The Indispensable Role of a Medical Laboratory Scientist

A medical laboratory scientist

may be described as the individual who has studied medical laboratory science in an accredited university or institution, passed the prescribed courses and qualifying professional exams and is duly registered by the national medical laboratory science council. The academic curriculum of the medical laboratory profession covers vast areas including Basic Medical Sciences- Anatomy, Physiology, biochemistry and core subjects as Hematology and Blood Group Serology, Clinical Chemistry, Histopathology and Cytology, Medical Microbiology, Immunology as well as Mathematics, Statistics, Pharmacology, Research methods and Managements at the undergraduate level, paving way for limitless areas of specialization at the postgraduate level. The vastness of this field of study makes the Medical Laboratory Science Graduate a multi-potent professional. Being multi-potent, the Medical laboratory Scientist can be involved in several spheres of the economy but with particular reference to health care services, his ethical duties involve the systematic and scientific analysis of body fluids and secretions, tissues, biopsies, aspirates, waste products like urine and feces with the aim of making proper and definitive diagnosis of diseases. The ultimate goal is health recovery for the sick which proves the relevance and indispensable role of the laboratory scientist in the health sector. Here, the pivot or hallmark of healing lies in the accurate diagnosis of the ailment based on the axiom that the discovery of a problem is already half of the solution. Conventionally, the physician makes some physical observation and based on the signs makes a provisional (presumptive) diagnosis which could be right or wrong. The correctness of presumptive diagnosis is an act of probability given that different disease conditions occasionally display similar symptoms. For instance, a certain middle-aged man was brought into the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department around midday because he began to sweat profusely and then slumped and went into confusion. The physician was invited who immediately took vital signs and asked many questions which could not be answered because no close relative was around. The dilemma of the physician was that the symptoms on hand could as well represent either of two opposing situations- hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. Whereas the clinical management of both conditions are simple though, a switch of one remedy for the other would prove quite disastrous. Not knowing the doctor's dilemma nor the precarious nature of the situation, the patient's colleagues were agitated that not even an infusion (drip) could be used on this near dying folk. The physician had to request for some laboratory investigation to help clear the situation. Simple laboratory investigations like Urinalysis, Plasma glucose level and Full Blood count were just enough to give the needed clue. So the Laboratory Scientist solved the puzzle- hypoglycemia! The rest became more simplified for the doctor. In a short while, the patient got the right medications and left the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department for his home. This is just one typical example of the significant and indispensable role of the Medical Laboratory Scientist as the torchbearer in health care service. Nevertheless, Researches have proven that 60-70% of all decisions regarding a patient's diagnosis and treatment, hospital admission and discharge are based on laboratory test results because the Laboratory Scientist has been trained to perform critical duties such as: assist the doctor in choice of laboratory investigations; collects the clinical specimens and perform analysis; Reports and Interprets the laboratory data for the doctor's use in proper patient diagnosis, treatment and monitoring; generates data for epidemiological survey; plays indispensable role in infection control, transfusion medicine, In vitro fertilization, forensic sciences, genetic counseling/testing among others. Therefore, why won't one be glad to study such a noble profession which has proven beyond any reasonable doubt to be the searchlight, oracle and bedrock of modern medicine!

BLOOD DROP

Blood Drop Often called a “Digital Age Leonardo da Vinci”, Alexander Tsiaras is a digital innovator, technologist and artist. You might know him from his work that showcases beautiful digital images of the human body, made using cutting edge imaging software along with artsy tweaks. Guided by a passion for the human form and insides, Tsiaras founded the TheVisualMD, an extensive online library that documents human anatomy and illness, as well as Anatomical Travelogue, a company specialized in creating digital works of art that faithfully show the workings of the human body. He also authored a number of well received books like From Conception to Birth: A Life Unfolds, The Architecture and Design of Man and Woman: The Marvel of the Human Body, Revealed, The InVision Guide to a Healthy Heart and The InVision Guide to Sexual Health.

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Breathtaking digital images probe human anatomy like never before

Source: ZME Science

Specialties in the field of Medical Laboratory Science/Laboratory Medicine

Hematology

Hematology deals with blood, blood-forming tissues and the related cellular components. Modern-day analysis is performed primarily by automated instrumentation, with the medical scientist conducting the interpretation. Analysis can identify cells associated with a wide variety of blood disorders such as leukemia and anemia. Hematology also includes investigating bleeding or coagulation disorders, such as hemophilia, and monitoring test results from patients taking anticoagulants.

Medical Biochemistry (Clinical Chemistry)

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical and physiochemical processes of living organisms. Medical scientists perform a wide variety of biochemical analyses, including those to determine cholesterol and thyroid levels, enzyme levels for heart disease, and glucose levels for the diagnosis and management of diabetes. In fact, a typical biochemistry section of a medical laboratory can perform and interpret more than 200 chemical analyses.

Medical Microbiology and Parasitology

Medical Microbiology is the study of the bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites that invade the body. The microbiology lab is often divided into the following subspecialties, with medical scientists working in one area or a combination.

* Medical Bacteriology:

The identification of the bacteria that cause disease in the human body. Medical scientists in this discipline also test the effectiveness of various antibiotics. The medical scientist specializing in bacteriology may also deal with public health (e.g., the potability of water or the quality of milk) or the fight against disease (e.g., the diagnosis of hospital-acquired infections or the diagnosis of communicable diseases).

* Medical Mycology

The study of fungi and fungoid diseases. Ringworm and thrush are two of the more common fungoid diseases identified by technologists working in this field.

