It is important to know your pathology tests results in today’s age, where diseases are rather commonly found in any individual. If you are not serious about your disease, then it can prove to be fatal in the future. A simple blood test can keep track of the health status of an individual and detect any underlying disease in their early stages. Let us see what these tests are about and how they help.
What is pathology?
Pathology is a field associated with medical science that helps in studying the causes and effects of an injury or disease. It is carried out in pathology labs. Pathology is often described as a bridge between science and medicine. It entails analysis of organs removed after conducting a surgical procedure, the inspection of tissues, and the examination of physiological fluids.
With the help of pathology tests, Pathology supports every element related to patient care, which incorporates the use of the finest state-of-the-art genetic technology and disease prevention techniques. Under a microscope, the cellular pattern of tissue samples is examined to identify whether they are malignant or non-cancerous (benign).
Types of pathology
Following are a few common types of pathology:
- Clinical pathology-Samples of fluids like blood, or urine are observed under a microscope, or with similar tools for diagnosis.
- Anatomic pathology– This field involves the study of tumours, organs, and tissues.
- Molecular pathology– In this field, genes, genetics, RNA, and DNA sequences are studied.
- Forensic pathology– This field involves carrying out autopsies and legal pathology tests.
- Cytopathology– In this field, the cells are studied and cellular changes are observed.
Who are pathologists?
It is the responsibility of teams of medical personnel and scientists to examine samples from a person’s body after carrying out tests like CBC tests or urine tests in order to determine what is causing them to get ill. Pathologists, as well as biomedical scientists and support workers, make up these teams.
Pathologists are either doctors with specialized laboratory training or scientists who specialize in clinical training. They are also involved in a variety of studies, from studying the impact of new medications in clinical trials to characterizing virus and bacteria behaviour.
What are pathology tests?
Pathology tests, like CBC tests, are medical speciality tests that use samples of human tissues and bodily fluids to assist diagnose the source and type of illnesses. The findings of these pathology tests aid doctors in diagnosing disorders and prescribing appropriate therapies. Pathology tests can assist your doctor in determining the cause of a variety of health problems.
A pathology test, like a blood sugar test, looks at samples of your body’s tissues, such as blood, urine, faeces, and biopsy samples. This information is used by doctors to diagnose and treat illnesses and other ailments. Following are some fundamental and essential pathology tests:
- Liver function tests– The liver produces or secretes a number of enzymes, along with various other chemicals, and proteins which are measured by these pathology tests. Liver damage can influence the levels of these chemicals that are present in the blood. When conducted collectively, these tests provide a picture of the liver’s health and can serve as a jumping-off point for future diagnostic testing.
- Iron studies– Iron is required for the proper formation of normal red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. Low iron levels can cause anaemia, a condition in which the body lacks adequate red blood cells, resulting in weariness and a lack of energy. The study of iron levels in your body is done via these tests in pathology labs.
- Urine test– Urine test or urinalysis is a test that looks for metabolic abnormalities (such as diabetes) and renal problems in a sample of urine. A doctor may recommend a patient for urinalysis in a variety of situations. Testing for urine protein, for example during pregnancy, red cells, for example in kidney illness, and indicators of urinary tract infections are all common urinalysis tests.
- Full body examination– It also goes by the name of full blood count or complete blood count, these comprehensive blood tests, like blood sugar tests, reveal vital information on the amount and growth of cells in the blood, including RBC that help to carry oxygen to various parts of the body, WBC that aids and enhances immunity to battle infections, and platelets that help in the aspect of blood clotting.
- TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Quantification– The blood test is used to check for thyroid diseases including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. These conditions can develop on their own or can be an immediate effect caused due to the presence of a specific infection, consumption of drugs, tumour, or pregnancy.
In conclusion, it is important to discuss with your doctor before taking any pathology tests. You should not take tests at random without properly getting diagnosed. And if you have any other queries about the test, then it is advised that you contact your doctor or the pathology centre.