Role of MLT in Health Care Team

A member of a healthcare team by analyzing patient:

* Specimens of blood
* Body fluids
* Other biological samples


A Medical Laboratory Technologist need to:

* Perform laboratory tests
* Examine specimens microscopically
* Frequently with the aid of complex computerized and automated instrumentation.
* Confirm the accuracy of test results
* Report laboratory findings to physicians who rely on their input in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.


Duties & Responsibilities of MLT

* Collect samples
* Prepare specimens for analysis
* Determine acceptability of samples
* Prepare materials like reagents & culture media
* Perform sophisticated laboratory tests
* Operate and calibrate laboratory instruments to ensure accuracy.
* Provide accurate laboratory results in a timely manner.
* Perform preventative and corrective maintenance and repairs on laboratory equipment
* Ensure proper functioning of laboratory equipment
* Maintain records/documentation
* Processes data, enters data into computer system
* Perform quality control procedures
* Evaluate and validates new methods
* Differentiate technical, instrumental and/or physiologic causes for unexpected test result
* Evaluate quality control measures and institutes corrective action
* Train new laboratory personnel

Common Laboratory Tests & Investigations

Clinical Chemistry

• Blood sugar test
• Blood cholesterol level
• Liver function test
• Kidney function test

Haematology

• Blood haemoglobin test
• White blood cell count
• Platelet count

Blood banking (Blood transfusion)

• Blood grouping test
• Blood compatibility test

Immunology/serology

• HIV test
• Hepatitis B test
• Syphilis test

Histopathology/Cytology

• Detection of cancer cells from tissues & different types of epithelial cells

Microbiology

• Detect and identify bacteria or fungus from various sample like:
• Pus
• Blood
• Sputum
• Throat

Urine Testing

• Test for:
• Sugar
• Protein
• WBC
• Blood
• Pregnancy test
• Test for drugs

Professional Ethics and Code of Conduct

What is professional ethics?

• Professional Ethics concerns one's conduct of behaviour and practice when carrying out professional work.

Medical Lab Technologists must always:

• Exercise their professional judgment, skill and care to the best of the ability in such a manner to bring credits to the professions and in meeting established standards.
• Actively seek to establish cooperate with other health professionals.
• Provide expertise to advice and counsel other health professionals.
• Maintain confidentiality of patients information by not wittingly disclose results or information, of a personal and confidential nature to unauthorized persons.
• Safeguard the dignity and privacy of patients.
• Be responsible for the logical process from the acquisition of the specimen the production of data and the final report of test results.
• Be accountable for the quality and integrity of medical laboratory service.
• Maintain a responsible approach to the community at large with respect to the handling and disposal of hazardous material.
• Conduct themselves in a manner to uphold and maintain the highest level of honesty, integrity and reliability.
• Strive to improve their professional skill and knowledge and disseminate such knowledge to fellow members and persons under their control.
• Refrain from practices restricted by law and not indulge in unfair or improper practices for personal or professional gain.

Various Branches of Medical Science

Clinical Chemistry:

• Technologists analyze the chemical and hormonal contents of body fluids in order to assess body functions or physical condition.

Haematology:

• Examine blood cells and determine haemoglobin and red cell conditions.
• Detect and determine type of anaemia and blood disroders like leukemia.
• Assess the patient’s body mechanism of blood coagulation.

Blood Transfusion Service:

• Collect blood from patient and donor.
• Conduct blood group test.
• Carry out tests to ensure safe transfusion.

Microbiology:

• Examine and identify bacteria and other microorganisms which cause infections.

Immunology / Serology:

• Examine elements of the human immune system and its response to foreign bodies.
• Detection of infections using immunological or serological techniques.

Histopathology:

• Cut and stain tissue specimens for microscopic examination by pathologists.

Cytology:

• Prepare slides of body cells
• Examine these cells microscopically for abnormalities that may signal the beginning of a cancerous growth.

Molecular Biology:

• Perform complex protein and nucleic acid testing on cell samples.

