
Dr. Stephen Ovanessoff, MD, FCAP
Pathologist | Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
1255 West Washington Street Tempe Arizona, 85281About
Dr. Stephen Ovanessoff is a pathologist practicing in Tempe, Arizona. Dr. Ovanessoff is a doctor who specializes in the study of bodily fluids and tissues. As a pathologist, Dr. Ovanessoff can help your primary care doctor make a diagnosis about your medical condition. Dr. Ovanessoff 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
MD at College of Medicine University of Baghdad
University of Baghdad College of Medicine 1971
Board Certification
American Board of Pathology- Anatomic Pathology
PathologyAmerican Board of PathologyABP
Provider Details

Dr. Stephen Ovanessoff, MD, FCAP's Expert Contributions
What tests will be done to confirm anemia?
The initial test is to check your blood for hemoglobin level, shape, and size of the red blood cells. Based on the findings other tests may be required. READ MORE
What precautions should pathologist take when dealing with samples of contagious diseases?
There is a protocol/List of Universal precautions that is officially mandated for use and that applies to all health workers, including pathologists. It is available online. READ MORE
Can creatinine fluctuate between morning and night?
Wide fluctuations of the creatinine levels between morning and night are not normal. The levels are influenced by many factors including medications, treatments, diet, underlying disease and most of all the status of the renal function. READ MORE
What is the platelet count for which a dengue test is recommended?
Dengue fever is one of the so-called "hemorrhagic fevers" caused by a virus. The platelet count, as well as the white cell (WBC) count, are often reduced in a CBC test result, but are not specific. Testing for evidence of Dengue virus infection is one of the tests considered for patients that have appropriate epidemiological history, signs, and symptoms, as well as preliminary laboratory tests that suggest the possibility of such an infection. READ MORE
Can the infection causing a pneumonia show in a blood test?
Blood testing is not usually used to detect the type of organism causing pneumonia. If the infection disseminates into the blood, causing generalized infection (septicemia), then organisms may be detected in blood culture testing. READ MORE
What is stem cell banking? Is it really worth it?
Cord blood is rich with stem/precursor cells, that can mature/develop into a variety of mature blood cells. Cord blood can be preserved, maintaining its viability (stem cell banking) for many years. It can be used to revitalize the bone marrow of the individual if that individual develops a disease, usually a malignancy that consumes his or her bone marrow. READ MORE
What is a pus culture?
A pus culture is when a sample of the pus (purulent material) is collected under sterile circumstances and tested for microorganism identification, usually by applying the collected sample into "culture media", the latter being prepared material that promotes growth of microorganisms. Once growth is identified, it is classified as to the type of organism and based on this knowledge, the person is treated. READ MORE
Second opinion on biopsy?
Melanocytic skin lesions, can be benign or malignant. It is not unusual for a pathologist to seek second expert opinion on a case, since some of these lesions may have borderline atypical features that are difficult to interpret as benign or malignant by a general pathologist. For such cases it would be prudent to request the opinion of an expert dermatopathologist. READ MORE
What causes constant fluttering of the eyelids?
The usual cause is fatigue and stress. READ MORE
My urine culture report was sent to another lab for a bacteria resistance report. Why does this happen?
Bacterial resistance testing is performed to see if a certain bacterial growth is sensitive or resistant to the effect of different antibacterial agents. Some labs may not be equipped to perform that test, also known as a sensitivity test. READ MORE
How long should a urine culture take?
Not really. Sometimes culture results take longer than usual. The result should be valid if the culture processing is properly performed. READ MORE
My son's arterial blood gas test in the hospital is showing a high level of CO2. Should we get this checked again?
This might be related to his pneumonia. Repeat testing after complete recovery from pneumonia should show improvement. READ MORE
Why do they send a mole biopsy sample for second opinion?
To confirm or rule out a diagnosis that may have requirements for further specialized treatment. READ MORE
What are the tests to confirm dengue?
Your child should be seen by a pediatrician and/or infectious disease specialist before ordering tests. READ MORE
Home diabetes testing device and lab report show different results. What is more accurate?
There can be many variables that determine the blood sugar levels. These include, the nutritional status (fasting/ non-fasting), prior physical activity, time of day test performed, technique, etc etc., before the test is performed. These factors apply to both home device and outside lab testing. In general, outside lab test results are usually more accurate although the newer home testing devices are pretty accurate too. READ MORE
My mother's biopsy confirmed a malignant tumor. Should we consider a second opinion before the treatment?
The specialist clinician in charge of your mother is usually the person that will request a second opinion, depending on the clinical findings. READ MORE
If my mother is diabetic, is a cataract surgery recommended?
For most surgeries/surgical procedures, it is recommended that a diabetic be in good control status of his/her diabetes prior to the procedure. READ MORE
Prostate pathology report
High grade PIN indicates the presence of precancerous foci in the biopsy. Patients with high grade PIN require a closer follow up by their urologist, which may include, repeat physical examination, repeat serum PSA level evaluation and repeat biopsies. READ MORE
Forensic pathologist vs pathologist
A forensic pathologist is a pathologist that has, in addition to basic pathology training, expertise in evaluation of death where the cause of death is not evident or has occurred under unusual circumstances (e.g., violence, poisoning, suicide, etc.). READ MORE
Breast cancer biopsy
There are many types of core biopsies. They all utilize some type of a needle/device. If properly performed to sample the suspected lesion, they are generally all adequate in accuracy. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Local- Teaching Medical Students -
Awards
- Top Doctor
- Best Doctor
Dr. Stephen Ovanessoff, MD, FCAP's Practice location
Tempe, Arizona 85281Get Direction
KEDPLASMA
2320 E Bell Rd #101 -Phoenix, AZ 85022Get Direction
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