The Department of Laboratory Medicine of The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine was founded in November 1947. It has since developed into the largest comprehensive clinical laboratory in Zhejiang Province, integrating medical services, education, and scientific research. As one of the first National Key Clinical Specialties, it serves as a National Standardized Training Base for Clinical Laboratory Physicians and functions as a core unit within the National Clinical Research Center. The department also hosts the Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques and the Institute of Laboratory Medicine of Zhejiang University. Guided by the quality principle of “high‑quality service, accuracy and timeliness, people‑oriented practice, and pursuit of excellence,” the department has earned outstanding accreditation from three major international certification systems: CAP, ISO 15189, and JCI.

The department has a total of 274 staff members, including 36 with senior professional, 22 holding doctoral degrees, and 24 clinical laboratory physicians. The discipline leader is a National “Ten Thousand Talents Program” Leading Talent in Scientific and Technological Innovation.

More than 1,000 diagnostic tests are offered, with molecular diagnostics such as next-generation sequencing standing out as key strengths. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometers, next-generation sequencers, and fully automated hematology analysis systems, the laboratory provides precise and timely diagnostic support, driving personalized treatment strategies. In addition, the laboratory introduced China's first intelligent testing system, positioning "AI + laboratory medicine" as a national leader. This system facilitates the complete digitalization of laboratory processes, greatly enhancing both testing efficiency and the accuracy of diagnostic reports.

Over 90 national research projects have been carried out by the department, including major national initiatives and key research and development programs. In addition, the department has published more than 300 SCI-indexed papers in prestigious international journals such as The Lancet and BMJ, authored over 40 academic monographs. It has secured 28 national invention patents, 1 international patent, and 15 software copyrights. Furthermore, the department has been honored with 18 major scientific achievement awards, including the First Prize of the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Award and the Second Prize of the Ministry of Education’s Technological Invention Award.

Repeatedly awarded the titles of "National Outstanding Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Center" and "Outstanding Antimicrobial Resistance Guidance Center";

Multiple times awarded the Gold Medal in the Quality Control Competitions of Zhejiang Province and The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University;

Honored as an "Advanced Collective in Zhejiang Province for Combating the COVID-19 Pandemic."