1. Specialties and your career

2. Starting work in a lab When you apply for your first job in a laboratory it will be in a specific discipline: haematology transfusion science medical microbiology virology clinical chemistry immunology histopathology cytopathology

3. Haematology You will study the formation, composition, function and diseases of blood You will identify abnormalities in different types of blood cells, carry out tests to diagnose life threatening conditions and monitor blood disorders Diseases diagnosed and monitored by haematology include leukaemia, anaemia, malaria, thrombosis and haemophilia

4. Immunology You will study the body’s immune system and its role in infectious diseases, allergies, tumour growth, tissue grafts and organ transplants You will carry out tests to diagnose and monitor conditions that affect the immune system Conditions diagnosed and monitored through immunology include allergies, HIV and AIDS

5. Medical Microbiology You will study bacteria, parasites and fungi that which cause infection You will use molecular testing and culturing techniques to identify these micro-organisms and the appropriate antibiotic therapy to treat them Diseases diagnosed by medical microbiology include MRSA, meningitis, tuberculosis, legionnaires disease and food poisoning

6. Virology You will study viruses and the diseases caused by them You will test for infections and screen populations at risk from virus diseases to help prevent and control epidemics and monitor the effects of vaccines Infections diagnosed by virology include rubella, hepatitis, HIV and chickenpox

7. Clinical Chemistry You will study the chemical processes of the human body You will analyse blood and other biological materials to help diagnose disease and monitor therapies. Tests carried out include thyroid, liver and kidney function tests as well as toxicological studies Diseases diagnosed by clinical chemistry include diabetes, endocrine disorders, heart conditions and stroke. Toxicological studies are used to detect poisons, illegal drugs and alcohol

8. Histopathology You will study tissue samples to help diagnose disease You will process tissue samples and study them microscopically to detect abnormalities. You may also use molecular testing equipment to diagnose certain cancers and predict patient responses to different cancer therapies The disease most commonly diagnosed and monitored using histopathology is cancer

9. Cytopathology You will study tissue and fluid samples to help diagnose disease You will process and study samples of cellular material microscopically to detect abnormalities Diseases commonly diagnosed by cytopathology include cervical and other cancers

10. Transfusion Science You will study blood group systems, antigens and antibodies You will identify blood groups, ensure that donor blood is compatible with its recipient and maintain appropriate stocks of blood transfusion products and plasma fractions Transfusion science encompasses prenatal testing, blood component therapy and blood transfusions in emergencies and routine surgery

11. When you start work, your employer will train you in your chosen specialist area and on the particular equipment used in that laboratory Your training will be based around the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in your discipline and is known as post-registration training Completing an IBMS Specialist Portfolio will enable you demonstrate the skills and knowledge you have gained through your post-registration training

12. Life in a lab Lots of people Lots of work Lots of technology Huge variety of specimens

14. Qualifications for your career The IBMS have developed qualifications for every stage of your career Our tailored qualifications to help you to fulfill your potential, follow career pathways, practice in diverse roles and take advantage of professional opportunities Demonstrate your expertise to colleagues and employers with nationally recognised marks of your knowledge and expertise Find out more at www.ibms/quals