Pathology and Pathological Disorders

Clinical Pathology

Clinical Pathology is a vital medical specialty focused on the diagnosis of diseases through laboratory analysis of bodily fluids such as blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid. As one of the main branches of pathology, it plays a critical role in supporting patient care by providing essential diagnostic insights that inform clinical decision-making. Through biochemical, microbiological, hematological, and molecular testing, clinical pathology aids in identifying a wide range of conditions, from infections to chronic illnesses and malignancies. For instance, the recent emergence of Zika fever, caused by the Zika virus and transmitted primarily through Aedes mosquito bites, underscores the importance of clinical pathology in diagnosing and managing newly emerging infectious diseases. Additionally, clinical pathology contributes to cancer diagnostics, prognostic assessments, and toxicology testing both clinical and non-clinical. It also encompasses subfields such as neuropathology and integrates cutting-edge technologies like molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine. Globally, over 36 professional associations and 90 universities are actively engaged in clinical pathology research, with key players such as Clinical Pathology Laboratories and thousands of hospitals, particularly in the U.S., at the forefront of innovation and clinical application in this domain.