A pathologist, who is a medical doctor, looks at the causes of disease, how disease progresses and how disease affects the body. However, instead of examining the patient physically, a pathologist examines body fluids and tissue samples from that patient to help the primary physician make a diagnosis. M ost people have had some blood and urine tests done during their lifetime. These tests are analyzed by pathologists to help determine the next step in a patient's treatment plan. L aboratory tests are performed in both independent and hospital-associated laboratories, which are under direction of pathologists.
Clinical pathologists analyze blood, urine, and other body fluids.
Anatomical Pathology Anatomical pathology is the study of disease by examining tissue samples obtained through surgery or an autopsy from specific parts of the body. Anatomical pathology helps determine the cause and effects of a particular disease.