PRINCIPLES OF
MEDLAB SCIENCE
LECTURE: SIR BERNANDINO
LESSON 2: THE NATURE OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST AND OTHER
ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST
● A duly licensed individual who performs the following
duties and responsibilities:
1. Examines blood and other body fluids by
analyzing their chemical content concentrations
to come up with diagnostic findings
2. Examines stool/feces for the presence or
absence of parasites and various stages
3. Determine the compatibility of blood samples
prior to transfusion
4. Determines the qualifications of blood through
conducting screening procedures
5. Examines blood smear for abnormal and normal
appearance of blood cells, including blood cell
count and indexes
6. Sets the quality control program in various
sections of the clinical laboratory
7. Performs a full rage of laboratory tests from
simple premarital blood tests to more complicates
tests to uncover diseases such as AIDS Diabetes
and cancer
8. Confirms the accuracy of test results and submit
reports to requesting physician upon certification
made by the pathologist
9. Operates instruments in the laboratory from a
simple microscopes to a more complex
automation
10. Conducts research activities and ventures to new
discovery in the field of science and
biotechnology
MED-TECH TECHNICIAN / CLINICAL
LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
● Clinical laboratory technicians have the following
duties and responsibilities
1. Performs less complex tests and laboratory
procedures than a technologists who and usually
works under the supervision of a medical or
clinical laboratory technologist or a laboratory
manager
2. Generally needs either an associate degree or a
certificate
3. Works in several areas of the clinical laboratory
or specializes in just one
4. Frequently expected to have knowledge in
biology, chemistry and medicine
5. Good in communication
● Comfortable with the latest technology including
gadgets and computers
● Collects blood specimen, culture, and stain bacterias,
and makes microscopic and chemical examination of
urine, blood, and other body fluids and crossmatch
blood
TERM│
01│
● Conducts tests and prepares reports for clinical
technologists or physicians
● Important part in the detection, diagnosis, and
treatment of many diseases
● Performs several hands-on tests using sophisticated
equipment
● Paano magiging medtech technician? Board exam;
average fall on 70-74.99 (hindi nagrround off); if 75+ =
registered medical technologist
MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST
COURSES
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE,
LABORATORY SAFETY, AND WASTE
MANAGEMENT
● Deals with the basic concepts and principles related
to MT/MLS profession
● curriculum , practice of the profession, clinical
laboratories, continuing professional education,
biosafety practices and waste management
● Merong mga proficiency or training na sakop ng
safety and waste management
CLINICAL BACTERIOLOGY
● Deals with the study of physiology and morphology of
bacteria and their role in infection and immunity
● Emphasis is on the collection of specimen and the
isolation and identification of bacteria
● Covers antimicrobial susceptibility testing and
development of resistance to antimicrobial
substances
● Laboratory component:
1. Preparation of culture media
2. Collection of specimen
3. Staining of smear
4. Isolation of specimen on culture media
5. Characterization of colonies of bacteria growing
in culture media
6. Performing different biochemical tests for
identification of bacteria
7. Biosafety and waste management
8. Quality assurance and quality control
9. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing
CYTOTECHNOLOGIST
● Specializes in the microscopic study of cells or cell
abnormalities
● Issues the final report specimens with normal
findings. When abnormal cells are present, the
cytotechnologist works with a pathologist to arrive at a
final diagnosis
● Works independently with little supervision
● Must be patient, precise, and have relatively good
eyesight
● Skillful in decision making and tasks the responsibility
imposed
● Performs the following tasks:
1. Examines human cell samples under the
microscope looking for early signs of cancer and
other diseases
2. Traces the clues to disease in the cytoplasm and
