Have you ever wondered how the origin of diseases is discovered? How do we know which disease is spread by which bacteria, virus, or other microorganisms? The study of pathology does it.
The origin of pathology can be traced back to two places. One in the Middle East during Islamic Golden Age and the other in Western Europe during the Italian Renaissance. The origin of pathology led to the foundation of the scientific development of medicines. And we all are aware of the importance of medicines in our lives.
You must be wondering why I started discussing pathology.
Well, let me explain the following points in detail that give you a clear picture of the importance of pathology tests.
- Pathology Test - Overview
- Why Should You Go For a Pathology Test?
- What are the conditions that warrant a Pathology Test?
- How Should You Prepare for a Pathology test?
- What should be your course of action after a Pathology test?
- How can HealthcareOnTime help?
Pathology Test – Overview
A pathology test is a clinical test performed on a tissue or blood sample to check the disease-causing pathogens, their origin, and the nature of the disease. It helps in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
These are tests that are included in the pathology test-
These tests are performed in departments like hematology, microbiology, histopathology, medical chemistry, and many more. This is because it increases the accuracy and efficiency of the test results.
Why Should You Go For a Pathology Test?
You must be curious to know whenever you visit a doctor; the doctor prescribes one of the tests mentioned above. Hence, you must be wondering about the importance of the pathology test.
I will give you the top 4 reasons that you need a pathology test today-
- Pathology tests help in screening disease-causing microbes.
- Pathology tests help in knowing the future risks of diseases.
- Pathology tests guide healthcare professionals in knowing the correct treatment of diseases.
- A pathology test is a medium of getting health insurance for you and your family.
Pathology tests help in screening disease-causing microbes.
Pathology tests help determine which microbes are responsible for a particular disease. It also helps to know the nature of the microbes and their method of causing the disease. For example, when people suddenly got infected with coronavirus, nobody knew how they were contracting the disease, the origin of the disease, and the nature of the disease.
Here comes the role of the pathology tests. If pathology tests were not there, we would not know about the coronavirus. The figures of death we see now would be much more than. Maybe none of us would have survived.
Hence, pathology tests help us in knowing the disease-causing pathogens.
Pathology tests help in knowing the future risks of diseases.
Many diseases are life-threatening, like cancer, diabetes, hypertension, etc. If these diseases are not diagnosed and treated in their early stages, they may become fatal and lead to death.
Pathology tests help to know the risks associated with a particular disease. For example, if a person has hypertension, there is a possibility of heart attack and stroke.
Therefore, pathology test figures the possibility of future risks of diseases.
Pathology tests guide healthcare professionals in knowing the correct treatment of diseases.
Since pathology tests help to know the origin of diseases and their consequences, it aids healthcare professionals in knowing which treatment needs to be used for which type of disease. For example, suppose a person complains that they often experience an upset stomach. In that case, the doctor might go for a liver function tests to check for the possibility of fatty liver or tumor outgrowth. If the test results come as tumor outgrowth, then the course of treatment might include radiation therapy. But if the results come for fatty liver, then the course of treatment will not be radiation therapy.
The pathology tests also help to determine the effectiveness of treatment. For example, suppose doctors want to know whether the thyroxine replacement therapy done on a patient is successful. In that case, the doctor will go for a thyroid function test to check the level of thyroxine in the body.
Therefore, pathology tests not only help the doctor to determine the course of treatment and also the effectiveness of the treatment.
A pathology test is a medium of getting health insurance for you and your family.
Nowadays, we are aware of our health and might want to secure our life through health insurance. In this case, pathology test reports can mediate in getting health insurance since a pathology test is the first step in diagnosing a disease. Therefore, this proves that a medical emergency needs to be taken care of.
What are the conditions that warrant a Pathology Test?
Many conditions warrant a pathology test. To name a few, the following are the main conditions that require a pathology test:
- Liver problem
- Kidney problem
- Thyroid problem
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
Liver problem
The liver is one of the vital organs in our body as it performs 500 unique functions. It is involved in blood filtration, digestion, the production of bile that carries waste products, and many more. Thus, one should go for pathology tests to check the functioning of the liver.