The MISSION of Medical Laboratory Professional is:

• To complement the role of clinicians and other health care personnel;
• In order to serve the health authority or organization so as;
• To help people improve and sustain their health status as well as;
• To enjoy a better quality of life.

Working relationship with other health care professionals with the primary OBJECTIVE of ensuring a high standard of care for the patients they serve.

Field of Specialization

Medical lab technologists can work as an all-rounder :

* Generalist


Medical lab technologists can also specialize in specific areas of medical laboratory technology :

* After acquiring many years of practical experience

Specialization

* Biochemical technologist
* Microbiology technologist
* Hematology technologist
* Histotechnologist
* Cytotechnologist
* Blood transfusion technologist
* Cytogenetic technologist
* Phlebotomist

Biochemistry Technologist

* Deal with the estimations of a great variety of chemical components of blood samples for:

* Detection of diabetes
* Assessment of liver function
* Hormone level
* Kidney function
* Lipid profile

* Be proficient in handling highly computerized and automatic instruments.


* Must be capable in monitoring quality control programs and good trouble-shooting skill

Cytotechnologist

A cytotechnologist (CT) is a laboratory specialist who is responsible for examining human cell samples under the microscope for early signs of cancer and other diseases. The cytotechnologist analyzes subtle cell changes–both nuclear and cytoplasmic–and compares these changes to normal cell findings for that body site.

The cytotechnologist must be familiar with normal anatomy and histology for all the body systems and must be familiar with the disease processes that can affect these body sites. By comparing these facts with the clinical history provided for the patient, the cytotechnologist can judge the significance of the cell findings observed.

The cytotechnologist can issue the final report for certain specimens that are normal; when abnormal cells are present, the cytotechnologist works with the pathologist to arrive at a final diagnosis. Cytotechnologists work independently with little supervision.


They must be patient, precise, and have relatively good eyesight. Above all, the cytotechnologist must enjoy making decisions and taking responsibility, because their correct analysis of microscopic cellular changes can directly affect a patient’s course of treatment and may save the patient’s life by early detection of cancer.

Histotechnologist

Cancer can often be detected in the arrangement of cells in a tissue sample. After a sample tissue is taken from the patient, it is sent to the histotechnician (HT), who prepares the tiny sections of body tissues for microscopic examination by a pathologist. Working closely with the pathologist, the histologic technician processes tissue biopsies removed during surgery. The tissue is cut into very thin slices, mounted on slides and stained with special dyes to make the cell details visible under the microscope.

By examining the section of tissue, the pathologist and the surgeon can learn if disease is present, or if it has spread, and decide the best course of treatment for the patient. The histotechnologist (HTL) has advanced training in how and why specimens are collected and processed for testing. That expertise qualifies the histotechnologist to manage even unexpected situations in the laboratory, such as solving technical or instrument problems, understanding the underlying health and disease causes of unusual test results, and evaluating new laboratory techniques and procedures.

Histotechnicians and histotechnologists must work quickly, because they are frequently under pressure to deliver results while the patient is in surgery. They work with fragile, delicate instruments as well as knives, chemicals, and glass slides. They must value precision and be comfortable working with equipment that requires careful monitoring.

When doctor takes tissue sample form a patient, a histotechnologist must possesses the skill to prepare the tissue into tiny sections, stain with special dye and mount on slides. This will make the cell details visible under the microscope when examined by a pathologist.

Breast Cancer Tissue

Breast tissue as seen in microscope

Blood Transfusion Technologist

Blood transfusion is required due to surgery, trauma or disease conditions. Blood Transfusion Technologist must have the expertise:

* In testing the blood group of patients and donors (Blood Grouping Test)
* In testing patients’ blood and donors’ blood to determine the compatibility of the donor’s unit of blood for its intended recipient (Blood Compatibility Test)

To carry out tests to investigate the cause of a transfusion reaction, if any.

The Phlebotomy Technician and Donor Phlebotomy Technician

Do you want to work directly with patients?

Then a career as a phlebotomy technician (PBT) is a good choice.

