What does a pathologist do?

Pathologists are essential in the diagnosis of diseases and ensuring patients are given the correct treatments.

In general, pathologists perform the following responsibilities:

Analyse blood or tissue samples for signs of disease
Explain test results to other specialists and give advice on what the next steps would be (i.e. other tests or treatments)
Help to develop new vaccines against infectious diseases or inherited conditions
Ensure blood transfusions are performed correctly and safely
Be part of clinical trials for testing new medications

Which subspecialties are included under pathology?

Pathology consists of five specialties which each have their own subspecialties. The five main areas of pathology are:

Histopathology (includes the subspecialty of cytopathology): the diagnosis and microscopic study of diseases through cell and tissue samples.
Chemical pathology (includes the subspecialty of metabolic medicine): the diagnosis of disease with biochemical laboratory tests.
Medical microbiology and virology: the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.
Immunology: focuses on autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies and allergies.
Haematology: the study of blood and treatment of blood disorders.

When should you see a pathologist?

Due to the nature of pathology as a specialty being more behind-the-scenes of patient care, it is unlikely that you would visit a pathologist specifically. However, your specialist (e.g. an oncologist) would consult with a pathologist to be advised on the results of any blood tests or biopsies. The oncologist would then take next steps based on the results of these, which are determined by a pathologist.

Artículos médicos de Anatomía Patológica

El papel de un Patólogo en el Diagnóstico de Cáncer