Through pathology tests, we can find out liver problems that include Hepatitis, liver failure, cirrhosis (due to excessive drinking of alcohol), liver failure (due to genetic diseases), hemochromatosis (iron deposits in the liver damaging the liver), ascites (due to cirrhosis liver leaks fluid into the belly that enlarges the belly and makes it heavy).
Kidney problem
The kidney performs functions that include removing waste products and extra fluids from the body and maintaining the balance between water, salt, and minerals. Without this balance, nerves, muscles, and other cells won't work correctly. It controls blood pressure, makes red blood cells, and keeps bones healthy.
Using pathology tests, we will know whether the kidney is functioning correctly or not. Many diseases like Kidney stones, swelling of ankles, fatigue, and shortness of breath can be found by kidney blood tests.
Thyroid problem
Nowadays, thyroid problems are increasing in the world. The global prevalence of thyroid dysfunction has increased from 2.3% to 3.8%.
The thyroid is a gland that is situated in the neck. It is responsible for making hormones that regulate metabolic processes like heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and weight.
Dysfunctions of the thyroid gland include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, inflammation of the thyroid gland, and goiter.
Since the thyroid performs significant functions in our body, it is advised to go for a pathology test if you experience any trouble in your thyroid gland like swelling, pain, etc.
Heart disease
The heart is the only organ in the human body that circulates and pumps blood in the whole body. The common heart problems include high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart arrhythmia, heart valve complications, cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart disease, to name a few.
These diseases can lead to heart attack, stroke, and even death. If you experience chest pain, you should immediately get a pathology test.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a life-threatening disease. It causes high blood sugar. It is of two types: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder whereby the immune system destroys the pancreas that makes insulin. Insulin is required to convert glucose into energy in the body's cells and store the rest of the glucose. In this case, the body does not produce enough insulin, and thus blood sugar level increases in the body.
Type 2 diabetes is responsible for insulin resistance. The cells do not take an adequate amount of insulin; thus, the body overproduces insulin to meet its daily requirements. After years of overproduction of insulin, the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas burn out. Hence, insulin is not produced in sufficient quantities and, in turn, increases the blood sugar level.
The absence of insulin in the body leads to hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia can damage the nerves, kidneys, and eyes. In severe conditions, a lack of insulin can rely on fat stores as the sole energy source. The breakdown of these fats can release ketones into the bloodstream, leading to a severe condition called ketoacidosis.
The pathology tests help detect excess glucose in the body and the presence of ketones in the body that can indicate diabetes.
How Should You Prepare for a Pathology test?
A pathology test is a simple laboratory test where a healthcare professional will take a sample of your blood, stool, or urine.
Let me give you an idea of what I do before a pathology test. First, I search for the best pathology lab near me. Then, please book an appointment at the patho lab near me and visit for the tests.
Secondly, I follow all the instructions given to me by my healthcare provider. I inform my doctor before the test if I am on any medications. Sometimes, you may need to stop any medicines as they might deviate from the test results. Thirdly, if I make any mistake, I immediately inform my doctor or lab technician so that the results come out accurately.
Therefore, these are the steps I follow before taking any lab tests.
What should be your course of action after a Pathology test?
After the pathology test, you must wait patiently for your lab reports. Consult your doctor for further diagnosis and treatment when you get your lab results. Few more tests may be recommended, or there may be an alteration in your medication for any pre-existing disease.
Hence, consult your doctor must be done after you get your pathology test results.
How can HealthcareOnTime help?
As I mentioned earlier, the first thing you should do before going for a lab test is to choose a pathology near me. If you want to rely on my suggestion, then opt for HealthcareOnTime.
HealthcareOnTime is the leading diagnostic centre I found while searching for the pathology lab near me. However, there are endless pathology labs in the country.
But you must be wondering why I suggested HealthcareOnTime.
This is because they provide quality service at an affordable price. Qualified healthcare professionals in CAP-accredited labs carry out the tests. Also, they offer various testing options, including 24/7 online and phone booking, and we provide reliable and accurate results. Our services are affordable and accessible, making them the perfect choice for anyone needing pathology test services.
If you find it beneficial, share it with your close ones, so they also get benefits. You can call them or visit their Facebook page if you have any queries. Their team will be glad to solve your queries.
