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Professional Profile Medical Laboratory Technologist Clinical Chemistry:
Clinical
Microbiology: INTRODUCTION Medical laboratory technology includes the practice of all skills incumbent in carrying out laboratory investigations relating to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease and has been defined by the Council of the Saskatchewan Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (SSMLT) as follows:
The ever-increasing complexity of medical science places a growing importance on the skills and resources of the medical laboratory technologist. Contemporary medical diagnosis requires sophisticated laboratory tests to accurately pinpoint and identify health problems. Accurate diagnosis enables the attending physician to prescribe appropriate treatment. Laboratory tests play an important role in monitoring the success of the treatment. Technologists are responsible for producing these accurate and reliable laboratory results which are so essential to the physician. Medical laboratory technologists (MLT's) are essential members of the healthcare team working with other health professionals to enhance their knowledge and ability to use the laboratory's growing capabilities. Because of its diverse nature, the practice of medical laboratory technology cannot be defined in one neat and simple package. Medical laboratory technology is a family of technologies that have developed over many years. Most large medical laboratories are divided into five major departments. The following provides a brief description of some of the work performed in these departments (disciplines): Clinical Chemistry the analysis of chemical components in the blood, urine, and other body fluids including hormones and drugs. The technologist uses specialized equipment, incorporating photometric, electrochemical, and other methods of measurement to accurately detect even very small quantities of the analyte. Clinical Microbiology the identification of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites which invade the body. Identification of the infectious disease or condition makes use of special culture techniques, biochemical tests, and microscopic examinations. In addition, the technologist identifies the antibiotic that would be effective in treating the infection. Hematology: the study of the cellular components of the blood and its clotting mechanisms. Through cell counts and microscopic examinations of the red and white blood cells, specific disease conditions such as anemia and leukemia can be identified. For patients who have disorders that cause prolonged bleeding, or cause the blood to clot too quickly, the technologist performs coagulation studies that assist the physician in prescribing the correct therapy. Histotechnology: the preparation of body tissues for examination under the microscope by the pathologist to determine the cause of the disease, or to determine the cause of death in autopsies. Every tissue that is removed from the human body through biopsy, surgery, or autopsy is processed by technologists in the histotechnology department. For some biopsies and surgeries, the surgeon may need to know immediately if a lump or tumor is malignant or benign. Transfusion Science: the determination of blood types and the matching of blood for transfusion. The life of a person is at risk whenever there is a marked loss of blood due to surgery, accident, or illness. Life may be preserved and recovery aided if blood is replaced. Blood from some donors may be compatible and can be administered with relative safety, while blood from other donors may be incompatible and would cause death if transfused. Technologists match the patient with the donor's blood. NOTE: In addition, some large medical laboratories include specialized departments. The following provides a brief description of some of the work performed in these departments (disciplines): Diagnostic Cytology: the preparation of specimens and the microscopic examination of cells from those specimens for the detection of cancer and other abnormalities. Clinical Genetics: the preparation of specimens and the microscopic examination of the chromosomes in the cells from those specimens for the detection of chromosomal and molecular genetic abnormalities. The scope of practice depends on the type of employing institution (whether a general or specialized laboratory) and on whether the technologist holds general certification or specialty certification. Scope is continuously changing as new techniques are developed and old techniques become obsolete or are superseded by newer tests and procedures. The skills required of all medical laboratory technologists, regardless of their scope of practice, are as follows: General Technological Skills : MLT's perform a wide variety of investigative and analytical procedures on specimens that originate from a variety of sources. These procedures require both technical and interpretive skills. Education in basic sciences and in human physiology enables technologists to validate test results, to understand the correlation of test results with clinical conditions, and to identify abnormal or implausible results. Knowledge of both the theoretical principles and the technical skills associated with a broad range of testing procedures ensures that technologists are able to adapt to new techniques in order to keep up with the rapidly changing field of medical laboratory science. Instrumentation Skills: The modern clinical laboratory utilizes a variety of instruments, ranging from simple to highly sophisticated. MLT's