According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Diagnose diseases or study medical conditions, using techniques such as gross pathology, histology, cytology, cytopathology, clinical chemistry, immunology, flow cytometry, or molecular biology. | 98% |
| Examine microscopic samples to identify diseases or other abnormalities. | 98% |
| Write pathology reports summarizing analyses, results, and conclusions. | 96% |
| Communicate pathologic findings to surgeons or other physicians. | 93% |
| Identify the etiology, pathogenesis, morphological change, and clinical significance of diseases. | 93% |
| Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in pathology. | 88% |
| Consult with physicians about ordering and interpreting tests or providing treatments. | 86% |
| Analyze and interpret results from tests, such as microbial or parasite tests, urine analyses, hormonal assays, fine needle aspirations (FNAs), and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). | 85% |
| Review cases by analyzing autopsies, laboratory findings, or case investigation reports. | 80% |
| Diagnose infections, such as Hepatitis B and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), by conducting tests to detect the antibodies that patients' immune systems make to fight such infections. | 79% |
| Manage medical laboratories. | 79% |
| Obtain specimens by performing procedures, such as biopsies or fine needle aspirations (FNAs) of superficial nodules. | 79% |
| Conduct genetic analyses of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or chromosomes to diagnose small biopsies and cell samples. | 77% |
| Develop or adopt new tests or instruments to improve diagnosis of diseases. | 74% |
| Educate physicians, students, and other personnel in medical laboratory professions, such as medical technology, cytotechnology, or histotechnology. | 73% |
| Plan and supervise the work of the pathology staff, residents, or visiting pathologists. | 72% |
| Conduct research and present scientific findings. | 70% |
| Perform autopsies to determine causes of deaths. | 67% |
| Testify in depositions or trials as an expert witness. | 62% |
