Cellular sciences
Histopathology and cytopathology
Scientists working in histopathology examine tissue samples to see the structure of tissues and cells. This helps doctors to diagnose and treat illnesses such as cancer. In cytopathology, healthcare scientists examine samples of cells for abnormalities that could be signs of cancer. This often involves screening samples collected by the cervical screening programme.
Biomedical imaging
The biomedical imaging unit is a multidisciplinary research and diagnostic support unit jointly managed by UHS cellular pathology and the University of Southampton. It provides facilities and services in transmission and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microprobe analysis, photomicroscopy, image analysis and confocal laser scanning microscopy.
Mortuary
Anatomical pathologists work in the mortuary, supporting doctors to identity patients' causes of death, assisting with post-mortems and supporting bereaved relatives.
Genomic sciences
Genomics
Genomics is a role that connects computing, biology, and medicine to help inform the best treatment for a patient based on their unique genetic make-up. Vast amounts of data are generated in genomics and these advances are used for diagnostic testing and management for the best possible patient care.
Cancer genomics
Cancer genomics is the study of genes and how alterations in genes can lead to changes in cells which cause cancer. The cancer genomics team is responsible for identifying different the types of cancer that are caused by alterations in genes. They don't work directly with patients, but their research has a great impact on them.
Infection sciences
Microbiology
Medical microbiologists detect, isolate and identify pathogenic micro-organisms from clinical material. They isolate the pathogenic organisms and test them against a range of antibiotics to determine which may be suitable for treating the infection.
Virology
Virology is the study of viral infections like rubella, herpes, hepatitis and HIV. Virology is part of a larger microbiology service specialising in the identification and characterisation of viruses that cause infection. Investigations could involve specialised serological and molecular techniques such as antigen, antibody detection, polymerase chain reaction and sequencing.
Laboratory medicine
Clinical biochemistry
Clinical biochemistry looks at changes in the composition of blood and other body fluids. The service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, analysing samples to diagnose patients and help to manage their conditions. Roles in clinical biochemistry include clinical biochemist, chemical pathologist, biomedical scientist and biomedical support worker.
Haematology and transfusion science
The haematology department provides a comprehensive clinical and laboratory diagnostic service. Expertise within the team covers the areas of haemato-oncology (blood cancer), stem cell transplantation, haemostasis and thrombosis, general consultative and diagnostic haematology. The department also works closely with our child health teams, supporting the diagnosis and management of children with haematological problems and with immunology to provide highly specialist diagnostic services.
Immunology
Immunology is the study of the immune system, the body’s defence system to protect us against disease. Immunologists undertake clinical and laboratory duties and underpin the diagnosis and monitoring of immunological diseases. They help diagnose and monitor conditions that attack the immune system like allergies and infections such as HIV.
Molecular pathology
Molecular pathologists focus on the study and diagnosis of disease through the examination of molecules within organs, tissues or bodily fluids. We work with DNA, so methods are both sensitive and specific.
We use molecular and genetic approaches to:
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diagnose and classify disease
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use ‘biomarkers’ to help predict treatment response and disease progression
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use genetic information to work out the best treatment for each patient, determining which drugs will work best, or if they might have an adverse reaction when used; we are helping to deliver more ‘personalised medicine’ for our patients
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monitor very low levels of disease, to predict if a patient may relapse clinically after they have been treated.
Reproductive sciences
Fertility
Complete Fertility Centre is a private fertility clinic that treats both NHS and self-funded patients, based within the Princess Anne Hospital. Embryologists and trainee healthcare scientists work to provide a full range of fertility treatments, including:
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ovulation induction
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intrauterine insemination
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in vitro fertilisation (IVF)
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intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
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frozen embryo transfers.
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