The laboratory depends on the phlebotomy technician to collect quality samples from the patient to produce quality laboratory results. To do this, the phlebotomy technician must create an atmosphere of trust and confidence with patients while drawing blood specimens in a skillful, safe, and reliable manner.

A phlebotomy technician who collects units of blood from volunteer donors can become certified as a Donor Phlebotomy Technician (DPT), offering specialized expertise to blood centers. Phlebotomy technicians must like challenge and responsibility. They must also be accurate, work well under pressure, and communicate effectively. Because the phlebotomy technician works directly with the patient, he or she must also act as the “eyes and ears” of the doctors, nurses, and laboratory professionals.

The phlebotomy technician must notice and relay any important information gathered during interaction with patients. Phlebotomy technicians must set high standards for themselves, and they must be deeply committed to quality health care delivery.

Medical Technologist Profession

A medical technologist (MT) is a healthcare professional who performs diagnostic analytic tests on human body fluids such as blood, urine, sputum, stool, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, and synovial fluid, as well as other specimens.

Medical technologists work in clinical laboratories at hospitals, doctor's offices, reference labs, and within the biotechnology industry.

Specilisation, Job Opportunities and Education for MLTs in Malaysia

Medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) can work as an all-rounder as a generalist. They can also specialize in specific areas of medical laboratory technology after acquiring many years of practical experience.

They can specialize in biochemistry, microbiology, haematology, histology, cytology, blood transfusion, phlebotomy as well as cytogenetic field. For examples, in biochemistry area, they are known as biochemistry technologists whom deal with the estimation of a great variety of chemical components of a blood samples for detection of diabetes, assessment of liver function, kidney function, lipid profile, hormone level and so on. They are proficient in handling highly computerized and automatic instruments.

Meanwhile in haematology area, haematology technologists deal with the study of blood cells and blood diseases. They are proficient in using automatic instruments for the assessment of haemoglobin, white blood cell and platelet count in order to detect various types of anaemia and other blood disorder like leukemia.

In Malaysia, the total numbers of private hospitals are more than 106, private clinical laboratories are more than 300 and there are less than 20 medical and health science courses in public and private universities and colleges. MLTs can work in research institutions, laboratories in university Hospital, medical or health science faculties of universities and hospitals. In research institutions, MLTs assist scientists to do research testing. As more and more private hospitals are being set up, MLTs are needed to do diagnostic tests. Moreover, private clinical laboratory industry is expanding to cater for diagnostic service and health screen public.

MLTs have opportunities for further study in degree program such as biomedical science, medical science, biotechnology, forensic science, and bioinformatics. With appropriate qualifications, MLT scan become clinical scientists, biotechnologists, biochemists, microbiologist and many other more. Perhaps after this, few people will know about a health science program called Diploma in Medical laboratory Technology.

KUALA LUMPUR METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
Contact: Mr.Lim Back Seng
Tel No: 012-3876645
Email: limbs@cosmopoint.com.my

"Truth Be Told" - Laboratory Professional in Dexter Show

I like to watch on the first season of my new favorite show, Dexter. On the show, the main character does blood spatter analysis for the Miami police, and has a deep, dark secret -- he's a serial killer who kills other killers. Phew.

Baddie slaying aside, in the episode called "Truth Be Told," Dexter submits an urgent blood sample to a lab professional. For the less than a minute she's shown, the young girl is jammin' out to her iPod, and Dexter has a hard time getting her attention. (But at least she is wearing gloves!)

Does it bother you how laboratory professionals are represented on television and in movies? That on House, the doctors seem to do everything, including running lab tests?

What are some examples of shows or movies that show lab professionals--or ones that don't include them when they should? Have you ever seen an episode of a TV show or a movie that did the lab profession justice? I'm interested in hearing what you have to say!

Understanding Laboratory Test

It is the laboratory scientist's responsibility to make a test choice clear for the physician. We can be expected to reasonably interpret an order that doesn't match a menu name (AST for SGOT, for example). Other times, a questionable order is a methodology choice. A simple telephone call to the provider, a pathologist or a reference laboratory can clarify ambiguity.

