[Pathologists' assistant system in Japan]

Abstract

A pathologists' assistant (PA) is recognized as a well-trained clinical technologist in pathologic examinations. Some nations including the United States and United Kingdom have developed such roles with good results. In Japan, there are some serious problems with the PA system. The most important problem is the limitation of activity, such as cutting specimens and screening biopsy samples. The latter probably conflicts with Japanese medical law. Although a PA system would relieve the burden on pathologists it should be careful to introduce of a PA system in Japan.