Introduction To Medical Laboratory Technology

Introduction

                      A bachelor's degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences and  board certification as a medical laboratory scientist which is formerly known as Medical Lab Technologist are valuable career assets. For someone with an aptitude in science  and an interest in human health, this is an excellent profession. It combines the application of methods of biology, chemistry, computer, technology, and medicine on a daily basis.

Profession of MLT

                                                 Medical laboratory scientists provide critical information needed for diagnosis, prognosis and management of disease. The work requires exacting precision and accuracy, and it is performed in a fast-paced, highly computerized and technological environment.

                 Medical laboratory scientists analyze blood, body fluids, tissues and cells. They perform routine to high complexity analysis using chemical, biological, hematological, immunological, microscopic and molecular tests. They are required to have a strong background in biology, chemistry and medicine. Medical laboratory scientists evaluate and interpret test results. In today’s laboratories, a medical laboratory scientist is responsible not only for fast and accurate performance of lab tests, but also for quality control, quality assurance, infection control, cost effectiveness, revenue generation and management of human resources. There is a growing need for well-trained medical laboratory scientists to staff and manage the nation’s diagnostic, industrial and research laboratories.

                  Practice of the profession is regulated by a federal law titled “The Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act” (CLIA) and the laws of the state in which the laboratory is located. Medical laboratory scientists are responsible for the accreditation of the laboratory as well as the laboratory’s compliance with state and federal regulations. They often serve as consultants to smaller laboratories and physician office laboratories. National certification as a medical laboratory scientist is a highly marketable qualification for employment in a variety of organizations. In Florida, laboratory personnel are required to be licensed by the state and are required to renew their licenses each biennium through documentation of continuing education.

Career Opportunities

                                                     The majority of clinical laboratory professionals work in hospitals. Many others work in healthcare related industries. The biotechnology, environmental, pharmaceutical, and diagnostic products sectors and institutions employ medical laboratory scientists. Medical laboratory professionals also perform tests, supervise and conduct research in environmental, food and chemical manufacturing laboratories. As hospitals merge, opportunities open up for overall management of diagnostic services, including laboratories, medical imaging and pharmacy.

                Jobs are available in infection control and organizational quality management. Pharmaceutical companies recruit lab personnel to evaluate drugs. Laboratory professional are finding employment in industry as risk managers, consultants and product information and customer support specialists. Laboratory personnel with an MLT degree increase their career opportunities by earning the BS degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences. 

Opportunities For Medical Lab Technologist

• Reference Laboratory
• Administration Physician Office Laboratories (POLs) 
• Blood Banks/Transfusion Service Centers
• State and Federal Public Health Labs
• Military and VA Hospitals
• Law Enforcement/Crime Labs
• Toxicology (Drugs of Abuse Testing) Labs
• Food, Water and Environmental Testing Labs
•  Biotechnology Product Development
•  University and Community College Faculty
•  Laboratory Consultants
• Laboratory Information Specialists
•  Pharmaceutical Sales and Research
• Diagnostic Products Sales and Research
• State/Federal Law Compliance Officers
•  Infection Control Officers
• Quality Assurance Managers
• United States Public Health Service
• Hospital Laboratory