The FDA and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) recognize the error potential of ambiguous abbreviations. Their education focuses on medications, but it isn't a stretch to apply this to the laboratory. Reference laboratory test menus, in particular, can create a bewilderment of choice.

Less often, a test report isn't clear or is difficult to interpret. There are even those times when the provider hasn't ordered what he thought he ordered. As one small study published in a British biochemistry journal suggests, not all physicians are equally up to speed on laboratory tests. Junior doctors--similar to American interns--order a majority of laboratory tests, but nearly one in six admitted not being able to fully interpret the results.

How can laboratories help? A proactive approach can help make a laboratory, regardless of size, an approachable and responsive resource. A laboratory newsletter is an excellent way to let providers know what the laboratory offers. Reference materials such as specimen collection charts, media guides and directory of service booklets are invaluable for providers and office staff.

Much of this material can be on a hospital Web site, emailed or distributed on a CDROM. Test synonyms in computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems are helpful. Finally, it's useful to periodically survey providers to make sure a particular service responds to their needs. As engaged professionals we can help improve patient care. We need to build partnerships that help providers understand laboratory test menus and reports.

Medical Lab Technologist and Medical Lab Technician

When it comes to the challenge and rewards of medicine and science, the medical laboratory technologist (MLT) has the best of both worlds. Medical laboratory technologists work in all areas of the clinical laboratory including:

• Blood banking
• Chemistry
• Haematology
• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Cytology
• Histopathology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetic

They perform a full range of laboratory tests – from simple premarital 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 laboratory technologist gives to the doctor influences the medical treatment a patient will receive.

Also known as clinical laboratory scientists (CLS), medical laboratory technologists operate complex electronic equipment, computers, and precision instruments costing millions of dollars. Working under the supervision, a medical laboratory technician (MLT) performs routine tests in all areas of the clinical laboratory. A medical laboratory technician searches for basic clues to the absence, presence, extent, and causes of diseases. This skilled individual is responsible for performing laboratory tests efficiently and accurately for high-quality patient care.

Introduction To Medical Laboratory Technologist Proffesion

Are you fascinated by medicine?

Do you like working with computers?

Is detail work easy for you?

Do you enjoy helping others?

Are you a team player?

Do you enjoy problem-solving challenges?

Then MLT is for you!

Medical laboratory technology is one of the most rapidly expanding health care fields. As a medical laboratory technician, you will play an increasingly important role in health care delivery. The MLT Program provides extensive training, including a clinical internship with supervised work experience. This qualifies graduates to run clinical tests required by physicians to make life-affecting decisions in patient care.

Make a decision for your life today!

Although the medical technologist may not be a visible part of the healthcare team, the role the medical technologist plays is crucial to the health and well being of any patient. A medical technologist's MAIN FUNCTIONS are to provide a "report" on the internal condition of the patient and to prepare and dispense life saving blood products.

MLT IS IN DEMAND

The volume of laboratory testing will increase sharply in the coming years and advances in medical technology will serve to create new tests and laboratory procedures perhaps even overloading the present capacity of the system. Workers and new laboratories are always in high demand.

The health care industry is in the midst of one of the most significant shortages of trained personnel in its history, and leaders predict it is a trend that will continue.

Job Opportunities in Medical Laboratory Technology

A Career Full of Options

The Supervisor

Laboratory professionals who have gained experience at the bench and produce superior-quality work can be promoted to the supervisory level. As a supervisor of one or several laboratory departments, the individual is responsible for making sure the laboratory work assignments are completed. Arranging work schedules and managing personnel are important aspects of this job. The supervisor usually reports to the laboratory manager.

