AN INSIGHT INTO PATHOLOGIST.

 

Who is a pathologist?--- In routine practice, they are Doctors  to  Doctors and Physician's Physician.- involved in diagnosis and assisting in the management of patients. The scenario has changed dramatically over the years with emergence  of newer techniques and ancillary studies like molecular pathology,  especially in oncology where targeted therapy is the most sought after tool.

Pathologists are now multifaceted  with added responsibilities of lab management, financial planning, technology development, and sometimes need to counsel the patients and Doctors as well.

The challenges faced mostly relate to inter lab variations in reports.- the reasons are very many.-sampling technique, methodology adopted,the type of instrument used etc..  There has been a number of studies regarding inter lab comparison and quality management. The biological reference interval and the method adopted are  important to assess the validity and authenticity of the report.

For certain investigations like INR, CK etc which have a clinical impact it is advisable to stick to one designated lab as the standardization process are constant to each lab.

The pathologists as a medical fraternity have to balance  confidence and humility  in the diagnostic process.-I quote'   KNOWLEDGE IS PROUD THAT IT KNOWS SO MUCH;  WISDOM IS HUMBLE THAT IT KNOWS NO MORE'--- William Cowper.

So let us be wise and knowledgeable. 

                                                                                -  Dr.S.Seethalakshmi,-Advisory Board Member

                                                                                    Director Of Lab.Services,

                                                                                  Mehtas Multi Speciality Hospitals Pvt.Ltd, Chetpet,

                                                                                    Chennai- 600031.