Q. What differentiates a BMLS specialist in histopathology and a pathologist?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Seconmedic Expert

The key difference between a BMLS specialist in histopathology and a pathologist is the level of training and expertise each offers. While both professionals are board certified to diagnose disease using laboratory testing, a BMLS specialist focuses on the microscopic examination of tissue samples for diagnosis while a pathologist has greater oversight responsibility over laboratory operations, data interpretation, and patient results.

A Board Certified Medical Laboratory Scientist (BMLS) has extensive training in biochemistry, hematology, microbiology, urinalysis and other areas related to patient care. To obtain their certification they need to have at least some college-level studies in relevant scientific subjects as well as complete an accredited program with written exams. Once certified they can specialize further by pursuing additional certifications such as Histotechnician or Clinical Laboratory Technician (CLT) depending on their individual goals.

When it comes to histopathology specifically – which involves the study of body tissues under the microscope - BMLS specialists play an important role in helping diagnose diseases preceeding further treatment options from physicians or surgeons. They prepare tissue sections for microscopic examination by embedding them into wax blocks then staining them before microscopy can take place - all specialized tasks that require knowledge and precision. Additionally they evaluate special stains such as immunohistochemistry used to identify certain proteins associated with cancerous cells allowing early detection before severe complications occur down-the-line.

On the other hand Pathologists are medical doctors who specialize in understanding disease processes through analyzing bodily fluids and organs during autopsies or surgical procedures when applicable. Entrenched within medicine at one point Pathologists were considered “doctors’ doctors” since regularly consulted by clinicians for advice on possible diagnoses but changes across time have made way for more independent roles including direct access between patients seeking second opinions from Pathologists without first consulting their clinicians first – something now seen less common than ever before due health insurance regulations blocking such avenues along with technological advancements making automated data analysis easier nowadays than ever before.