Find the Best Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
Near You – Book Now

What a pathologist does

A pathologist is a doctor who diagnoses disease by examining blood, body fluids and tissue. Training is an MD or DNB in Pathology (or Laboratory Medicine, Microbiology or Biochemistry) after MBBS. Although they rarely meet patients, pathologists are behind the reports that guide most medical decisions: roughly two-thirds of clinical decisions depend on laboratory results.

Main areas

• Clinical pathology and haematology: blood counts, smears and clotting tests.
• Biochemistry: sugar, cholesterol, liver, kidney, thyroid and vitamin tests.
• Microbiology: cultures, TB tests and infection diagnosis.
• Histopathology and cytology: biopsy, FNAC and Pap smear examination for cancer and other disease.
• Molecular and genetic tests and blood banking.

Making sense of your report

A lab report lists your value, a reference range and flags abnormal results. Ranges differ between laboratories, ages and sexes, and a result slightly outside the range is not always a disease. Always review reports with your doctor. For biopsy and cytology, the report describes findings and often a diagnosis that determines treatment; ask for slides or blocks to be kept if a second opinion is needed.

Choosing a laboratory

• Prefer labs accredited by NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories).
• Check that a qualified pathologist signs reports and that the lab participates in external quality assurance.
• Follow preparation instructions, such as fasting, for accurate results.
• Compare prices for tests and health packages; prices vary by lab and city and may change.

Home sample collection is available from many labs. Compare labs and book tests on Lab Dekho.

Trusted References

This guide is original content informed by recognised medical and public-health sources. For further reading:

• NABH – hospital accreditation standards
• NABL – laboratory accreditation
• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
• Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• Mayo Clinic – Patient care & health information
• Cleveland Clinic – Health Library
• WebMD – Health A–Z

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Costs and fees are approximate and vary by provider. Institution names are given for orientation only; check current services and timings directly. In an emergency, call 108 or 112.