What is biomedical science?
Biomedical science is one of the broadest areas of modern science and underpins much of modern medicine - from determining the blood requirements of critically ill patients to identifying outbreaks of infectious diseases to monitoring biomarkers in cancer
Biomedical science staff mostly work in healthcare laboratories diagnosing diseases and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment by analysing fluids and tissue samples from patients. They provide the 'engine room' of modern medicine - 70% of diagnoses in the NHS are based on pathology results provided by laboratory services.
Handling over 150 million samples in the UK each year, every person at some point in their lives will benefit from the services of a biomedical scientist. If you have ever had a urine, blood, tissue or other sample taken by a doctor or nurse, chances are it will have been diagnosed by a biomedical scientist.
At the heart of healthcare
Biomedical scientists are at the heart of multi-disciplinary teams in healthcare. They provide other professionals with vital scientific information, allowing them to make informed clinical decisions, ensure blood stocks are adequate at critical times, matching blood to patients, measuring chemicals to monitor patient condition, investigating disease by looking at tumour samples and identifying micro-organisms in the fight against infection.
Protecting the public through registration
To protect the public, the term 'Biomedical Scientist' is a legally protected title. Anyone using the title must meet the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) standards and be HCPC registered.
Advancing knowledge and setting standards in biomedical science
With over 20,000 members in 30 different countries, the Institute of Biomedical Science is the leading professional body for scientists, support staff and students in the field of biomedical science. For over 100 years we have been dedicated to the promotion, development and delivery of excellence in biomedical science within all aspects of healthcare, and providing the highest standards of service to patients and the public.
By supporting members in their practice of biomedical science we set quality standards for the profession through: training, education, assessments, examinations and continuous professional development. Our publications and training events ensure members are kept up-to-date on the latest scientific developments and news. Through public relation and marketing campaigns we raise awareness of the vital role of biomedical science in healthcare and promote career opportunities in the profession.
