PATHOLOGY

The Department of Pathology plays a critical role in modern medicine by providing accurate diagnostic information essential for disease detection, treatment planning, and monitoring. The department offers a wide range of services encompassing tissue, cell, and fluid analysis through state-of-the-art laboratory practices and highly trained specialists.

1. Histopathology

Definition:

Histopathology involves the microscopic examination of tissue samples that are collected during biopsy, surgery, or autopsy. These tissues are processed, stained, and analyzed to identify structural changes associated with diseases.

Applications:

Cancer diagnosis and staging
Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, lupus)
Infectious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, fungal infections)
Monitoring post-surgical tissue recovery and margins of excision

2. Cytology

Definition:

Cytology focuses on the microscopic evaluation of individual cells or clusters of cells obtained from various body sites. It helps identify abnormal or malignant cells and is often less invasive than tissue biopsy.

Types of Cytology:

Exfoliative Cytology: Study of naturally shed or manually collected cells (e.g., Pap smear, urine cytology)
Aspiration Cytology: Cells collected using Fine Needle Aspiration (FNAC)

3. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)

Definition:

FNAC is a rapid, simple, and minimally invasive procedure where a fine needle is used to aspirate cells from palpable masses or deep-seated lesions under imaging guidance.

Indications:

Evaluation of breast lumps, thyroid nodules, lymphadenopathy and other lesions
Diagnosis of cysts, abscesses, or suspected malignancies
Guided FNAC for internal organs using ultrasound or CT

4. Hematology

Definition:

Hematology involves the study of blood, bone marrow, and blood-forming organs. It focuses on diagnosing conditions that affect red and white blood cells, platelets, and the coagulation system.

Routine Tests:

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Peripheral Blood Smear
Reticulocyte Count
Coagulation Profile (PT, APTT, INR)
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

5. Clinical Pathology

Definition:

Clinical pathology encompasses the analysis of bodily fluids to detect biochemical, microbiological, and hematological abnormalities. It bridges laboratory medicine and patient care.

Key Services:

Biochemistry: Tests for liver and kidney function, blood glucose, lipid profile, electrolytes, and hormones.
Urinalysis: Physical, chemical, and microscopic analysis of urine for kidney diseases, urinary tract infections, or metabolic disorders.
Serology: Detection of antibodies or antigens for infectious diseases (e.g., Hepatitis, HIV, Dengue)
Microbiology: Culture and sensitivity testing to identify pathogens and determine antibiotic susceptibility.

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