BLOOD TRANSFUSION II Also involved in specialised testing for resolution of grouping problems, the preparation of diagnostic grouping reagents, the provision of rare blood & tissue matched blood products, and the preparation of blood components and plasma ALL BLOOD IS TESTED TO EXCLUDE AIDS, HEPATITIS B & C AND SYPHILIS DONORS ALWAYS NEEDED

CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY I MONITORING TREATMENT Tumour markers - levels are used to monitor treatment and to detect reoccurance diabetes - glucose levels, kidney function patients on Lipid lowering drugs - cholesterol and triglyceride levels thyroid disease - thyroid hormones fluid balance - patients on IV infusions drug levels - e.g anti-epileptic drugs to ensure levels are kept within a therapeutic range

CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY II SCREENING Neonatal screening - babies are screened for phenylketonuria (a metabolic enzyme defect) congenital hypothyroidism (under developed thyroid) - each condition can lead to brain damage if detected, & cystic fibrosis drugs of abuse - illegal substances and patients on treatment for drug abuse genetic screening - an area of development e.g cystic fibrosis, early detection of cancer

CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY III AID TO DIAGNOSIS Measurement of products of metabolism in body fluids ie blood, urine, faeces and sweat -eg. Glucose in Diabetes Mellitus, urea and creatinine in kidney failure -enzymes released into the bloodstream from damaged tissues, eg infertility and thyroid disease -diseases of infancy and childhood-detection of inherited metabolic enzyme defects

CLINICAL CHEMISTRY - NEAR PATIENT TESTING

Clinical Chemistry An advanced multichannel analyser

HISTOPATHOLOGY I Is the examination of tissues and organs removed from patients in order to determine a diagnosis, and to provide information on further treatment and the likely prognosis tissue is processed to paraffin wax (about 15 hours), and a wax block made of the tissue. Sections (about 3 microns) are cut & stained so that cellular structures and details can be visualised microscopically

HISTOPATHOLOGY II Further staining techniques may be required to identify a tissue component not readily seen in the first section eg organisms such as TB other special techniques such as immunocytochemistry can be used to identify a tumour or variant of tumour very rapid results can be obtained using frozen sections some labs specialise in electron microscopy

Histopathology - a slice through a kidney

Histopathology - A stained section of the same kidney tissue

Histopathology - a piece of stomach showing an ulcer

Histopathology - the same ulcer under the microscope

CYTOLOGY I Is the study of cells best known for its role within the National Cervical Screening Programme and the microscopical detection of pre-malignant changes within the cells taken from the cervix (neck of the womb) on stained slides headed by medical cytopathologists, the team includes BMS’s and Cytoscreeners, who undergo 2 years of intensive training

CYTOLOGY II Also involved is the study of specimens from any site where cells can be obtained without surgery, these include: -sputum & bronchial washings/brushings -urines -fluids from body cavities and cysts -fine needle aspirations (FNA) eg breast lumps

Cytology - normal stained cells in a cervical smear

Cytology - small discrete abnormal cells scattered amongst normal cells in a cervical smear

TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS Modern pathology and biomedical laboratory work entails complex investigations. For these a sound scientific education is required

TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS Clinical biochemists/scientists - 8 year period from graduate entry (usually post doctoral) leading to Membership of the Royal College of Pathologists (MRCPath) through formal and vocational training Consultant Pathologist years training from graduate entry leading to Membership of the Royal College of Pathologists (MRCPath) by exam progressing to FRCPath

TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS Biomedical Scientists - a science degree is now an essential prerequisite to work as a Biomedical Scientist. The most appropriate degrees are those specifically for the profession and accredited by the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) the most suitable school or college qualifications are A-Level biology & chemistry and GCSE maths or their equivalent

Further information for Careers in Biomedical Science Institute of Biomedical Science 12 Coldbath Square LONDON EC1R 5HL tel