The Profession
The lives and health of patients often depend on specialized tests performed
by clinical laboratory scientists (medical technologists). Using microscopes, specialized staining techniques,
chemical analyses and highly sophisticated precision instruments, clinical laboratory scientists perform tests
on the fluids, cells, and tissues of the human body. These tests provide data for 50% to 80% of important
medical decisions including interpreting the patient's symptoms, monitoring treatment, researching the causes
of diseases, and developing new methods for treatment and diagnosis. In addition to performing the many types
of crucial laboratory tests, clinical laboratory scientists analyze results, manage information and communicate
with other members of the health care team.
| Some of the specific duties a clinical laboratory scientist performs are: |
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Identify bacteria and determine the best antibiotic for treatment of the infection |
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Microscopically classify and differentiate normal and abnormal cells, microorganisms, and crystals |
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Operate complex electronic instruments to analyze blood for the presence of normal, abnormal, and malignant chemical elements, cells and components |
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Determine drug levels to asses treatment and to detect drugs of abuse |
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Prepare blood for transfusion and match proper blood donors to recipients |
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Test for and monitor treatment of bleeding and clotting disorders |
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Evaluate the chemical and cellular composition of blood, urine, and other body fluids |
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Examine responses of the immune system to foreign antigens and infectious organisms |
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Perform quality assurance activities to ensure accurate and reliable data |
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Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot sophisticated and computerized instruments |
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Evaluate and implement testing protocols, procedures, and equipment |
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Use computers for data management, inventory control and quality assurance |
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Train others and write technical procedures |
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Assess test results for accuracy and the need for confirmation or further testing |
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Perform specialized types of testing including PCR, cytogenics, electrophoresis, paternity testing, flow cytometry, and cell marker technology |
| The clinical laboratory is typically divided into the following five disciplines: |
| 1. |
Clinical Chemistry - the study of chemical reactions that occur in normal and diseased processes |
| 2. |
Hematology - the study of the cellular elements of the blood and blood forming tissues |
| 3. |
Microbiology - the study of microbiological aspects of infectious disease, and the isolation and identification of pathogenic microorganisms |
| 4. |
Immunohematology - the application of theory and principles of blood banking, cell typing, compatibility testing, and antibody identification |
| 5. |
Immunology - the study of antigen and antibody interaction in the diagnosis of disease |
Jobs
Clinical laboratory scientists are able to find rewarding work upon graduation.
According to the sixth edition of the book, Jobs Rated Almanac by Les Krantz, clinical laboratory scientists
(medical technologists) ranked high on the list of best jobs: 36th in a list of 250. The positions were scored
on factors such as salary, stress level, work environment, outlook, security, and physical demands.
Jobs are readily available. Recent surveys indicate that a critical shortage
of laboratory personnel is occurring nationwide, with the average vacancy rate for staff medical technologists
reported at 11.1% (ASCP 2000 Wage and Vacancy Survey of U.S. Medical Laboratory Positions). This is an increase
from the previous studies. Additionally, for the period from 2002-2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects
13,200 new laboratory scientists needed per year to meet the demand for laboratory service. With the current
number of graduates from accredited programs, the vacancy rate is expected to increase by more than 8,000 jobs
per year.
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