Vanderbilt Medical Laboratories

Lili Tao, MD, PhD, medical director of Mycology and Immunoserology, shows Maggie Weiss a culture plate on which the fungus that causes histoplasmosis is growing. (photo by Susan Urmy)
January 22, 2026

A grateful patient says ‘thank you’ to Vanderbilt Medical Laboratories

The infection can result from inhaling spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which grows in soil throughout Middle Tennessee, especially in soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings. Previously, blood samples had to be sent to a reference lab in Utah.

By Bill Snyder
November 7, 2025

Romney Humphries named vice chair of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology

Humphries also will serve as executive medical director of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Clinical Service Center.

By Bill Snyder
July 1, 2025

New lab for transplant, other specialized testing launches at Vanderbilt Medical Laboratories

The new Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Laboratory launched its first phase of testing June 26 and ultimately will fully support clinical testing for the Vanderbilt Transplant Center, the nation’s third busiest transplant center by volume.

By Leigh MacMillan
March 6, 2025

No matter the challenge, David Gaston stands ready to lead

Because of his leadership, dedication to patients and his colleagues, and commitment to quality, Gaston received a Credo Award at the January VUMC Leadership Assembly.

By Matt Batcheldor
February 3, 2025

Digital pathology aims to unlock secrets hidden in tissue samples

The pilot project, which is expected to digitize 500,000 slides over three years, aims to open avenues for research, assist with access to whole-slide images for education and clinical meetings (of tumor boards, for example), and facilitate planning for the implementation of digital pathology for diagnostic purposes. 

By Leigh MacMillan (video by Erin O. Smith and Donn Jones)
December 12, 2024

Go inside the lab as Maddie Wright, a CF warrior, ‘geeks out’ over the science of Vanderbilt Medical Laboratories 

A 17-year-old cystic fibrosis warrior and liver transplant recipient with antibiotic resistance got to see science in action at Vanderbilt Medical Laboratories.

By Jessica Pasley and Erin O. Smith
September 9, 2024

High-sensitivity test expected to expedite heart attack diagnosis and treatment

At Vanderbilt University Hospital, there are approximately 75,000 adult emergency department visits a year, and approximately 20% of all ED patients receive a cardiac troponin test as part of their initial evaluation. The new cardiac troponin test is more precise and provides results faster.
By Jill Clendening
April 24, 2024

Go behind the scenes at Vanderbilt Medical Laboratories. Hear what employees have to say.

The Vanderbilt University Medical Center News & Communications crew caught up with people working at the new laboratory in MetroCenter.
By Jill Clendening and Erin O. Smith
March 5, 2024

New Vanderbilt Medical Laboratories facility, renovations will benefit patients

A new Vanderbilt University Medical Center clinical laboratory facility is open for business following a relocation to a 110,000 square-foot facility in MetroCenter. The new lab is located approximately five miles from VUMC’s main Nashville campus.
By Jill Clendening
November 22, 2023

Lab transformation project underway; will modernize clinical lab operations

September 22, 2023

Laboratory employees get an early look at new facility

Vanderbilt University Medical Center laboratory employees, their families and many others involved in the ongoing transformation of the Medical Center's laboratories had a first peek at the new 110,000-square-foot core laboratory space during a recent open house.
By Jill Clendening
October 13, 2021

Diagnostic Laboratory Services set for relocation, expansion

Vanderbilt's Diagnostic Laboratory Services are undergoing a major relocation and expansion project.
By Kathy Whitney