Which NVSL laboratory discipline analyzes tissue samples to diagnose disease pathology?

• A. Pathology
• B. Serology
• C. Virology
• D. Bacteriology

Answer: (A)

Analyzing tissue samples to diagnose disease pathology relies on examining tissue architecture and cellular details to identify abnormal patterns that indicate disease. This is the realm of pathology, which uses gross examination, histology, and cytology to determine what disease processes are present in the tissue. Serology looks for antibodies or antigens in fluids, not the tissue’s structural changes. Virology studies viruses and often uses culture or molecular methods rather than relying on tissue histology alone. Bacteriology focuses on identifying bacteria through culture and related tests rather than diagnosing pathology from tissue structure. So, the discipline best suited for diagnosing disease pathology from tissue samples is pathology.