Pathology (study of disease)

Pathology is the study of disease. Pathologists are doctors who perform tests on tissues and fluids to help diagnose and treat patients. Most people coming into hospital will need some sort of laboratory investigation to be carried out.

This includes specialities such as:

• Haematology - the study of blood disorders 
• Microbiology (including virology and serology) - the study of bacteria, viruses, and other microbes
• Cellular pathology (including histology and cytology) - the study of body organs and tissues as well as single cells in the body
• Phlebotomy - where a needle is used to take blood from a vein (venepuncture) and sent to the laboratory

Our blood sciences department also deals with blood chemistry and immunology. Other teams under pathology include blood transfusion specialists and the team based in the mortuary who look after those who have died in hospital and support bereaved families.   

You can find out more about this service by following the links in the boxes below.

• Please choose Eastern Services if you live in this area or if your care usually falls under a team based at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford) or a related community setting

• Please choose North Devon if you live in this area or if your care usually falls under a team based at the North Devon District Hospital or a related community setting

If you are unsure which branch of our service to contact, please speak to your GP or health care professional.