In addition to medically qualified pathologists, other types of experts are also needed within the various pathology specialties.
Clinical scientists are skilled science graduates who work in areas such as clinical biochemistry and clinical embryology. They may be responsible for all aspects of the work of a laboratory and work alongside medically qualified colleagues.
Biomedical scientists are also science graduates and work in specialties such as histopathology and haematology. Their expertise is in performing the millions of tests that are carried out in laboratories every year.
Medical technical officers provide technical support and work in specialised areas such as the mortuary.
Medical laboratory assistants provide technical assistance in laboratories and play an important role in the work of a pathology laboratory.
Cervical cytology screeners are the highly skilled people who examine cervical smears and other cytology specimens, helping to make the UK Cervical Cancer Screening Programme one of the best in the world.
Phlebotomists take blood from patients for testing and may be involved in point-of-care testing at patients’ bedsides.
Administrative and clerical staff support the work of everyone in pathology departments, making sure that results are typed accurately and reach the person requesting the test promptly.
IT staff provide the computer infrastructure that is essential in a modern hospital and in the community, making sure that GPs and other doctors can look up pathology results wherever they are.
