Who are Pathologists and What Happens in the Laboratory?
Ampath National Laboratory Services | Your Consulting Pathologists
🌐 www.ampath.co.za
🧬 Why Are Pathology Tests So Important?
From birth through every stage of life, laboratory testing plays a crucial role in:
- Preventing disease
- Diagnosing illness
- Monitoring treatment
- Managing chronic conditions
In fact, it’s estimated that 70% of all medical decisions rely on lab test results.
👨⚕️ Who Are Pathologists?
Pathologists are specialist medical doctors trained to investigate disease. After medical school, they complete an additional four years of training in pathology.
They focus on:
- Understanding the cause and effect of disease
- How to diagnose it accurately
- How to guide treatment decisions
Pathologists work closely with your doctor and often specialise in areas like:
- Haematology (blood disorders)
- Microbiology (infections)
- Histopathology (tissue diagnosis)
🧪 What Happens Before Your Sample Reaches the Lab?
- Your doctor decides that a test is needed.
- A specimen (e.g. blood, urine, tissue) is collected by your doctor or an Ampath nurse.
- A request form accompanies your sample.
- At the Ampath branch:
- Your details and medical aid info are confirmed.
- The specimen is labelled and sent to the lab.
- The lab receives and prioritises the sample based on urgency.
In some cases, your doctor may consult a pathologist first to help decide which tests are appropriate.
🧫 What Happens Inside the Lab?
- Your sample is handled by trained medical technologists under the supervision of a pathologist.
- Pathologists:
- Review results
- Validate accuracy
- Interpret complex findings
- Help ensure correct diagnosis and follow-up
- If a tissue biopsy was taken, it is reviewed directly by a pathologist under a microscope.
📄 Understanding Your Lab Report
- Results are checked and signed off by a pathologist.
- They’re sent to your doctor:
- Securely, and
- Promptly, especially if urgent.
- Your doctor will discuss the findings with you and explain any follow-up needed.
You may also request your results via:
📱 Ampath’s app or website → www.ampath.co.za
💬 The Pathologist’s Role in Your Health
Even though you may never meet them, a pathologist is behind the scenes helping guide your diagnosis and care.
They:
- Recommend the most suitable tests
- Ensure your sample is processed correctly
- Interpret your results
- Support your doctor with clinical insight
- Provide rapid communication when results are urgent
💰 How is Pathology Billed?
- You’ll receive an Ampath bill for lab services.
- A price list is available at all branches, or you can request a quote in advance.
- Sometimes, extra tests may be added if they are essential for a clear diagnosis — even if not originally requested.
If you're on medical aid:
- Your account is submitted directly to your scheme
- Some tests might not be fully covered
- You may need to pay a co-payment or balance
💡 Always check your pathology benefits with your medical aid.
🧠 Did You Know?
Ampath employs over 150 pathologists across South Africa.
Whether it’s a routine blood test or a cancer diagnosis — your results are reviewed by some of the most experienced diagnostic experts in the country.