1. What is Pathology?
A basic introduction

2. What is Pathology? The study of the cause and nature of disease
Determined by the collection of samples of body tissue or fluids for laboratory analysis
Also provides services such as lung function and electrocardiography
Venepuncture

3. What is Pathology?
Pathology is not a new science but new technology is changing the industry
We can now measure blood glucose, haemoglobin and INR by fingerpick
Specimen collectors continue to play a vital role in the industry

4. What is Pathology? Laboratory departments Haematology Biochemistry
Pathology departments are divided into sections depending on the sample collected and the test required
Haematology
Biochemistry
Microbiology
Histopathology
Immunology
Cytopathology

5. What is pathology?
Using resources define each department and find some examples of the types of tests performed

6. What is Pathology? Haematology
The department where investigation of disorders of whole blood are performed
Whole blood is the blood taken from the body in complete form
Tests may be
FBC, FBE, CBP, CBE CBC
ESR
INR

7. What is Pathology? Biochemistry Also called chemistry
Tests for the presence of chemicals or abnormal substances
LFT
TFT, TSH,T4
Drug analysis
Cardiac enzymes

8. What is pathology? Bacteriology
Identifies micro-organisms that cause disease (pathogens )
HIV
Hepatitis B,C

9. What is Pathology? Immunology Tests our immune system ANA ANF
Paul Bunnell
Epstein Barr

10. What is pathology? Histology and Cytology Looks for cell abnormalities
Pap smear
Biopsies

11. What is Pathology? Transfusion Tests for blood compatibility
Group and crossmatch
Group and type

12. What is Pathology?
Pathology contributes indirectly to the well being of the Patient as the result may not decide the diagnosis, but merely eliminate a problem
Direct influence can be the positive diagnosis of a problem with treatment then able to be ordered

13. What is Pathology?
About 60%of pathology services are provided by private labs
66% of the services are covered by medical benefits
Benefits are paid at the rate of 85% of the scheduled fee
Females are greater consumers of health care than males

14. What is pathology? The Specimen Collector
Vital to the promotion of accuracy of test results
During collection important questions need to be asked
Does the patient need to fast?
Does the patient need to withhold medications?
Should the test be performed at a specific time?
Should a tourniquet be used?

15. The Specimen Collector
What is the body tissue or fluid required?
What is the correct collection procedure?
What container does the specimen go in?
What do you do if a Patient faints?
Is the equipment clean and sterile?
Have I identified the Patient?
Have I labelled the specimen?
Are standard and additional precautions being followed?
Is the Collector skilled for this procedure?

16. Transportation Time is vital. Is this urgent?
Has the specimen been stored correctly?
Are the specimens safe from spillage?

17. Summary
Pathology is an important diagnostic tool used by health professionals
The role of a specimen collector is a vital link in the chain of diagnosis and effective treatment
You can play your part by
Maintaining patient confidentiality
Fostering an atmosphere of trust between you and your patient
Using you skills and knowledge to undertake your role to achieve the desired outcome