Dr. Phillip J. DeChristopher, MD, PhD
Pathologist | Blood Banking & Transfusion Medicine
2160 S First Ave Ems Bldg. , Rm. 2209 Maywood IL, 60153About
Dr. Phillip DeChristopher is a pathologist practicing in Maywood, IL. Dr. DeChristopher is a doctor who specializes in the study of bodily fluids and tissues. As a pathologist, Dr. DeChristopher can help your primary care doctor make a diagnosis about your medical condition. Dr. DeChristopher may perform a tissue biopsy to determine if a patient has cancer, practice genetic testing, and complete a number of laboratory examinations. Pathologists can also perform autopsies which can determine a persons cause of death and gain information about genetic progression of a disease.
Education and Training
University of Illinois Master of Science and PhD degrees in Physical Organic Chemistry 0
Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine MD 0
Michael Reese Hospital & Medical Center Residency and Fellowship 0
Board Certification
American Board of Pathology
PathologyAmerican Board of PathologyABP- Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine
Provider Details
Dr. Phillip J. DeChristopher, MD, PhD's Expert Contributions
Can I donate blood?
Depends on the kind of viral hepatitis. Generally, diagnoses of (viral) hepatitis in adulthood are deferred from blood donation. READ MORE
High platelets?
1) To see if it is "repeatable" or chronically high. 2) Follow-up testing for a complete blood test (testing for red blood and white blood cells) 3) Further testing, such as a bone marrow aspirate to rule in or rule out a number of proliferations that could be happening in the marrow. READ MORE
Is there any blood test for celiac?
Tissue transglutimase Deaminated gliadin peptide Endomysial antibody (most precise, but also the most expensive) READ MORE
What kind of anesthesia do you get for prostate biopsy?
General or local, depending on the technique of the biopsy. Consult with Urologist or anesthesiologist. READ MORE
What blood tests show Celiac disease?
Several blood tests: Tissue transglutinase Deaminated gliadin peptide Endomyseal antibody (Most specific, but also the most expensive. READ MORE
How are prostate biopsy results given?
The results depend on what the pathologists sees microscopically. The results can be normal, show some form of inflammation, tissue changes ranging from totally benign to some degree of prostate cancer. READ MORE
How can I raise my child's iron level?
1) Improving your diet with iron-containing foods (such as meats) 2) Taking oral iron supplementation (usually as "ferrous sulfate" which are available over-the-counter. READ MORE
Blood check?
CK is an enzyme that comes out of muscle tissue. It reflects what came out in less than 24 hours or so before the testing. Such high levels are not "chronic", that is remaining that high due only to "many years" of training. READ MORE
How long does it take to recover from a bladder biopsy?
Depends on what you mean by "recovery". Generally, if it was done by a urologist doing a cystoscopy, recover time is very short. There may be small amounts of blood in the urine for a day or 2. READ MORE
Drug testing?
You didn't specify what you were smoking. If you are addressing metabolites of tetrahydrocannabinol (marijuana ingredient), the blood test can remain elevated for days, depending on the dose taken and how often you've smoked. READ MORE
What causes high protein in blood?
The term "high protein" is not specific enough. What's important is the nature / name of the protein. Some high protein levels can be very serious, signaling a potential malignancy. READ MORE
Do they send your gallbladder to pathology?
Yes, always. All tissues and organs removed surgically are sent to Pathology, which makes the diagnosis based on how it looks when removed (grossly) and after processing for examination microscopically.. READ MORE
What sedation is used for a liver biopsy?
Yes, often. READ MORE
I had transfusions with counts of 10.1 and 32?
All else being equal, counts of (hemoglobin) of 10.1 (g/dL) and (hematocrit) of 32% are not usual indications for blood transfusion. However those numbers a low for someone who is 77 years old; that is the patient is anemic, and he also seems to be symptomatic (weakness, paleness). Patients needs complete evaluation by a Hematologist. READ MORE
What is the best test for prostate health?
1) Digital rectal exam to assess enlargement or abnormal shape of the gland. 2) Blood test for PSA. READ MORE
What is the white blood cell count of leukemia patient?
The white cell count can be low, normal, elevated, or markedly elevated. Too many variables to make a general comment. The important variables are the nature / name of which white cells are elevated. Much too complicated for a simple answer. READ MORE
Do blood transfusion help when in a coma?
Usually not. Comas occur for a lot of reasons. Most do not require transfusions, and even if done, to not "fix" the reason for the coma. READ MORE
What sedation is best for a liver biopsy?
I'm not an anesthesiologist or interventional radiologist, but usually there is some short acting sedation provided, depending on how the liver biopsy is performed. READ MORE
Do you get anesthesia for a bladder biopsy?
If the biopsy is part of a cystoscopy done by a Urologist, anesthesia may not be necessary. But this is an "invasive" procedure, and it would depend on the nature of the biopsy. READ MORE
How long does dizziness after bloodwork last?
IF you are otherwise "healthy", drawing blood for "bloodwork" should not cause you to feel lightheaded. Not infrequently, the feeling of lighthedness (like you are going to faint) is due to anxiety (seeing blood?). These sensations should pass quickly (within minutes). READ MORE
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Loyola University Medical Center - Present
- Medical Director Transfusion Medicine/Blood Bank/Apheresis Service and Clinical Laboratory at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital - Present
Professional Memberships
- Fellow of the American Society for Clinical Pathology
- Fellow of the College of American Pathologists
Dr. Phillip J. DeChristopher, MD, PhD's Practice location
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Dr. Phillip J. DeChristopher, MD, PhD's reviews
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Get to know Pathologist Dr. Phillip J. DeChristopher, who serves patients in Illinois.
A seasoned pathologist, Dr. DeChristopher serves as a Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Loyola University Medical Center, and as the Medical Director for Transfusion Medicine/Blood Bank/Apheresis Service and Clinical Laboratory at Gottlieb Memorial Hospital.
When asked about his motivation to become a pathologist, he mentioned his interest in science, which began in high school and led to all of his degrees, as well as his work as a research chemist. He also expressed a strong desire to use laboratory medicine and pathology to make a real difference in patient care.
What he loves most about Loyola Pathology is the collegiality among disciplines, which allows for the best multi-disciplinary approach to problem-solving and patient care.
With an impressive academic background, Dr. DeChristopher received his Master of Science and PhD degrees in Physical Organic Chemistry from the University of Illinois, and completed his medical training at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine. He then went on to complete his residency and fellowship training at Michael Reese Hospital & Medical Center.
An expert in his field, the doctor is board-certified in anatomic & clinical pathology, and blood banking/transfusion medicine by the American Board of Pathology (ABPath). The mission of the ABPath is to promote the health of the public and advance the practice and science of pathology by establishing voluntary certification standards and assessing the qualifications of those seeking to practice the specialty of pathology.
Achieving fellowship status, Dr. DeChristopher is a Fellow of both the American Society for Clinical Pathology (FASCP) and the College of American Pathologists (FCAP).
Pathology is a branch of medical science that involves the study and diagnosis of disease through the examination of surgically removed organs, tissues, bodily fluids, and in some cases, the whole body. Pathologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and management of diseases by laboratory methods.
On a more personal note, Dr. DeChristopher enjoys driving fast cars, and if he had the time and resources, he would love to obtain a private pilot’s license.
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