Pathology: Discipline by Discipline

This article is on the different sub specialties in the field of Pathology. The scope of Pathology is extensive that there is needs to sub classify according to field or area. These are Anatomical Pathology, Chemical Pathology, Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology and General Pathology. Doctors in pathology are called Pathologist. Rarely do they come into contact (directly) with live patient. This is because almost all Pathologists do their work in a laboratory under a clinical microscope, examining tissues, blood samples, depending on their specialized field. Usually the work of a Pathologist starts after a Doctor examines a patient and sends a sample or specimen to the Pathologist. It is important to note that Pathologist also work with post mortem or cadavers. They can help identify the cause of death, which may lead to solving a crime. In this context, Pathologists always never work alone. They are either part of a team of doctors or manage or act as a supervisor in a laboratory. Work of a Pathologist never ends once the cause of the disease has been identified; rather he works closely with the doctors up until the treatment process.

Although they specialize in different fields there is one thing in common and that is all work in a laboratory using a clinical microscope. Since almost all specimen are small in size and detail a clinical microscope is used to identify abnormalities, in blood, tissue or other organs that need to be analyzed. Most of the clinical microscopes used in these laboratories are bifocal, high powered and have the ability for video imaging or storing. This is by attaching a computer in the clinical microscope (a port or jack is usually provided for this). The clinical microscope is so important in the arsenal of a Pathologist which it can help identify the cause and effect of a disease, therefore, maybe help find a cure.

Anatomical Pathology is involved in tissue diagnosis, or diagnosing of a disease in tissue level. Usually the tissue sample taken through a biopsy procedure is processed and analyzed by an Anatomical Pathologist. Chemical Pathology is involved with blood and bodily fluids in analyzing and detecting diseases.

Genetics commonly associated with DNA and is the least developed in all Pathology field. Although advances have been made in the field of research and development it has not yet skim the surface of the full potential of DNA in true application of science. Immunology in association with the immune system, such as testing for allergies and its effects and also antibodies falls into this category. Microbiology, its application is identifying the cause and effect of an infectious agent such as bacteria and viruses.

General Pathology. As they say a Generalist knows a little of a lot. This very well describes the field in General Pathology. A General Pathologist is knowledgeable with all major aspects of all sub specialties (as described above). To know more about in greater the different fields of medicine in Pathology the article gives a thorough review of each of the different fields. read more...