are trained to operate and calibrate laboratory instruments, to monitor instrument performance, and to carry out required adjustments and preventative maintenance procedures. Quality Control/Quality Assurance: Monitoring the quality of laboratory test results is an essential component in the role of MLT's. Technologists are required to establish, implement, and monitor routine quality control and quality assurance programs and to take appropriate corrective action when tests are "out of control". Technologists are also involved in method development and evaluation and instrument evaluation. Laboratory Safety: The clinical laboratory utilizes many hazardous reagents and handles infected materials from patients. MLT's have knowledge and expertise in the safe storage, handling, and disposal of hazardous reagents; in the safe transportation of dangerous goods; in the use of laboratory safety equipment; and in the techniques of safe handling and disposal of infected materials. The practice of these skills is essential to the maintenance of a safe working environment. Many technologists also participate in hospital infection control programs and on hospital occupational health and safety committees. Collaboration with Health Professionals: MLT's communicate effectively with other health professionals in the workplace to ensure that the correct specimens are collected at the proper times and to ensure that abnormal and unusual results are communicated appropriately. Professional Responsibility: MLT's fulfill all of the legal and ethical requirements of their practice and protect the patient's right to a reasonable standard of care. There are a number of career pathways depending on individual career goals and willingness to pursue further studies. A number of universities offer degree programs in medical laboratory science or health science. MLT's who aspire to supervisory and management positions often obtain the necessary skills through formal programs in management. Technologists seeking faculty positions in college programs find that a teaching certificate or education degree enhances their opportunities. Many technologists provide the skilled technical services required in medical research. Experienced technologists are also employed as technical consultants and trouble-shooters for commercial companies. FUTURE DIRECTIONS One of the exciting aspects of medical technology is its rapid and ongoing development. To meet the challenge of the future, the MLT never stops learning, never stops expanding his or her knowledge of the field and its possibilities. Education In Saskatchewan, training is provided in general medical laboratory technology by SIAST, Kelsey Campus. The MLT Program is two years in length. It consists of 80 weeks of training with the time being divided between SIAST, Kelsey Campus and accredited hospitals in the Regina and Saskatoon Health Districts. A minor rotation may be required in a smaller centre. During the clinical training in the hospitals, students work alongside licensed MLT's, learning while performing the analytical work under close supervision. National certification examinations are conducted by the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) at the conclusion of the SIAST MLT Program. Saskatchewan also offers training in the specialty discipline of Diagnostic Cytology. The Diagnostic Cytology Program consists of 88 weeks of training with the time being divided between theroy at SIAST, Kelsey Campus (43 weeks) and clinical placement at an accredited hospital in the Regina (45 weeks). National certification examinations are conducted by the CSMLS at the conclusion of the Diagnostic Cytology Training Program. Saskatchewan does not offer training in Clinical Genetics. Training programs are offered in these disciplines in BC and Ontario. Saskatchewan does not offer a Baccalaureate program in Medical Laboratory Science; however, degree programs are available in several provinces. Graduates from these programs are eligible to write the national CSMLS certification examinations. Accreditation Certification Certification at the advanced and fellowship levels is also available through the CSMLS for those MLT's who wish to enhance their career status through advancing their knowledge, skills, and professional qualifications. Licensing The SSMLT sets and enforces standards of practice and investigates complaints about the competence and conduct of members to protect the public interest. Medical laboratory technology has existed as a part of healthcare for almost 100 years. Since the early 1950's, progress made in clinical medicine directly influenced and expanded the content of the medical laboratory technology knowledge base and increased the test menu to hundreds of procedures. This dramatically increased the need for knowledge of these principles and appropriate technical skills. Concurrently increased were the overall professional responsibilities of medical laboratory technologists in the day-to-day operation in clinical laboratories. There has been a continual development of the academic level of the profession. Today, medical laboratory
science is a well developed body of
knowledge that includes portions of the basic and medical sciences,
medical
techniques, and research methods. This facilitates and ensures the
production of
quality medical diagnostic testing and allows medical laboratory
technologists
to practice independently as health professionals, taking complete
responsibility for their own work. All practitioners realize the
importance and
need for continuing education to maintain their expertise |
