What is clinical pathology?

Clinical pathology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing diseases through the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids (like blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid) and tissues, using tools of chemistry, microbiology, hematology, and molecular pathology.

Do I need a referral to see a clinical pathologist?

Typically, you will need a referral from your primary care doctor or another specialist for clinical pathology tests, as they are usually ordered as part of your overall medical care.

How long does it take to get test results back?

The time for test results varies widely depending on the specific test. Routine blood work might be available within 24 hours, while complex genetic tests could take several days or even weeks.

Will the clinical pathologist tell me my results directly?

In most cases, clinical pathologists communicate directly with your referring doctor, who will then discuss the results and their implications with you to ensure comprehensive care.

What's the difference between anatomical and clinical pathology?

Clinical pathology focuses on lab analysis of body fluids and tissues for diagnosis, while anatomical pathology involves the examination of organs, tissues, and whole bodies (autopsies) to diagnose disease post-mortem or on biopsy specimens.

Can clinical pathology help with preventive care?

Yes, many screening tests analyzed by clinical pathology labs, such as cholesterol panels or diabetes screenings, are crucial for early detection and preventive health management.

Find a Clinical Pathology Near You

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Finding the right healthcare provider is an important step in managing your health. If your doctor has ordered tests or you're curious about what goes on behind the scenes of your medical care, you might be looking for a Clinical Pathology near you. These experts play a crucial role in diagnosing illnesses, monitoring treatments, and understanding your body's functions.

A Clinical Pathology department or lab is where many of your lab tests, like blood work, urine tests, and tissue samples, are analyzed. Pathologists are medical doctors who specialize in understanding these results. They work closely with your primary care physician and other specialists to give them the information they need to make the best decisions for your health. While you might not meet the pathologist directly, their work is vital to your diagnosis and treatment plan. Use our directory to connect with reputable Clinical Pathology services in your area.

Conditions treated

Anemia
Diabetes
Infections
Thyroid disorders
Kidney disease
Liver conditions
Cancers
Autoimmune diseases

Common procedures

Blood tests
Urine analysis
Tissue biopsies
Microbiological cultures
Genetic testing
Toxicology screens
Immunology tests

When to see a clinical pathology

You have unusual blood test results.
Your doctor suspects an infection.
You need ongoing monitoring for a chronic condition.
A tissue sample needs analysis after a procedure.
You are experiencing unexplained symptoms.
Your doctor orders screening tests.

First visit

When you visit for testing, a trained professional will collect samples (like blood or urine) as ordered by your doctor. The samples are then prepared and analyzed by pathologists and lab technologists. Your results are sent directly to your referring physician for discussion.

Typical cost

The out-of-pocket cost for clinical pathology tests can range from $20 to several hundred dollars, largely depending on your insurance coverage and deductible.