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Diagnostic Neuropathology is from a group of specialties within cellular pathology, which study organs, tissues and cells in the laboratory, from macroscopic and microscopic perspectives, to help identify and diagnose disease, monitor health or response to treatment, determine a cause of death, or inform patient care. Diagnostic neuropathology focusses on examining specimens of tissue of the nervous system, brain and spinal cord, as well as the peripheral nerve, muscle and ocular tissues. Research and education are a large component of this field, as is integration with the other clinical neurosciences.

Diagnostic Neuropathology Jobs

Diagnostic Neuropathologists take biopsies or surgical specimens of nervous system tissue and perform tests and investigations which help to diagnose disease and inform patient clinical care; or are carried out as part of post-mortem examinations. They help to diagnose brain cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, and other neurological conditions which may be age-related, inherited, or caused by trauma. They work closely with medical laboratory scientists, neurologists and neurosurgeons, and other diagnostic pathology and radiology units. They consult directly with medical specialists regarding results, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plans for patients. They may lead laboratory teams and be involved in brain bank services, research and education, forensic analyses and government agencies. To work in this field, doctors complete foundation training and Integrated cellular pathology training (ICPT). They then apply to undertake higher specialty training in Diagnostic Neuropathology, which takes approximately 3 years to complete, and leads to full FRCPath, a CCT and specialty registration with the GMC.