Pathology Tests- Information on Different Types of Pathology tests and Pathology Tests conducting proceduresPathology Pathology is the term used to describe the study of the causes, effects, as well as the development of various ailments. Pathologists are board certified physicians who use a range of pathology tests to help in analyzing blood, tissue and body fluids. The results of a pathology test are used to ascertain an individual’s diagnosis. Pathology testing is also critical in identifying a specific course of treatment and in monitoring the individual’s recovery process. Pathology TestsTo understand how pathology tests work, it is important to know the different types of pathology. Importantly there are two primary types of Pathology - these are known as Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology. Anatomical Pathology is concerned with the microscopic analysis of tissue. Pathologists specializing in this branch of Pathology usually work in tandem with surgeons and play a critical role in the identification of the tissue removed during the process of a surgery - particularly in cases when there is a tumor suspected. Very often, pathologists are able to analyze a sample of tissue, whilst the surgery is still being conducted and advise the surgeon on the findings. This instant diagnosis is of great assistance to the surgeon as it helps in determining the next step in the surgical treatment of the patient. Further, the tissue is analyzed over the next few days after the surgery in order to accurately diagnose the spread and the prognosis of the ailment. In addition, pathologists specializing in anatomic pathology, who are available through the entire day to analyze tissue extracted during a surgery, can also review initial diagnosis and provide a second opinion. Different Types of Pathology TestsPathologists involved in clinical pathology specialize in a range of pathology testing. The different kinds of pathology tests include assuring quality control of patient testing as well as performing bone-marrow biopsies, which is a type of pathology test that determines the proper functioning of the bone marrow. Pathologists work in conjunction with physicians using specialty laboratories that enable them to set up tests for spinal fluids, urine, blood, as well as other fluid samples and cultures. They also monitor the testing and follow up by interpreting the results of the tests. Importantly they can also answer any questions related to the tests. The latest type of pathology is known as Molecular Pathology and is one that holds a great deal of promise for the future. In this type of pathological testing, the pathologists observe genes in an endeavor to identify the presence of cancer cells and also to predict prognosis and response to ongoing therapy. Molecular pathology is today helping medical experts achieve greater accuracy and precision in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as cancer. |
