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Clinical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the
detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. Clinical
laboratory technologists, also referred to as clinical
laboratory scientists or medical technologists, and clinical
laboratory technicians, also known as medical technicians or
medical laboratory technicians, perform most of these tests.
Clinical laboratory personnel examine and analyze body fluids,
tissues, and cells. They look for bacteria, parasites, and other
microorganisms; analyze the chemical content of fluids; match
blood for transfusions; and test for drug levels in the blood to
show how a patient is responding to treatment. These
technologists also prepare specimens for examination, count
cells, and look for abnormal cells. They use automated equipment
and instruments capable of performing a number of tests
simultaneously, as well as microscopes, cell counters, and other
sophisticated laboratory equipment. Then they analyze the
results and relay them to physicians. With increasing automation
and the use of computer technology, the work of technologists
and technicians has become less hands-on and more analytical.
The
complexity of tests performed, the level of judgment needed, and
the amount of responsibility workers assume depend largely on
the amount of education and experience they have.
Clinical laboratory technologists generally have a
bachelor’s degree in medical technology or in one of the life
sciences, or they have a combination of formal training and work
experience. They perform complex chemical, biological,
hematological, immunologic, microscopic, and bacteriological
tests. Technologists microscopically examine blood, tissue, and
other body substances. They make cultures of body fluid and
tissue samples, to determine the presence of bacteria, fungi,
parasites, or other microorganisms. Clinical laboratory
technologists analyze samples for chemical content or a chemical
reaction and determine blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
They also type and cross match blood samples for transfusions.
Clinical laboratory technologists evaluate test results, develop
and modify procedures, and establish and monitor programs, to
ensure the accuracy of tests. Some clinical laboratory
technologists supervise clinical laboratory technicians.
Technologists in small laboratories perform many types of tests,
whereas those in large laboratories generally specialize.
Technologists who prepare specimens and analyze the chemical and
hormonal contents of body fluids are called clinical chemistry
technologists. Those who examine and identify bacteria and other
microorganisms are microbiology technologists. Blood bank
technologists, or immunohematology technologists, collect, type,
and prepare blood and its components for transfusions.
Immunology technologists examine elements of the human immune
system and its response to foreign bodies. Cytotechnologists
prepare slides of body cells and examine these cells
microscopically for abnormalities that may signal the beginning
of a cancerous growth. Molecular biology technologists perform
complex protein and nucleic acid testing on cell samples.
Clinical laboratory technicians perform less complex tests
and laboratory procedures than technologists perform.
Technicians may prepare specimens and operate automated
analyzers, for example, or they may perform manual tests in
accordance with detailed instructions. Like technologists, they
may work in several areas of the clinical laboratory or
specialize in just one. Histotechnicians cut and stain tissue
specimens for microscopic examination by pathologists, and
phlebotomists collect blood samples. They usually work under the
supervision of medical and clinical laboratory technologists or
laboratory managers. |
