Microbiology is the study of micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi and parasites which cause disease. Biomedical scientists identify these organisms and establish their sensitivity to specific antibiotics. Virology is the study of viruses and the disease caused by them such as German measles, HIV and Chickenpox. Virologists are involved in monitoring the effects of vaccines.
Biomedical scientists in Immunology deal with the condition of the body’s immune system and its role in infectious diseases, allergies, tumour growth, tissue grafts and organ transplantation. Their work is particularly important in the monitoring and treatment of AIDS, autoimmune conditions and allergies.
Histology is the microscopical study of tissue samples to establish the cause of disease. Tissue may be taken during surgery or at post mortem. Diseases such as cancer are diagnosed by looking for abnormal features in tissue and cells.
Cytology is best known for screening cervical smears, but it also provides a non-gynaecological service e.g. bronchial washes and sputum tests. Like histology, specialised techniques are used to prepare and study samples of cellular material.
Genetics is the study of genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living organisms. It is generally considered a field of biology, but intersects frequently with many other life sciences and is strongly linked with the study of information systems.
Molecular Pathology is an emerging discipline within pathology which is focused in the study and diagnosis of disease through the examination of molecules within organs, tissues or bodily fluids.
Usually based in laboratories working in areas of diagnosis, screening, monitoring and research they carry out investigations on tissue and body fluid samples. Every year in the UK they handle over 150 million samples. It is estimated that over 70% of medical diagnoses are based on their laboratory test results*. Without a biomedical scientist, diagnosis and treatment would be less effective
To see how Biomedical Scientists fulfil their roles in different disciplines click here
*Royal College of Pathologists
To work as a Biomedical Scientist you need to be Registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). The HCPC is a regulatory body which regulates many professions including Biomedical and Clinical Scientists. Biomedical Scientist is a protected title. The public can check that a member of staff is registered with the HCPC. For information on training as a Biomedical Scientist please see our Training page.
For more information on careers in Pathology please visit the following websites:
EWG-H-010 Last updated 28/06/22 (2)