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.
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