The Laboratory Manager

A technologist with both solid leadership ability and supervisory experience can become a laboratory manager. The laboratory manager is responsible for the day-to-day planning, coordination, and overall supervision of all laboratory operations. Many laboratory managers have advanced business degrees; some go on to earn certification as a Diplomat in Laboratory Management (DLM), a highly specialized credential that demonstrates advanced knowledge, focused experience, and a continuing commitment to providing an effective, efficient, high-quality laboratory environment. The person chosen to be laboratory manager must have the right combination of people skills, business knowledge, and technical experience to coordinate the work of other laboratory personnel. The laboratory manager’s day is varied and challenging. He or she hires employees, prepares budgets, organizes work schedules, and meets with sales representatives to select laboratory supplies and equipment, and oversees marketing for the laboratory. The laboratory manager works with the pathologist to make sure that the quality of work done in the laboratory meets the highest standards.

The Teacher

For anyone working in a medical laboratory, education is a career-long activity. Some teachers work with those just entering the field, teaching basic laboratory skills. Others are specialists who offer continuing education in selected topics. These teachers help working technicians and technologists to keep their existing skills sharp, as well as to learn advanced new techniques and procedures to improve their ability to serve patients.

The Researcher

Laboratory technologists and technicians use their investigative skills in medical research to explore new frontiers in medicine or to develop new products. In a medical center’s research laboratory, the laboratory professional tests new ideas about the origin of diseases, develops new laboratory methods, and evaluates the effectiveness of new types of clinical treatment. To do this, he or she operates computers and precision instruments—many of which are designed specially for each project. As a researcher, the laboratory professional could be part of a team that discovers an unknown disease or a cure for a fatal disease, or expands the scientific knowledge of a known disease. In research and development departments of manufacturing companies, laboratory professionals help develop commercial diagnostic products, such as over-the-counter testing kits for pregnancy, cholesterol levels, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, kidney problems, and other diseases.

The Molecular Pathology Technologist

Medicine’s most exciting new frontier is at the molecular level, where the fast-growing field of molecular pathology is breaking ground in our understanding of human health. Research has discovered that many disease states, including cancer, have their origins at the molecular or genetic level. Technologists in molecular pathology (MP) are helping to diagnose and even predict such diseases in the laboratory, often before any other symptoms present themselves. In addition, molecular examination can help to identify and isolate disease causing microorganisms by their genetic material, enabling more effective design of new drugs and treatments. As we learn more about the human genome, the role of the technologist in molecular pathology will only grow in importance.

The Forensic Scientist

Forensic science is one of the most intriguing—and today, one of the most popular arenas of laboratory medicine. While the current images in movies and television may not accurately reflect the real day-to-day routine of the forensic scientist, it is still true that forensic investigation can offer a rewarding career that calls on the full array of skills acquired and developed in clinical laboratory science programs. Studies in chemistry, histology, hematology, immunology, microbiology, cytology and toxicology may all be involved in the investigation of a case, depending on the type of evidence detected at and recovered from a scene. Forensic science makes a contribution that is vital to our criminal and civil justice system…and a daily challenge to the laboratory specialist.

Clinical Laboratory Technician Program

A combination of fundamental laboratory techniques and clinical experience prepares graduates for work in laboratories serving the health care sector. Shared programs expand access to programs that are in high demand both by students and employers.

Methods of Disposing Radioactive Chemical Wastes

Solid Radioactive Waste

Office of Radiation Safety personnel place solid waste containers in each posted laboratory. The container is marked with the words "Radioactive Waste" or "Radioactive Material" prominently displayed on the side and lid of the container including damp paper, and solid containers with residual moisture on the surfaces, may be placed in these containers. Test tubes and vials containing pourable quantities of radioactive liquid must be emptied before placing them in solid waste containers.

Liquid Radioactive Waste

Polyethylene cubitainers are available for disposal of liquid radioactive waste. These containers should be placed in an outer container such as a plastic dish pan marked with a radioactive warning label with the words "Radioactive Material" or “Radioactive Waste". Care must be taken when disposing of radioactive liquid not to contaminate the side of the containers. Users must not dispose of radioactive waste in sinks.

