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, 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 that show how a patient is responding to treatment. Technologists also prepare specimens for examination, count cells, and look for abnormal cells in blood and body fluids. They use microscopes, cell counters, and other sophisticated laboratory equipment. They also use automated equipment and computerized instruments capable of performing a number of tests simultaneously. After testing and examining a specimen, 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 usually do more complex tasks than clinical laboratory technicians do.
Articles on this page have been submitted by a clinical lab scientist at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
As I said last month, the clinical laboratory scientist (CLS) performs laboratory testing that is ordered by a physician. I mentioned there were different fields in which to work, such as public health, forensics (very popular nowadays), and industrial quality control.
Today I am going to talk about other departments within the clinical laboratory. Before I begin, I want to emphasize that in every field of employment, there are levels of entry, and for those who are eager to learn about other opportunities within their company, they will find new assignments, new departments, and additional chances to apply what they learn.
So, now that you know that other departments may be exactly what you are looking for, let's examine just a couple: Hematology and Chemistry.
Hematology-This is the study of RBC (red blood cells), WBC (white blood cells), and PLT(platelets). The values received from this testing are used to determine anemias, infections, leukemia, and other diseases.
Chemistry-Here, we are talking about the chemical analytes in the body. Our bodies are amazing 'machines' that, when the chemicals get out of 'whack', will produce symptoms. The CLS assists the physician by providing an inside look at the chemical components of the body.
There are a few other departments that we will examine next month, but I would like to end with encouraging you to always realize that every course you are taking may have value down the road. I would also advise you to let your science teacher know about careers you may be considering...they may have additional information or resources that help you realize the great future you may have in your chosen field.
I hope you are enjoying your day; see you later.
If you like science and have wondered about careers that may interest you, then I am sure you will enjoy hearing about my work as a clinical laboratory scientist. As a clinical laboratory scientist, (CLS), I work in the healthcare field where I find myself performing laboratory testing that is ordered by a physician. Others in my field are employed in research, public health, forensics, industrial quality control labs, and other laboratory settings.
The testing that I do is very important because I am a member of a healthcare team whose diagnostic information will help determine the best course to take in treating a patient’s disease. Actually, up to 70 percent of the diagnostic information used to help the physician treat the patient is made up of laboratory testing.
If you are a person who likes science and the solving of puzzles, then this could be the career for you. On a daily basis, I will analyze body fluids by using instrumentation, microscopes, and other clinical tools. I am also involved in quality control which is an important part of testing.
My work requires me to be detail-oriented and following directions is very important. I also need to be open to learning about new technology and communicating with my coworkers.
The daily tasks are always interesting and I could not have imagined the variety of the work. For example, the clinical laboratory is composed of different departments, something I just did not know when I was a student. It just goes to show that if you do well in your studies, many opportunities will always be waiting.
Next month, I will talk about some of the other departments in the clinical laboratory, along with other information about daily activities.
Please feel free to submit any questions you may have about my job.