* Medical Parasitology

The specialty that examines and identifies parasites found on or in the human body. This includes identifying some of the most common parasites such as pinworm, roundworm and tapeworm. Unlike the other specialties of microbiology, parasites are often large enough to see with the naked eye.

* Medical Virology

The science devoted to the study of viruses and viral diseases. The prevalence of AIDS and HIV has developed a greater public awareness of the devastating impact viruses can have on everyday life. Medical scientists working in this field focus on the identification and management of viral diseases.

Transfusion Science (Immunohematology)

Medical scientists working in transfusion science study antigens and antibodies associated with blood transfusions and certain complications of pregnancy. Roles range from assessing the blood to be used in surgery for accident victims, to analyzing specialized blood products such as plasma for hemophiliacs or platelets for patients with leukemia. Medical scientists practising in this area must have an understanding of immunology, serology and genetics. In larger centres, scientists practising transfusion science may perform tests associated with tissue and organ transplant.

Histopathology

Histology deals with the microscopic identification of cells and tissues. This science requires an understanding of the structure and composition of cells and their organization into various organs. Scientists working in histology are responsible for preparing and staining tissues for diagnostic examination under the light microscope. Medical scientists practising histology also work with tissue biopsies and larger specimens from operating rooms. This work is sometimes needed urgently, so surgeons can decide how to proceed in the best interest of a patient undergoing surgery.

Cytology

Cytology is the study of the origin, formation, structure, function and classification of cells. The identification of normal and cancerous cells also falls within this discipline. Medical scientists who work in cytotechnology are responsible for specimen preparation and staining, as well as microscopic evaluation and interpretation of patient samples. One of the roles of the medical scientists practising cytology is to identify cancer of the cervix through the microscopic examination of Pap smears. Cytology results are used in diagnosis, patient management, and treatment follow-up.

Clinical Genetics (Cytogenetics & Molecular Genetics)

* Cytogenetics

Cytogenetics is the study of chromosomes and the diseases associated with an abnormal number or structure of chromosomes. Chromosomes are detected using a light microscope. Medical scientists who work in cytogenetics treat cells with chemicals to increase the number of dividing cells. The cell is then ruptured to release the chromosomes, which are then fixed, stained and examined, first using a light microscope and then using computerized digital images. Medical scientists in this discipline analyze prenatal samples, cancer cells, blood and tissues for genetic diseases.

* Molecular Genetics

Medical scientists who work in molecular genetics focus on examining DNA and RNA and looking for changes in the genes. Abnormal or changed genes are, in many cases, associated with specific conditions or diseases such as breast cancer and hemophilia. Molecular techniques can identify infectious agents (like viruses and bacteria that are difficult or slow to grow in tissue cultures), and the stages of cancer and various genetic diseases.

Who is a Medical Laboratory Scientist? - General Overview

Who is a Medical Laboratory Professional?
Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) — also known as Clinical Laboratory Scientists(CLS) in the U.S are healthcare professionals who perform laboratory tests on patient samples to provide information needed to diagnose or monitor treatment. Examples of common laboratory tests include tests to detect anemia, diagnose diabetes and strep throat, and provide a transfusion to an accident victim.

Professional duties include:

Operating computerized instruments
Identifying abnormal cells
Assuring safe transfusion of blood products
Culturing and identifying bacteria and viruses
Correlating test results with patient's condition
Selecting and evaluating lab equipment
Selecting, orienting and evaluating employees
Monitoring the quality of testing

A medical laboratory scientist (MLS) also perform diagnostic analyses on body fluids such as blood, urine, sputum, stool, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, and synovial fluid, as well as other specimens. Medical laboratory scientists work in clinical laboratories at hospitals, reference labs, biotechnology labs and non-clinical industrial labs.

Basic BGS(Blood Group Science)

ABO blood group system

ABO blood group system, the classification of human blood based on the inherited properties of red blood cells (erythrocytes) as determined by the presence or absence of the antigens A and B, which are carried on the surface of the red cells. Persons may thus have type A, type B, type O, or type AB blood. The A, B, and O blood groups were first identified by Austrian immunologist Karl Landsteiner in 1901.

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Blood containing red cells with type A antigen on their surface has in its serum (fluid) antibodies against type B red cells. If, in transfusion, type B blood is injected into persons with type A blood, the red cells in the injected blood will be destroyed by the antibodies in the recipient’s blood. In the same way, type A red cells will be destroyed by anti-A antibodies in type B blood. Type O blood can be injected into persons with type A, B, or O blood unless there is incompatibility with respect to some other blood group system also present. Persons with type AB blood can receive type A, B, or O blood.

Blood group O is the most common blood type throughout the world, particularly among peoples of South and Central America. Type B is prevalent in Asia, especially in northern India. Type A also is common all over the world; the highest frequency is among the Blackfoot Indians of Montana and in the Sami people of northern Scandinavia.

The ABO antigens are developed well before birth and remain throughout life. Children acquire ABO antibodies passively from their mother before birth, but by three months of age infants are making their own; it is believed that the stimulus for such antibody formation is from contact with ABO-like antigenic substances in nature. ABO incompatibility, in which the antigens of a mother and her fetus are different enough to cause an immune reaction, occurs in a small number of pregnancies. Rarely, ABO incompatibility may give rise to erythroblastosis fetalis (hemolytic disease of the newborn), a type of anemia in which the red blood cells of the fetus are destroyed by the maternal immune system. This situation occurs most often when a mother is type O and her fetus is either type A or type B.