fundementals of clinical pathology Flashcards
What is pathology?
Pathology is the branch of medicine concerned with the cause, origin, and nature of disease, including the changes occurring as a result of disease.
Who are the healthcare workers involved in pathology?
Pathology involves the work of clinical scientists and doctors who analyze and interpret the samples to explain the illness at the most fundamental and deepest level.
What can pathology help with?
Pathology can help in planning treatment by providing a detailed understanding of the illness at its core, thus aiding in effective treatment strategies.
What is a pathologist?
A pathologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the field of pathology. They are responsible for examining and interpreting patient samples, diagnosing diseases, and providing insights into the nature and progression of various conditions.
What is cellular pathology?
Cellular pathology involves the examination of the morphology (structure and characteristics) of cells and tissues to diagnose diseases. An anatomical pathologist or histopathologist typically performs this type of pathology.
What is histology?
Histology is a branch of pathology where tissues are cut into thin slices, placed on glass slides, and stained for examination. An anatomical pathologist or histopathologist performs histology to study the cellular composition and organization of tissues.
What is cytology?
Cytology involves the examination of cells present in fluid samples. A cytopathologist smears a thick fluid sample on a slide, stains it, and examines the cells for abnormalities or diseases.
What is hematology?
Hematology is the study of blood and blood-related disorders. A hematologist counts blood cells using specialized machines and examines the morphology of blood cells to diagnose and monitor various blood disorders.
What is biochemistry in pathology?
Biochemistry in pathology involves measuring various molecules present in the blood to monitor organ functions, such as liver and kidney. A chemical pathologist specializes in analyzing these biochemical markers.
What is infection pathology?
Infection pathology focuses on identifying infectious microbes by culturing them and determining the antibiotics to which they will respond. Microbiologists and virologists play a crucial role in infection control and managing infectious diseases.
What is immunology in pathology?
Immunology in pathology deals with identifying antibodies that behave abnormally, especially when they target our own tissues (autoimmunity). Immunologists specialize in studying the immune system and its related disorders.
What is genetic pathology?
Genetic pathology involves the analysis of DNA and RNA to diagnose genetic disorders. A consultant in genetic pathology uses molecular biology techniques to study genetic abnormalities and their impact on health.
What is forensic pathology?
Forensic pathology involves conducting post-mortem examinations to determine the cause of death. Forensic pathologists investigate the circumstances surrounding a person’s death, contributing to legal and criminal investigations.
