Clinical Pathology

The term clinical pathology is more pronounced in countries such as United States, United Kingdom, Portugal, common wealth and Italy, similarly the other term for clinical pathology called laboratory medicine is more pronounced in countries such as Eastern Europe, Poland, Germany and Romania. The more similar term of clinical pathology is clinical analysis is used in Spain country. The term clinical biology or medical biology is more pronounced in countries such as Austria, North Africa, West Africa, France, Belgium and Netherlands. The term laboratory medicine, clinical analysis and clinical biology/ medical biology meaning is the same as clinical pathology. The branch of medical science that deal about disease diagnosis which are dependent on lab analysis of body fluids for instance urine, blood and tissues are referred as clinical pathology. It incorporates the use of techniques involved in microbiology, molecular pathology, chemistry and hematology. The specialist in clinical pathology should have medical residency. This should not be confused with biomedical science which is not more related to science field.

Sub disciplines of clinical pathology

The clinical pathologists are certified by American Board of Pathology and it also recognizes the other secondary specialty of clinical pathology mentioned as follows.

• Clinical chemistry or chemical pathology
• Clinical microbiology
• Hematopathology
• Blood banking
• Cytogenetics
• Molecular genetics pathology
• Transfusion medicine

In some of the countries clinical pathologists also perform some responsibilities of clinical biologists, immuno pathology, sperm bank, assisted reproductive technology and or semen analysis.

Tools used for clinical pathology

Clinical pathology shall utilize the following tools for clinical treatment.

• Microscopes
  • Macroscopic examination
  • Microscopic examination
    • Immuno fluorescence
    • Immuno cytochimy
    • FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization)
• Strips
• Analyzers: Automated analyzer
• Centrifugal machines
• Cultures

Questions:

• What is clinical pathology?
• What tools are used for clinical pathology treatment?
• Name some sub disciplines of clinical pathology.