Autopsy Pathology

We work with board certified forensic pathologists to provide state of the art autopsy pathology evaluations. PACI coordinates the review process for needed autopsies to provide a comprehensive review and report for the hospital autopsies.

Bone Marrow Pathology

A complex analysis to aid in diagnosis of bone marrow specific to hematology/oncology disorders. Our hematopathologists use an array of complex laboratory tools to analyze, diagnosis, and consult with the ordering physician. Upon completion, we issue a detailed final report with diagnosis which incorporates pertinent ancillary information (i.e. chromosome analysis, next-generation sequencing, and fluorescence in-situ hybridization).

Clinical Pathology Consultation

We provide pertinent lab test information and context to help guide medical providers in choosing the right laboratory test at the right time.

Coagulation Consultation

By utilizing data from complex laboratory tests our pathology team has the expertise in diagnosing most inherited and acquired clotting disorders. We provide easy to read reports with diagnosis and detailed commentary.

Cytology Evaluation

Our cytology team reviews approximately 25,000 gynecologic cytology (Pap) specimens and 2000 non-gynecologic specimens yearly.

Fine needle aspiration (FNA)

Board certified cytopathologists available for on-site interpretations and adequacy checks to ensure prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment plans.

Flow Cytometry

We are fortunate to have in-house flow cytometry services. This allows us same day diagnosis of leukemias and lymphomas. In addition, flow cytometry testing can provide detailed lymphocyte counts and drug (Rituximab) monitoring information.

Frozen Sections

We pride ourselves on providing on-site coverage for frozen sections. We work alongside your surgeons, dermatologists, ENTs, etc to provide real time preliminary reporting for frozen sections with a final report through our Surgical Pathology (Hatch to add link) process. We coordinate our schedules to meet your needs to provide this support. Yes, we will travel to most medical facilities in the state of Iowa.

GI & Liver Pathology

PACI is fortunate to have a GI fellowship trained pathologist in our group. Dr. Crowder has added expertise in inflammatory bowel disorders, malignant/premalignant conditions of the esophagus, stomach, and colon, and complex liver disorders.

Histology with quality control

CAP regulatory compliance standards for a full-service histology service with quality assurance across all phases of testing in an anatomic pathology laboratory.

Microbiology Consultation

In the ever-changing world of microbiology and antibiotic stewardship, our team can assist you with susceptibility test results. We work with your pharmacist to ensure "bug-drug" susceptibility/resistant patterns for the optimal course of treatment.

Other Services

In addition to our general day-to-day activities, our pathologists also serve a host of other functions. These include locums’ assistance, chairmanship of the institutional research board (IRB), membership on several infection prevention committees, board of directors’ participation for various healthcare associated industries, participation on medical executive committee, quality and safety committees’ leadership,

Peer Review

With our various areas of specialty, we are equipped to provide all your peer review needs. We routinely perform second opinions (overreads). In addition, we can assist your facility with pathology peer review metrics and pathology performance monitoring (focused professional practice evaluation - FPPE).

Peripheral Blood Smear

An advanced blood test further diagnosing various hematological, infectious, and systemic diseases. Our pathologists provide this service to facilities, providers, and patients for a further look at any abnormal values from the common CBC test. Following review, we issue a full report which includes morphologic descriptions and pertinent differential diagnoses.

Research

Do you need assistance with a research or quality improvement project. Our team has assisted many providers with pathology analysis and commentary for medical publications. In addition, we have assisted several colleagues with quality improvement initiatives to assist providers with improved efficiency and overall health care outcomes.

Surgical Pathology

We provide detailed specimen analysis for all areas of the body. We utilized advanced imaging systems and specimen tracking mechanisms to prevent medical errors. Following tissue slide review, an easily readable report which includes all pertinent pathology diagnostic and staging information. We utilize the Mayo Clinic for consultations when additional expertise is needed.

What Professionals Say

Working with the PACI pathologists has been an exceptional experience. Their professionalism, knowledge of the laboratory and pathology services, and unwavering reliability have made them an invaluable part of our team. Each pathologist is always willing to consult with the laboratory or medical staff, offering clear guidance and practical insight whenever needed. We are so grateful to have such dedicated and dependable pathologists supporting our organization!

Local Laboratory Director
Local Laboratory Director

As a Lab Director who has collaborated with Pathology Associates of Central Iowa, I’ve consistently been impressed by their professionalism, diagnostic accuracy, and responsiveness. Their team is knowledgeable, approachable, and truly committed to supporting clinical decision-making with timely, high-quality pathology services. Working with them has been a reliable and positive experience.

Andrea H.
Laboratory Director, MercyOne

Dr. Andres has been looking over our lab in Knoxville for the last 10-12 years. He's a valued member of the local medical staff and attends monthly meetings helping to keep us updated on local lab issues as well as presenting information about any MercyOne lab concerns. He's very knowledgeable and easy to get hold of. Our med staff contact him frequently about lab results or path reports and he is quick to respond with a ready answer and ideas for further evaluation if needed. He's been helpful as we've updated our lab and has been a huge resource as we've looked to perform more tests locally over the years. He has good insight regarding what tests could be performed here in Knoxville, and which it's advantageous to send out. Solid, pleasant, reliable, prompt, knowledgeable are the words our med staff used most to describe Dr. Andres.

Dr. Brent Hoehns
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Testimonials

Local Laboratory Director
Local Laboratory Director

Working with the PACI pathologists has been an exceptional experience. Their professionalism, knowledge of the laboratory and pathology services, and unwavering reliability have made them an invaluable part of our team. Each pathologist is always willing to consult with the laboratory or medical staff, offering clear guidance and practical insight whenever needed. We are so grateful to have such dedicated and dependable pathologists supporting our organization!

Andrea H.
Laboratory Director, MercyOne

As a Lab Director who has collaborated with Pathology Associates of Central Iowa, I’ve consistently been impressed by their professionalism, diagnostic accuracy, and responsiveness. Their team is knowledgeable, approachable, and truly committed to supporting clinical decision-making with timely, high-quality pathology services. Working with them has been a reliable and positive experience.

Dr. Brent Hoehns

Dr. Andres has been looking over our lab in Knoxville for the last 10-12 years. He's a valued member of the local medical staff and attends monthly meetings helping to keep us updated on local lab issues as well as presenting information about any MercyOne lab concerns. He's very knowledgeable and easy to get hold of. Our med staff contact him frequently about lab results or path reports and he is quick to respond with a ready answer and ideas for further evaluation if needed. He's been helpful as we've updated our lab and has been a huge resource as we've looked to perform more tests locally over the years. He has good insight regarding what tests could be performed here in Knoxville, and which it's advantageous to send out. Solid, pleasant, reliable, prompt, knowledgeable are the words our med staff used most to describe Dr. Andres.