Introduction: Pathology Lab

Introduction to Pathology

Pathology is the literally the study (logos) of suffering (pathos). More specifically, it is a bridge that involves basic science and a clinical practice and is devoted to the study of structural and functional changes in cells, tissues, and organs that underlie the disease. By the use of molecular, microbiological, immunological and morphological techniques, pathology attempts to explain the whys and wherefores of the signs and symptoms manifested by the patient while providing a sound foundation for rational clinical care or a therapy. Clinical pathology reflects major current use of laboratory measurements  and examination in patients care management as well as diagnostic application.

The main purposes of laboratory clinical pathology are:-

Ø  Confirm or reject the diagnosis

Ø  Provide the guidelines in patients managements including test utilization properties

Ø  Establish a prognosis

Ø  Detect disease through case finding or screening

Ø  Monitoring follow up therapy.

Clinical pathology has 3 branches under that and they are:

A. Cytology or Clinical Hematology

B. Immunohematology

C. Histology