nucleus of cells that have been stained with
special dyes
3. Looks for the smallest abnormalities in color,
shape, and size of cells that can be clues to the
presence of disease
HISTOTECHNOLOGIST/ HISTOTECHNICIAN
● Specializes in the preparation of tissues for the
microscopic study of tissue structure
● Laboratory where histotechnologist performs the
following task:
1. Prepares very thin sections of the body tissues
for microscopic examination by a pathologist
2. Works quickly and under pressure since the
answers may be needed while the patient is in
surgery
3. Works closely with the pathologist
4. Cuts the tissues, mounts them on slides and
stains them with special dyes to make the cell
details visible under the microscope
● Plays an important roles in the detection of cancer
cells
- Once tissue is taken from a patient, they
prepares very thin sections of the body tissue for
microscopic examination
- With the information learned from the section
biopsy, the physician can determine if a disease
is present, if has spread and determines the best
course of treatment for the patient
● Works with fragile, delicate instruments, as well as
knives, chemicals and glass slides
● Value precision and has good hand-eye coordination
and manual dexterity
● Has an unlimited choice of practice settings
● Hospital, for-profit laboratories, clinics, public health
facilities, business and industrial settings currently
have positions for qualified histological technicians
● Other opportunities may be round in industrial
research, veterinary pathology, marine biology, and in
forensic pathology
● Nagpprocess ng mga samples na tissues or organs
na tinanggal sa isang patient para madetermine ni
pathologist kung cancerous or malignant? Or kung
papunta na sa cancer
● Gaano ba ka crucial ag pagiging histotechnician?
Pede magrecollect ng blood, stool, urine; dapat hindi
magkamali dahil hindi na pede mag recollect like
kidney; dapat maging maingat
PHLEBOTOMY TECHNOLOGIST
● Specialize in blood extraction
- Blood samples are brought to the clinical
laboratory for processing and analysis
● Performs the following duties and responsibilities:
1. Collects quality samples from the patient to
produce quality laboratory results
2. Creates an atmosphere of trust and confidence
with patients while drawing blood specimens in a
skillful, safe, and reliable manner
3. Accept the challenge and responsibilities
4. Accurate , works well under pressure and
communicate effectively
5. Because the phlebotomy technician works
directly with the patient, they also acts as the
“eye and ears” of the doctors, nurses, and
laboratory professionals
● Works is magcollect ng blood; kung may request ag
doc kay patient is cbc, sila magcocollect; dapat
confident kuhanan si patient ng blood para hindi
matakot
BLOOD BANK TECHNOLOGIST
● Specializes in the testing and preparation of blood for
transfusion
● Performs the following duties and responsibilities:
1. Specializes in the testing and preparation of
blood for transfusion
2. Performs both routine and special tests in blood
center, transfusion services, reference
laboratories and research facilities
3. Demonstrate as superior level of technical
proficiency and problem-solving ability in such
areas as :
- Testing of blood group antigens,
compatibility and antibody identification
- Investigating abnormalities such as
hemolytic diseases of the newborn,
hemolytic anemia and adverse reactions to
transfusions
- Supporting physicians in transfusion
therapy for patients with coagulopathies
- Performing blood collection and processing,
including selecting donors, collecting blood,
typing blood, molecular testing and
performing viral marker testing to ensure
the safety of the patient
● Perform blood typing, serologic marker, tests,
screening of donors, collecting donors, processes
blood for transfusion, make sure that blood is healthy
and negative sa blood: HEPA B or HIV
CLINICAL HEMATOLOGY
● Course deals with the study of the concepts of blood
as a tissue
● formation , metabolism of cells, laboratory, assays,
correlation with pathologic conditions, special
hematology evaluation are given emphasis
● Quality assurance and quality control in hematology
laboratory as well as bone marrow studies and
platelets
● Laboratory identification of blood cell abnormalities,
