Laboratory

Medical Diagnostic Laboratory

Using the latest technology, the Medical Diagnostic Laboratory offers advanced services to patients in the following areas:

• A comprehensive range of specialized and highly specialized laboratory tests
• Prenatal diagnostic testing
• Screening and diagnosis of genetic disorders

Genetics Laboratory

Using modern technologies, the Genetics Laboratory provides services including prenatal genetic testing, testing for inherited disorders, genetic testing for infertility, and preventive testing. Our goal is to provide accurate and reliable results to support the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of genetic disorders.

Pathology and Cytology Laboratory

The center's Pathology and Cytology Department uses advanced methods to support accurate disease diagnosis and more effective treatment. Services include histopathology (examination of surgical and biopsy specimens), FNA (fine-needle aspiration of suspicious lumps), IHC (identification of cellular markers), Pap smears (cervical cancer screening), molecular tests such as PCR and FISH (detection of genetic changes), body fluid analysis, and specialist pathology consultations and reports.

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Mehr Center Laboratory Departments

Hormone Testing

The laboratory's most important department for infertility cases. Tests in this department include ovarian reserve assessment (AMH), reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, estradiol, and progesterone), prolactin, thyroid hormones (TSH and T4), androgens for evaluating polycystic ovary syndrome, and hormones associated with male fertility (testosterone, FSH, LH, and prolactin).
The tests available at this center are not limited to these examples; the laboratory can perform all tests requested by physicians.
An important consideration when interpreting results: many of these tests depend on the day of the menstrual cycle, and testing at the wrong time may produce results that cannot be reliably interpreted. The physician determines the precise timing. Results from this department are used directly in the care provided by the Gynecology & Infertility Clinic.

General Diagnostic Testing

Biochemistry (specialized and routine), hematology, serology and microbiology, semen analysis, parasitology, and mycology

Pathology and Cytology

The Pathology and Cytology Department uses advanced methods to support accurate disease diagnosis and more effective treatment. Services include:

• Histopathology — examination of surgical and biopsy specimens
• FNA — fine-needle aspiration to assess suspicious lumps
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC) — identification of cellular markers to determine the type of lesion more precisely
• Pap smear — cervical cancer screening
• PCR and FISH molecular tests — detection of genetic changes in specimens
• Body fluid analysis
• Specialist pathology consultations and reports

If a Pap smear result is abnormal, the next step usually involves a more detailed examination of the cervix using colposcopy. An abnormal Pap smear result does not mean cancer; in most cases, further assessment or scheduled follow-up is needed.

Genetics Laboratory

Using modern technologies, the Genetics Laboratory provides services including prenatal genetic testing, investigation of inherited disorders, genetic assessment, and preventive testing. The goal is to provide accurate and reliable results to support the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of genetic disorders.
The methods used include molecular testing (gene mutations) and cytogenetic testing (chromosome number and structure). Common applications at this center include genetic investigation of recurrent pregnancy loss, genetic assessment of infertility, carrier screening before marriage and pregnancy, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis/testing (PGD/PGT).
Key point: genetic testing should not be requested or interpreted without prior counseling. The selection of appropriate tests and explanation of results — particularly when a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) is reported — take place at the Genetic Counseling Clinic.
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Quality and Standards

The reliability of laboratory results depends on several factors: correct specimen collection, appropriate specimen storage and transport conditions, equipment calibration, internal quality control, and participation in external quality assessment programs.
Mehr Center's laboratory operates under the supervision of its technical director and in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Health's Reference Health Laboratory. The center's licenses and operating standards are available on the Accreditation & Quality Improvement page.
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Test Costs and Insurance Coverage

Costs depend on the type and number of tests requested and vary widely — from routine tests to specialized genetic and immunohistochemistry testing. Insurance coverage also varies between tests, and some specialized tests may have more limited coverage.
For current fees and accepted insurance plans, contact Mehr Center Reception.
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Arrange Your Laboratory Tests

If your physician has requested hormone testing, fertility assessment, semen analysis, pathology testing, or genetic testing, you can contact Mehr Center's laboratory reception in Rasht to arrange specimen collection. Before your visit, check your physician's test request and the preparation requirements for your tests.

Appointments and Registration

Contact Mehr Center
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Page Information

Prepared by: The Content Team at Mehr Outpatient Surgical and Infertility Center 
Scientific review: Laboratory Technical Director, Dr. Iraj Jafroudi Ranji — Doctorate in Laboratory Sciences 
This content is provided for general information and does not replace a physician's test requests, interpretation, or clinical decisions. Interpreting laboratory results without considering the patient's medical history and clinical examination can be misleading.