The role of biomedical scientists is basically to perform screenings and tests on samples in order to help doctors diagnose and treat diseases
. The amount of work for biomedical scientists is always high and often very fast paced. In order to be a biomedical scientist you must be highly analytical as well as practical. Often you will need to supply results with a quick turnaround.
Scientists working in biomedicine usually choose to specialise in a particular area. Some of the most popular areas are described below:
Medical microbiology- the examining of disease causing micro organs that are able to fight off antibiotic treatment such as meningitis and food poisoning.
Clinical chemistry - the looking at and analysing of blood samples and other samples in order to diagnose conditions such as diabetes. Clinical chemistry scientists often carry out tests to monitor kidney and liver function.
Transfusion biomedical study involves scientists working at blood banks and determining blood donor matches.
The area of haematology includes looking at blood samples and identifying any abnormalities between cells. Diseases such as anaemia and leukaemia are commonly discovered by scientists working in this area.
The area of histopathology involves looking at tissue samples taken during operations and autopsies.
The area of cytology is perhaps most commonly known for examining cervical smear samples, scientists working in this area also perform non gynaecological screenings too.
Virology- scientists in this area focus their attention to viruses such as HIV, hepatitis, herpes and other viruses. Working in this area usually involves working at a fast pace due to diagnosis' needing to be made.
The area of immunology involves examining the immune system and the body's ability to fend off certain diseases. This area is also fast paced.
To work in biomedical science you must hold a degree in biomedical science and have a good understanding of pathology, anatomy and physiology. Work is always constant and busy.