Pathology is the study of disease. Pathologists are doctors who perform tests on tissues and fluids to help diagnose and treat patients. Most people coming into hospital will need some sort of laboratory investigation to be carried out.
This includes specialities such as:
- Haematology - the study of blood disorders
- Microbiology (including virology and serology) - the study of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes
- Cellular pathology (including histology and cytology) - the study of body organs and tissues as well as single cells in the body
- Phlebotomy - where a needle is used to take blood from a vein (venepuncture) and sent to the laboratory
Our blood sciences department also deals with blood chemistry and immunology. Other teams under pathology include blood transfusion specialists and the team based in the mortuary who look after those who have died in hospital and support bereaved families.