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What is biomedical science
Biomedical science is the term for the investigations carried out
by biomedical scientists on samples of tissue and body fluids to
diagnose disease and monitor the treatment of patients.
The role of biomedical scientists
Biomedical science is the engine room of modern medicine and few
hospitals across Europe would be able to function without the support
of biomedical scientists who work in partnership with doctors, nurses
and other healthcare professionals. Doctors rely on biomedical scientists
to diagnose disease and treat patients effectively. Doctors treat
their patients based on results of the vital tests and investigations
that diagnose often serious and life threatening illnesses such
as cancer, AIDS or diabetes.
From cancer screening to diagnosing HIV, from blood transfusion
for surgery to food poisoning and infection control biomedical scientists
are the foundation of modern healthcare. In Scotland alone 2,000
biomedical scientists carry out 50 million tests every year.
Without biomedical scientists departments such as Accident &
Emergency and operating theatres could not properly function. The
many roles of support by biomedical scientists for A & E and
theatre surgery includes tests for emergency blood transfusions
and blood grouping as well as tests on samples from patients who
have overdosed on unknown substances, or may have leukaemia or are
suspected of having a heart attack.
Without biomedical scientists the diagnosis of disease, the evaluation
of the effectiveness of treatment, and research into the causes
and cures of disease would not be possible.
The work of a biomedical scientist must be accurate and efficient
because patients' lives may depend on their skills. They are continually
increasing their knowledge as laboratory techniques develop and
research transforms the cutting edge of science and medicine. Scientists
learn to work with computers, sophisticated automated equipment,
microscopes and other hi-tech laboratory equipment. They employ
a wide range of complex modern techniques to perform their roles
and require an in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology.
Biomedical science disciplines
Biomedical scientists then go on to specialise in one of the following
laboratory disciplines:
Clinical chemistry
S cientists analyse blood and other biological materials to such
tasks as the diagnosis of metabolic diseases, toxicological studies
and the monitoring of therapy. Methods include the use of chemical
reagents, enzymes, radioisotopes and antibodies to detect abnormal
chemical concentrations in the body.
Transfusion science
Biomedical scientists work in hospital blood banks and the blood
transfusion service and are concerned with the identification of
individual blood groups and test for compatibility of donors' blood
with that of patients. They are also involved in specialised testing
for resolution of grouping problems, the preparation of diagnostic
grouping reagents, the provision of rare blood and tissue matched
blood products, and the preparation of blood components and plasma
fractions for administering to patients.
Haematology
Haematology involves the study of the morphology and physiology
of blood. They use automated instruments to enumerate blood cells
and haemoglobin, microscopy to identify normal and abnormal cells
and radioisotope and enzyme-linked techniques to measure vitamins.
White blood cells are identified and classified using flow cytometry
and specialised staining procedures. Such tests aid diagnosis and
treatment of anaemia and leukaemia. Another important area is the
study of abnormalities of blood coagulation (clotting).
Cellular Pathology: Histopathology
In a histopathology laboratory the biomedical scientist processes
samples of tissues from surgical operations and autopsies. Tissue
sections are cut and stained so that cellular structures and detail
can be visualised under a light microscope. Lymph node, kidney or
liver tissues may require specialised staining techniques to demonstrate
immunological markers. Some laboratories specialise in tissues from
specific organs such as the nervous system, and others in processing
tissues for examination by electron microscopy.
Cellular Pathology: Cytology
In cytology biomedical scientists prepare and look at samples of
cellular material collected from almost any part of the body. Although
best known for screening cervical smears, they also provide a non-gynaecological
service. Cells are harvested both naturally, eg from body fluids,
and artificially, eg using brushes to gently scrape or fine needles
to aspirate cells. Stained preparations are searched microscopically
for pre-malignant and malignant cells. The specialised techniques
are used in histology are also applicable to cytology.
Virology
Specialists detect various viruses, such as herpes simplex, influenza
and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and those causing, for example,
infantile gastroenteritis and neonatal bronchiolitis. The work relates
also to population screening programmes for immunity to hepatitis
and rubella and to monitoring the efficacy of vaccines. Rapid diagnosis
speeds treatment; it helps prevent the use of inappropriate antibiotics
and aids the correct use of antiviral agents. Molecular biology
techniques are widely applied.
Immunology
Immunologists investigate abnormalities and disturbances
of the immune system associated with, for example, bacterial and
viral infections, parasitic infestations, allergy, malignant and
autoimmune diseases and immunological deficiencies. Changes are
analysed in antibodies and other proteins. White blood cells are
identified in conditions such as leukaemia and AIDS. Tests are also
performed to assess responses to vaccination or treatment, and in
transplant recipients to measure the function of their immune systems.
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