Diagnostic Techniques Flashcards
How many diagnoses involve pathology
Over 70%
How many different disciplines make up pathology
23
Name some disciplines of pathology
Genetics Medical microbiology Virology Haematology Clinical biochemistry Histopathology Immunology
What is clinical biochemistry
The study of changes in chemical composition of body fluids in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease processes.
What is immunology
The study of the body’s immune system and its disorders
What is microbiology
The study of infection caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses
Identification of the best treatment options for infection
The monitoring of antibiotic resistance
It also includes testing for how well a patient is responding to treatment of infection
What is haematology
The study of blood cells
What is histopathology (cyto)
The study of diseased tissue/cells
What is genetics
The study of DNA and its relation to genetically transmitted disorders
Why should lab tests be used
For: Screening Diagnosis Monitoring PrognosisIt informs a clinical decision
What is screening
Detection of sub-clinical disease
e.g. Neonatal Screening for PKU, Cervical Smear for cervical cancer
What is diagnosis
Confirmation or rejection of clinical diagnosis
e.g. Measurement of urea and creatinine for ?renal failure, Biopsy for ?lung cancer
What is monitoring
Natural history or response to treatment
e.g. Measurement of CRP to see if an infection is resolving, Measuring CD4 and viral load for HIV monitoring
What is prognosis
Prediction of course or outcome of the diseasee.g. Tumour markers
What essential information is required for a lab diagnosis
Full ten digit CHI number Patient’s surname Patient’s forename Date of birth Specimen type Anatomical site Investigations required Date and time of collection Relevant clinical history
