What branch of pathology deals with laboratory tests on body fluids and tissues for diagnosis?

Clinical pathology is the branch of pathology that focuses on laboratory tests conducted on various body fluids, such as blood and urine, as well as on tissue samples. This field is crucial for diagnosing diseases and understanding patient health through quantitative and qualitative analyses.

Clinical pathologists work with laboratory technicians and other medical professionals to interpret test results, which often guide clinical decisions and patient management. Tests might include blood chemistry analyses, microbiology cultures, hematologic examinations, and more, providing a comprehensive understanding of a patient’s health status.

General pathology covers broader principles of disease processes and mechanisms without focusing solely on laboratory diagnostics, while surgical pathology pertains specifically to the examination of tissues obtained during surgery or biopsies to diagnose conditions. Special pathology is less commonly referenced in this context and may deal with more specific pathological processes rather than the comprehensive analysis of body fluids and tissues relevant in clinical settings.

Thus, clinical pathology is the correct answer as it accurately describes the field that specializes in laboratory tests on body fluids and tissues for diagnostic purposes.