What is another term for chemical pathology?

Chemical pathology refers to the branch of pathology that focuses on the biochemical basis of disease. This field is primarily concerned with the analysis of bodily fluids, such as blood and urine, to detect abnormalities that may indicate disease. Clinical chemistry is a widely accepted term that encompasses this aspect of pathology, primarily dealing with the measurement of chemical substances in these fluids to aid in diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of various medical conditions. The use of the term "clinical" implies its application in a laboratory setting where these analyses are conducted to assist in patient care.

The other terms listed refer to different areas of laboratory medicine. Histopathology deals with the examination of tissues under a microscope to identify disease processes, microbiology focuses on the study of microorganisms and their role in diseases, and molecular diagnostics emphasizes the analysis of genetic material to diagnose conditions at a molecular level. Each of these fields plays a vital role in healthcare but serves distinct purposes that do not overlap with the definition of chemical pathology.