quantitative measurement of coagulation factors, and
disease correlation are emphasized
● Laboratory component:
1. Identification of abnormal RBC and WBC
2. Special staining techniques
3. Coagulation factor test (activated partial
thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, bleeding
time, clotting time, clot retraction time)
4. Instrumentation
● Checks CBC, platelet count
CLINICAL MICROSCOPY
● Focuses on the study of urine and other body fluids
● Includes the discussion of their formation, laboratory
analyses, disease processes, and clinical correlation
of laboratory results
● Laboratory component:
1. Routine urinalysis (macroscopic, microscopic,
chemical examination)
2. Special chemical examination of urine
3. Examination of other body fluids (seminal fluid,
gastric juice, cerebrospinal fluid)
4. Pregnancy tests
5. Chemical examination of stool specimen
NUCLEAR MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST
● Works alongside nuclear physicians
● Apply their knowledge of radiation physics and safety
regulations to limit radiation exposure, prepare and
administer radiopharmaceuticals
● Use radiation detection devices
TOXICOLOGIST
● Effect of toxic substances on physiological functions
of human beings, animals, and plants to develop data
for use in consumer protection and industrial safety
programs
CLINICAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
● Taken during 4th year in the program
● Only those who have completed and passed all the
academic and institutional requirements for the first 3
years of the program
● Before proceeding with the actual training, students
are required to undergo physical and laboratory
examinations which include, but not limited to,
complete blood count urinalysis, fecalysis, chest
X-rays and/or sputum microscopy, Hepatitis B surface
antigen, and Hepatitis B surface antibody screening
and drug testing
● Proof of vaccination for Hepatitis B is also required
● Students are assigned to CHED-accredited clinical
laboratories affiliated with their academic institution on
a 6-month or 1-year rotation
● Intern is required to render 32 hours of duty per week
not exceeding a total of 1,664 hours in one year
● Based on CMO 13 s.2017
CHARACTERISTICS OF A MEDICAL
TECHNOLOGIST AND OTHER CLINICAL
LABORATORIES PRACTITIONERS
● Inherent characteristics attributed to an efficient
medical technologist are:
1. Problem solver; likes challenges and
responsibility
2. Accuracy and reliability of laboratory results;
works well under pressure and able to finish task
once started
3. Good communication; communicates both oral
and written forms; sets high standards for
practitioners; experts quality in the work
4. Self sufficiency, precision and thoroughness;
trouble shooter, who not only reports accurate
results, but also knows when the results are
incorrect which needs to be rechecked
5. Dedication and skill; wide range of experiences
which make skillful and competent
6. Self motivation; takes the initiative to do what
must be done on a daily basis
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PRACTICE DEFINED
● Examination of tissues, body fluids, secretions, and
excretions of the human body by either manual or
automated techniques (electronic, chemical,
microscopic, bacteriologic, hematologic, immunologic,
serologic, nuclear, other laboratory procedures and
techniques)
● Blood banking procedures and techniques
● Parasitology, mycologic, and microbiologic
procedures and techniques
● Histopathologic and cytologic techniques (nothing
shall inhibit a duly registered medical technician from
performing such procedures)
● Clinical research involving patients or human beings
requiring the use of an/or application of medical
technology knowledge and procedures
● Preparations and standardization of reagents,
standards, stains, and others for laboratory use only
● Clinical laboratory quality control
● Collection and preservation of specimens
● Hindi lang sa pagproseso ng samples ag ginagawa,
dapat marunong mag handle ng machine,
troubleshooting, quality control, standard, calibrate
LAW OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
R.A. 5527
SECTION # DESCRIPTION
1 Title
2 Definition of terms
3 Council of medical technology
education, its composition
4 Compensation and traveling expenses of
 council members 31 Repealing clause

