What is Pathology Test? All About Pathology Test you Should Know

Pathology is the complete detailed examination of a sample which can be a blood sample, a urine sample, or a tissue specimen. A pathology test gives a picture of what...

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What is Pathology Test? All About Pathology Test you Should Know

Pathology is the complete detailed examination of a sample which can be a blood sample, a urine sample, or a tissue specimen. A pathology test gives a picture of what is going inside the body. Through this, the doctor can diagnose and investigate diseases and infections.

Need for a Pathology Test

A pathology test is needed in order to diagnose a disease of a patient. Sometimes only one pathology test is not sufficient to lead towards a probable diagnosis; it may just give a clue towards a diagnosis. It helps the doctor in making a differential diagnosis. After that more specified pathology tests are performed to lead towards the actual diagnosis of the disease.

Results of a Pathology Test

Pathology test results consists of different values. Normal ranges of these values from minimum normal limit to upper normal limit are usually mentioned in the test reports for the ease of interpreting the results. From these values a doctor can easily find out where the actual problem lies. You can get online Pathology Services here.

Types of Pathology Tests

There are various types of pathology tests. These are selected by the doctor depending on which test needs to be performed in order to establish a diagnosis. Initially non-specific tests are performed and then moved towards more specified tests. Non Specific Tests ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) is a non-specific test. It only tells us whether the infection is occurring in the body or not. It does not give the diagnosis. Similarly Hb (hemoglobin test) is performed; it just gives information about, whether the person’s blood is sufficient to meet the body’s demands or not. It does not tell about the underlying reasons why the Hb of the patient is low. Pathology tests can also be classified on the basis of the sample taken for example.

Blood Tests

In these tests blood is drawn from the blood vessel and then examined either under microscope or some other instrument. Blood as a whole is not used for all the tests. Usually only the component called serum is used. Serum is a liquid that is devoid of blood cells. This is obtained by centrifuging the blood,resulting in separation of heavy blood cells down in the tube and yellowish colored serum above. Blood/serum tests include CBC (Complete Blood Count) ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) Hemoglobin estimation Blood grouping Blood glucose test Lipid profile: It is checked in the cases where there are chances of heart attack due to narrowing of blood capillaries. It also helps in ruling out the cause of hypertension. It consists of Serum cholesterol levels HDL levels LDL levels Other blood tests that are related to specific systems of the body for example LFT (Liver Function Test): It measures the levels of specific enzymes of the liver in blood. In cases of any liver disease or liver cirrhosis their levels are markedly raised. It consists of measuring Serum bilirubin levels serum ALT (Alkaline transaminase) levels, serum AST (Aspartate transaminase) levels and serum Alkaline phosphatase levels. RFT (Renal Function Test): It checks the normal functioning of the kidney. It measures the levels of Urea Creatinine Uric acid Calcium Phosphorus Sodium Potassium Chloride Thyroid profile It consists of TSH levels TRH levels T3 and T4 levels Urine Tests Urine test are also performed to check the functioning of kidney.

CSF Test

This is a cerebrospinal fluid (fluid of the brain). It is withdrawn for the diagnosis of tumors of brain, infections of brain like meningitis or encephalitis etc.

Sputum Test

Microscopic examination of sputum is used to diagnose infectious diseases of the respiratory system.

Synovial fluid Examination

It is done in the cases of diseases of the joints like arthritis, gout etc

Tissue Specimens or Biopsy for Pathology Tests

Biopsy: It is a cut section of the tissue that is subjected for examination under a microscope. The cut section can be taken from the live tissue or it can also be taken from a dead organ to rule out the cause of death. It is usually done to rule out any abnormal cancerous growth in the tissue. Examples of biopsies include Thyroid tissue biopsy Liver biopsy Skin biopsy Biopsy from breast

Conclusion

There is a huge list of pathology tests that are performed in laboratories for the sake of diagnosis. They are mandatory to rule out the actual cause and to determine the appropriate treatment of the disease. Without a pathology test, it becomes impossible to find the disease. It is better to perform the diagnostic test before taking any treatment in order to avoid any misuse or side effects of unnecessary medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What tests are done in pathology?

There are several tests which are done pathology they include Blood tests Urine tests Sputum test CSF (cerebro spinal fluid) test Synovial fluid test Microscopic examinations Tissue biopsy examination

Why do I need a pathology test?

Pathology test is needed to rule out the actual disease so that the proper treatment can be taken accordingly. Pathology tests also help in ruling out the cause of disease, in planning for the management of disease, to plan the treatment strategy etc.

What do they test in a full blood test?

In a full blood test, also known as complete blood count (CBC), the levels of different blood cells are counted. It counts the levels of Red blood cells White blood cells o Neutrophils o Eosinophils o Basophils Platelets count Hemoglobin levels

How long does pathology usually take?

It usually depends upon the type of the test that is performed. Some tests take only a few minutes like a hemoglobin test, some test require an hour, while some tests need much more time, even days to produce a result for example TB test.

Is pathology and biopsy the same?

They can be considered as the same. Biopsy is a type of pathology test in which a tissue specimen from live or dead tissue is taken and subjected for detailed examination.

How do I read my pathology report?

The name of the patient and the date at which the sample was taken is mentioned on the report. The age, gender and usually the address is also mentioned. Usually the normal value ranges or parameters are mentioned in the lab report. It ranges from lower normal limit to upper normal limit. Pathology report results are matched with these ranges and then interpreted.

Who can interpret pathology results?

Reading a pathology report is not just sufficient; it can accurately be interpreted by a pathologist. A pathologist reads the report, matches the values and then understands what changes are going on and what they are producing inside the body. They know which values within the parameters can lead to any disease in the body.

What can pathology samples tell the doctor about their patient?

A pathology test tells the doctor about the underlying pathological changes that are taking place inside the patient. It can indicate the stage of the disease. The probable outcome of the disease can also be determined. Pathology tests also help the doctor in choosing the best treatment for the patient.