Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within and related to living organisms. It is a laboratory based science that brings together biology and chemistry. By using chemical knowledge and techniques, biochemists can understand and solve biological problems.

The typical scope of medical biochemistry can encompass the following:

• The chemical components of the human body, including carbohydrates and lipids; amino acids and proteins; blood and plasma; biological membranes; nucleic acids (DNA and RNA)
• The major chemical processes in the human body, such as cell development; enzyme activity; membrane transport mechanisms; homeostasis; blood coagulation (clotting); oxygen transport; neurotransmitter function; ageing
• Nutrition and mineral metabolism, including the role and function of vitamins in the body
• Molecular genetics
• Heredity
• Genomics

Histopathology

Histology is the study of the microscopic anatomy of humans, animals and plants. Analysis of the naturally occurring cell types and the state of the tissue architecture is often used as an indication of health status or disease processes. Histopathology refers to the use of these techniques in the specific analysis of the signs and characteristics associated with disease or abnormalities such as abnormal growth, inflammatory disease, infection and cancer.

Cytology

Cytology is the microscopic examination of cell samples. These samples may sometimes be collected from the surface of the lesion under investigation, but more often, the sample is obtained by use of a special needle. Cytology is used for rapid or preliminary tests to establish a working diagnosis and plan surgery.

Haematology

Haematology is the study of blood formation and the diseases that can occur when this process goes wrong. The delivery of haematology services includes the enumeration and examination of blood cells, the determination of blood groups, compatibility testing of blood for transfusion and genetic and molecular studies.