Pathology, in simple terms, is the first touchpoint for any diagnosis or medical care. It is the study of diseases and/or the cause of any disease. The realm of pathology covers a wide range of medical and biological studies and research. A pathologist essentially directs the doctors to the right treatment methodology for commonly found diseases/abnormalities, and sometimes they even help detect certain life-threatening diseases. This branch of medicine helps answer 4 main questions about disease detection and cure - cause, mechanisms of development (pathogenesis), structural alterations of cells (morphologic changes), and the consequences of changes (clinical manifestations). A pathologist may analyze various cells, tissues, and/or fluid samples from the body to help detect diseases. The principle discipline of general pathology further branches out into multiple subdomains namely:
About Pathology Laboratory:
The lab plays a key role in disease detection and guiding the right diagnosis strategy for a patient. It is an aid for doctors to medicate and treat their patients effectively. A pathology lab houses an array of tests and facilities. Some of the common services include:
Complete Blood Count or CBC
This test is commonly known as CBC. It is one of the most commonly performed tests as it takes into account the quality and quantity of blood cells [red blood cells and white blood cells] and platelets. This test helps determine an array of common health issues, and screens for abnormalities. Some of the common symptoms/diseases this test helps detect are - Weakness, Bruising, Fatigue, Anemia, Malaria, Leukemia, and Infections.
Prothrombin Time
Primarily a test for bleeding abnormalities, the PT (or Prothrombin Time) test helps evaluate the duration it takes for the blood to clot inside the human body. This test also studies the 5 most important clotting factors.
Basic Metabolic Panel
This test helps you get a detailed report on your potassium, glucose, calcium, sodium, carbon dioxide, creatinine, chloride, and blood urea nitrogen levels inside your body. These results further aid the diagnosis of some common yet critical factors like blood sugar level, kidney function, electrolyte and fluid balance. It also gives the doctors a report on how your body is reacting to the ongoing medications.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
With a strong concentration on organ systems, this test is just an exhaustive version of the Basic Metabolic Test with six more tests on the list.
Lipid Panel
An evaluation for cardiac threats, this group of tests measures one’s cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Liver Panel
The liver panel test is a combination of tests used to assess liver function and establish the possible presence of liver tumours.
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
This is an analysis of the Thyroid gland to detect functional abnormalities (if any).
Hemoglobin A1C
This is a test for diabetes.
Urinalysis
One of the most basic tests that a path lab might perform, is performed to detect the nascent signs of any diseases like diabetes.
Cultures
This group of tests help analyze abnormalities such as UTI, Strep Throat, Meningitis, Pneumonia, and MRSA.
The frequency of getting a health check-up will depend on one’s health status. Generally, anybody above the age of 40 must undergo health checkups at least twice a year, and if they are under the age of 40, they must undergo health checkups at least once a year.
You will be first be subjected to a few routine tests and investigations depending upon the medical package that you select. Later, your results will be examined by a qualified doctor. Most reports are usually reviewed by the doctor on the same day, some may take time. And if there are any other specified tests that require more time, your doctor will inform you.
Regular health checkups help you know that you are in a normal state of health and to help detect any medical issues at an early stage which will greatly improve your chances of a complete cure. They are a form of Preventive Health Initiatives.
