Medical technologist (also referred to as a medical laboratory scientist, a clinical laboratory scientist, or clinical laboratory technologist) is a healthcare professional who performs hematological, chemical, immunologic, microscopic, and bacteriological diagnostic analyses on body fluids such as blood, urine, sputum, stool, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), various body fluids as well as other specimens. Medical laboratory scientists work in clinical laboratories at hospitals, doctor's offices, reference labs, biotechnology labs and production-based industrial labs.
Most medical technologists are generalists that are skilled in all areas of the clinical laboratory. However some are specialists, qualified by unique undergraduate education or additional training to perform more complex analyses than usual within a specific field. Specialties include clinical biochemistry, hematology, coagulation, microbiology, bacteriology, toxicology, virology, parasitology, mycology, immunology, immunohematology (blood bank and transfusion services), histopathology, histocompatibility, cytopathology, genetics, cytogenetics, and electron microscopy. If form the United States, Medical Technologists specialty may use additional credentials, such as "SBB" (Specialist in Blood Banking) from the American Association of Blood Banks, or "SH" (Specialist in Hematology) from the ASCP.
In the United States, Medical Laboratory Scientists can be certified and employed in infection control. These professionals monitor and report infectious disease findings to help limit iatrogenic and nosocomial infections. They may also educate other healthcare workers about such problems and ways to minimize them.
Medical technologists work in all areas of the clinical laboratory including blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology, histology and microbiology. They perform a full range of laboratory tests – from simple prenatal blood tests, to more complex tests to uncover diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and cancer. They are also responsible for confirming the accuracy of test results, and reporting laboratory findings to pathologists and other physicians. The information that a Medical technologist gives to the doctor influences the medical management a patient will receive. Medical technologists operate complex electronic equipment, computers, and precision instruments costing millions of dollars.
A Medical technologist analyzes human fluid samples using techniques available to the laboratory, such as manual white blood cell differentials, bone marrow counts, analysis via microscopy, and advanced analytical equipment. Medical technologists assist doctors and nurses in choosing the correct lab tests and ensure proper collection methods. Medical technologists then receive the patient specimens, analyze the specimens, interpret and report results. A Pathologist may confirm a diagnostic result, but often the Medical technologist is responsible for interpreting and communicating critical patient results to the physician.
Medical technologists also must recognize anomalies in their test results and know how to correct problems with the instrumentation. They monitor, screen, and troubleshoot analyzers featuring the latest technology available on the market. The Medical technologist performs equipment validations, calibrations, quality controls, "STAT" or run-by-run assessment, statistical control of observed data, and recording normal operations. To maintain the integrity of the laboratory process, the medical laboratory scientist recognizes factors that could introduce error and rejects contaminated or sub-standard specimens, as well as investigates discrepant results.
Medical Technologists are skilled in diverse scientific disciplines thus; employment outside of the medical laboratory is common. Many are employed in government positions such as the FDA (BFAD), DOH, non-medical industrial laboratories, and manufacturing. The practical experience required to obtain the bachelor's degree in medical technology gives the medical technologist a unique understanding of the inter-relationship between microbiological and chemical testing and the resulting clinical manifestations in clinical, scientific, and industrial settings.
A Medical Laboratory Scientist's role is to provide accurate laboratory results in a timely manner. Safeguards including experimental controls, calibration of laboratory instruments, delta checks (monitoring of significant changes within a normal series of results, formerly known as the "previous patients check"), and periodic surveys from the DOH External Quality Assurance Survey and for international assurance the College of American Pathologists (CAP), ensure accuracy. Laboratory results aid clinical practitioners in confirming or ruling out diagnoses, monitoring chronic disease changes, and analyzing the effects of medical therapies.
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