Scintillation Vials

Liquid scintillation vials should not be disposed of as either solid or liquid radioactive waste. Liquid scintillation vials should be segregated into two groups: Vials containing only 3H or 14C in scintillation fluid and Vials containing any other isotopes in scintillation fluid. Vials may be packaged for disposal in the original cardboard racks supplied by the vial manufacturer or placed into containers supplied by the Office of Radiation Safety. Do not place any liquid filled vials into solid radioactive waste containers. Do not dispose of scintillation fluid in sinks.

Animal Carcasses

All animal carcasses and tissue samples containing radioactive material bagged in strong plastic bags and securely fastened. A radioactive carcass tag indicating the date of disposal, responsible investigator, nuclide, and its activity must be attached to the bag. The carcasses are then placed in a laboratory freezer until removed by Radiation

Procedure of Handling and Storage of Laboratory Chemicals especially flammable chemical, corrosive chemical, toxic chemical and oxidizing agents

Follow the General Safety Rules. Treat all chemicals as potentially harmful. Note hazard warnings displayed on labels. The handling of volatile or highly toxic chemicals must be carried out in a fume hood. Wear appropriate protective clothing, laboratory coat, gloves and safety glasses. Read aid procedures relevant to the chemicals being used. Know the location of safety equipment, safety showers, eye washes, spill clean up kits, and fire blankets. Label all reagents clearly, and identify special hazards. Carcinogenic or highly toxic chemicals should be stored in sealed double containers in the lockable "poisons cabinet" in the laboratory. Exceptions are chemicals that are corrosive, flammable, or a gas, which should be stored in appropriate conditions. Do not store strongly interacting chemicals next to each other. Never pipette by mouth. Always use a suction pump, aspirator bulb or safety pipette.

Flammable chemicals

• These should be stored in a fireproof metal box at ground level, preferably in a cool store

Corrosive chemicals

• Store these at low levels.

Toxic, harmful and irritating chemicals

• Store highly toxic chemicals, e.g potassium cyanide in a locked cupboard. Stock solutions should also be stored safely in a cupboard, not on an open shelf

Oxidising agents

• Keep these away from organic materials and reducing agents. They can produce much heat when in contact with other chemicals especially flammable chemicals

Carcinogens

• Label their containers ‘CARCINOGENIC’ and handle with special precautions

World of Medical Lab Technology

It’s a world of technology, science, and mystery, where medical laboratory professionals and pathologists find answers to questions that are both routine and miraculous.

Does this tissue sample contain cancer?

What can this woman’s blood tell us about her health?

Is this unborn child developing normally?

Is this drug effectively stopping the infection?

Why did this man die?

In the laboratory, a highly skilled team of pathologists and medical technologists, technicians and specialists work together to solve the mysteries, put the puzzles together, and answer the critical questions of medicine. More than70% of medical decisions made by physicians are based on laboratory findings. In fact, the practice of modern medicine would be impossible without the tests performed in the laboratory.

Pathologists and medical laboratory professionals are the behind the-scenes backbone of medicine. Their field of exploration includes a vast span, from gross human anatomy to the genetic and molecular particles that affect it. They are the researchers, the investigators, and some say the real heroes of medicine. Pathologists and medical laboratory professionals play a critical role in collecting the information needed to give the best care to an ill or injured patient…and as health care grows, there is an increasing need for their skills in a virtually unlimited selection of practice settings .Hospitals, clinics, public health facilities, and commercial laboratories all have positions open right now for qualified laboratory professionals.

In the near future, major areas of scientific exploration will include the human immune system cell marker technology, bioengineering, DNA technology, and cancer research. In the clinical area, drug testing, therapeutic drug monitoring, and biogenetics are just a few of the specialties with openings. In commercial businesses and industries, positions are available in marketing and sales of laboratory equipment and products, as well as research and development of new technology. In the legal system, crime scene investigation and forensic science depend heavily on the skills of forensic pathologists and medical laboratory professionals.

Pathology and laboratory science are among the fastest growing professions. More than a quarter million people work in medical laboratory services alone. For someone who chooses a career as a pathologist or laboratory professional, the exploration…and the rewards…are endless.