Most of us have, at one point or another, had a blood test (or at least know someone who has). However, not many of us are actually sure about what happens to the sample post-doctors visit.
Where does the blood go, how is it tested and how do doctors use it to understand important findings about your health? The process raises tonnes of intriguing questions and, to find the answers, we’ve enlisted the help of our friends at Healius (A.K.A leaders in the pathology industry and one of the largest healthcare organisations in Australia, providing 1 in every 3 pathology tests nationwide). With their insider insights, you’ll be an expert on all things pathology-related in no time. And who knows, you might even feel inspired to pursue pathology jobs!
First Things First: Pathology Definition
According to the experts at Healius, pathology is the foundation of modern medicine and playing a crucial yet often unseen role in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating disease. Every blood test & biopsy gives doctors the insights they need to deliver care and without pathology, early detection of conditions like cancer, diabetes, and infections would be near impossible!
Whether they’re confirming a routine diagnosis or uncovering a critical illness, everyone in Healius’ dedicated workforce plays a vital part in working together to shape patient diagnosis, from the pathology collectors who take your specimen test, to the couriers that then transport it to the lab, to the laboratory scientists and pathologists who process and analyse specimens! These unsung heroes are behind the result that lands on the doctor’s desk!
Discover Exciting Pathology Jobs
When you start planning a career in the pathology industry, it’s easy to ignore the variety of exciting pathology jobs on offer and zero in on the lab scientist pathway. And while that’s a fantastic choice, it’s important to realise that it’s not your only option.
To demystify the other fantastic pathology jobs out there, we teamed up with Healius, who gave us a full rundown of each role!
Courier
As a Courier, you will be travelling to different clinics to pick up and transport specimen tests to the laboratories. This involves being reliable and being able to drive. A Courier usually enjoys variety in their day and liaises with a range of different people.
Laboratory Assistants
Once the specimens have been dropped off to the laboratories by the Courier, the Lab Assistants handle & process the samples at pre-analytic stage, this includes the operation of the laboratory machinery, assisting scientists and data entry responsibilities. Lab Assistants often are methodical and have an interest in science & laboratory work.
Laboratory Technicians
Laboratory Technicians are responsible for the maintenance of laboratory machinery and stock control, ensuring the laboratory is working properly & efficiently. This could mean performing manual machinery tests, maintaining records and following policies & procedures. A lab technician will be analytical and methodological.
Scientists
Once the specimens have been processed, it is where the analysis starts! As a scientist you will be performing analysis under the microscope & providing interpretation of test results. There are various departments that you could be a part of that focus on specific scientific disciplines, for example Biochemistry, Toxicology or Genomic Diagnostics. Scientists are highly analytical and investigative and are happy working in a laboratory setting where they will be focusing for long time periods.
Pathologists
Pathologists are clinically trained medical specialists who are responsible for identifying and diagnosing abnormalities, diseases and infections. A key partner to doctors and patients, this can also involve providing reports & collaborating with doctors to help determine the best course of treatment. Pathologists rely on technical & medical expertise as well as being highly analytical, collaborative, and able to make strong decisions.
If you’d like to learn more about life in each role, hear directly from employees with Healius’ employee spotlights.
Launch a Career in Pathology Today
After reading through all the different pathology jobs and gaining a better understanding of the industry, we’re willing to bet you’re ready to take the next step and launch a life-saving career! To take the next step, all you need to do is head to Healius’ employer profile and dive into one of their available roles today!
