Core Areas of Clinical Pathology
- Hematology
- Study of blood and blood-forming tissues.
- Common tests:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) – RBCs, WBCs, platelets.
- Peripheral smear – Evaluates blood cell morphology.
- Coagulation tests – PT, aPTT, INR for bleeding/clotting disorders.
- Clinical Biochemistry (Clinical Chemistry)
- Analyzes chemical components of body fluids (mostly serum or plasma).
- Common tests:
- Glucose, urea, creatinine, electrolytes.
- Liver function tests (LFTs), renal function tests (RFTs).
- Lipid profile, hormone assays, enzyme markers (e.g., amylase, ALT).
- Microbiology
- Identification of infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites).
- Techniques:
- Culture and sensitivity, Gram staining, acid-fast staining.
- Antigen detection, PCR, serology (e.g., ELISA).
- Immunology and Serology
- Detects antibodies/antigens in blood or body fluids.
- Used in:
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., ANA test).
- Infectious diseases (e.g., HIV, hepatitis).
- Allergy testing, immune deficiencies.
- Clinical Urinalysis
- Examination of urine for:
- Physical properties (color, clarity).
- Chemical tests (protein, glucose, ketones).
- Microscopy (cells, crystals, casts, bacteria).
- Examination of urine for:
- Body Fluid Analysis
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), pleural, peritoneal, synovial fluid analysis.
- Includes cell counts, protein/glucose levels, and microbial cultures.
Role of the Clinical Pathologist
- Oversees laboratory operations and ensures accuracy, reliability, and quality control.
- Correlates laboratory results with clinical findings.
- Advises clinicians on appropriate test selection and interpretation.
Principles of Clinical Pathology
- Sample Collection and Handling
- Proper techniques are vital for valid results.
- Includes use of anticoagulants, correct sample timing, and storage.
- Reference Ranges
- Normal values used to interpret test results.
- Must consider age, sex, physiological conditions (e.g., pregnancy), and population norms.
- Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA)
- Regular checks to ensure test reliability.
- Involves internal QC and external proficiency testing.
- Automation and Technology
- Modern labs use automated analyzers for speed and accuracy.
- Integration with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems).
Common Diseases Diagnosed by Clinical Pathology
| Area | Diseases Diagnosed |
|---|---|
| Hematology | Anemia, leukemia, infections |
| Biochemistry | Diabetes, liver/kidney disease, dyslipidemia |
| Microbiology | Tuberculosis, UTIs, meningitis, STIs |
| Immunology | HIV/AIDS, SLE, rheumatoid arthritis |
| Urinalysis | Kidney disease, diabetes, urinary infections |