The Pathology Department

Pathology is involved in 70% of all diagnoses made in the NHS, and over 700 million pathology tests are performed nationally each year.  The Pathology service is however, more than just a results service.

Healthcare scientists and physicians working in Pathology advise on the most appropriate tests to use, when samples should be taken , which sample would be the most appropriate to take and how the tests should be interpreted.

Pathology is involved in screening programmes such as the national cervical screening programme.  Cervical screening is not a test for cancer.  It is a method of detecting and treating early abnormalities, which, if left untreated, could lead to cervical cancer.  Whilst cervical screening cannot be 100% effective, the national cervical screening programme has dramatically reduced the incidence of cervical cancer in the last twenty years.  Other screening services that involve pathology include breast screening, neonatal screening and MRSA screening.

Pathology also provides information on prognostic indicators for various diseases.  This assists clinicians in deciding the most appropriate form of treatment.  Prognostic scoring is also used for cancer outcome predictions.

Pathology staff provide clinical advice either as key members of the clinical team in Multidisciplinary Team Meetings, or by direct contact with Clincians.