Pathology services and public health

How pathology services are improving public health procedures

Here at Salient, we are at the very forefront of advanced pathology, providing award-winning lab and pathology services to professional healthcare providers. As with all medical fields, technological advancements and research & development have increased our understanding and efficiency by a huge amount. One such sector that pathology can directly benefit is public health.

Allowing for detailed diagnostics that can help detect and manage certain diseases, influencing the public health through continued development of healthcare policies and granting insight into the monitoring of chronic conditions are just a few of the ways pathology and public health are connected.

Real-world contributions to public health

The tangible benefits pathology services have provided within the wider public health cannot be understated. We're going to be taking a look at some examples of how pathology has helped transform and improve public health.

Preventing the spread of viruses such as HIV

Blood pathology services play a vital role in reducing the spread of viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis B. Early detection is absolutely crucial for reducing the transmission of the virus and providing accurate and timely treatment. Routine screening tests are becoming more common, with methods such as ELISA (Enzyme-Linked immunosorbant Assay) and rapid antibody tests being used to detect HIV and the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) test to detect Hepatitis B. Viral load testing, such as quantitative PCR tests are an essential tool in assessing the effectiveness of treatment and progression of the disease. As these are highly transferable viruses, there are precautions in place to prevent further spread. Any donated organs or blood are always screened for the virus.

Infectious disease and outbreak control

Pathologists are on the frontline when it comes to the detection and management of infectious diseases. Using methods such as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or serological tests, it is the pathologist's role to identify and record pathogens. One such recent example is of course the COVID-19 pandemic. Using these techniques, clinicians were able to accurately identify the virus and ensure procedures were in place to isolate the infected and implement public health measures such as widespread testing.

Monitoring chronic diseases and conditions

Chronic diseases and conditions present a major public health concern across the UK. Respiratory conditions such as COPD, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are conditions and diseases many of us suffer from on a daily basis. Pathologists can use a number of techniques and diagnostic tests that monitor chronic diseases. For example, liver function tests (LFTs) can be used to assess enzymes and proteins in the liver to monitor liver disease progression. Lipid profile tests will detect the levels of cholesterol in the body, and help inform treatment decisions. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) tests blood glucose levels over a specific timeframe, showing long-term glucose control in diabetic patients. We offer a wide range of blood pathology packages and markers.

These are just a few examples of how pathology is at the forefront of public health concerns and policy. Pathologists continue to develop ever-more advanced and accurate methods, techniques and insights to benefit public health, from the policy that governs nationwide procedure when dealing with an infectious disease, to learning how your genetics can play a role in diagnosing and deciding on accurate treatment.

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Clinical Review: The information on this page has been reviewed for clinical accuracy by Dr. Marta Ciechonska Ph.D, microbiologist.