5 Functions of the council of medical 32 Effectivity

technology education

6 Minimum required course PROGRAM GOALS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

● Learning outcomes are general statements that define
7 Medical technology board what the learner has to achieve
● Foundation of curriculum development and teaching
8 Qualifications of examiners methodologies
● Knowledge, skills, values, and ethic that graduates of
the program should demonstrate
9 Executive officer of the board

10 Compensation of members of the board ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEDICAL

of examiners for medical technology
11 Functions and duties of the board
12 Removal of board members
13 Accreditation of schools of medical
tehcnology, and of training laboratories
14 Inhibition against the practice of medical
technology
TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONALS
● Perform clinical testing
● Perform special procedures
● Ensure accuracy and precision of results
● Be honest in practice
● Ensure timely delivery of results
● Demonstrate professionalism
● Uphold confidentiality
● Collaborate with other health care professionals
● Conduct research
● Involvement in health promotion programs

15 Examination QUALITY OF A MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

STUDENT
16 Qualification for examination ● To pursue a medical technology course, a student
should possess the following qualities:
17 Scope of examination 1. Good motor skills, hand-eye coordination,
manual dexterity
18 Report of rating 2. Strong attention to detail
3. Addition to technical skills: must be extra
19 Rating in the examination cautious to detail in order to detect subtle
changes in the microscopic appearance of blood,
20 Oath taking tissue, and bacterial cells
4. Analytical and critical thinking; critically evaluate
21 Issuance of certificate of registration the validity of the results
5. Innovative and flexibility
22 Fees
THE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGISTS: WORTH
23 Refusal to issue certificate REWARDING PROFESSIONALS
● Variety: MLT perform test in five disciplines
24 Administrative investigation ● Job satisfaction: test results have a great impact on
the care of critically-ill patients
25 Appeal ● Independence: work independently with minimal
supervision
26 Reinstatement, reissue, or replacement ● Expanding roles: “point-of-care-testing”
of certificate ● Travel: careers outside the country

27 Foreign reciprocity OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGISTS
28 Roster of medical technology ● Has the best of both world with challenges and
rewards on medicine and science; a MT does much
29 Penal provisions more than examine specimens through a microscope
● Operates complex electronic equipment, computers,
30 Separability clause and precision instruments.
● Has unlimited choices of practice settings
● Additional opportunities are available in molecular ● Works in private clinical lab, as well as, those in the
diagnostics, molecular biotechnology companies, in physicians offices an health clinic
vitro fertilization lab and research lab ● Opportunities are available in the research level
● Full long-term employment ● Positions are also available in the technical
● Job opportunities and challenges for MLT are representatives for lab instruments, train to become
concentrated on the following areas specialist
1. Laboratory areas ● Education and teaching
- Immunology, cell marker technology, ● Manufacturer’s home diagnostics testing kits and lab
bioengineering, and cancer research equipment’s supplies
2. Clinical areas
- DRUG testing, TDM, biogenetics OTHER ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
● Art therapists
3. Business and industrial areas
- Help people with physical, mental, social, and
- Product development and design;
emotional difficulties with the use of music
marketing and sales; QA; EH and insurance
● Chiropodists or podiatrists
4. Academic areas
- Play a particular role in helping older people to
- Teaching and research
stay mobile, and independent
● MLT works at variety of settings
● Operating department practitioners
● Opens lots of positions in healthcare settings
- Help to ensure every operation as safe and as
effective as possible
CHALLENGES FACED BY THE MEDICAL ● Dietitians
TECHNOLOGY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - Work with people to promote nutritional
● Challenges on the future generations well-being, prevent food-related problems, and
- MT are extremely high demand, but laboratory treat diseases
activities involve some sophisticated techniques ● Occupational therapists
that require a special training for that purpose
- Help people to overcome physical, psychological
or social problems arising from illness or disability
● Challenges at the present time
● Physiotherapists
- MT have the highest vacancy rate, byt
involvement in high risk laboratory activities is - Treat the physical problems caused by accidents
evident ● Radiographers
● Psychologists
● Speech and language therapists
● Challenges of the past decade
- Lack of generally accepted standard for
determining appropriate use of MT, hence CPD CAREERS
was conducted JOB OPPORTUNITIES/PLACES OF WORK
● Hospital
● Researcher
TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITIONAL ROLES
● Sales
OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGISTS ● Academician
TRADITIONAL
● Microscopically examines and analyze body fluids
and tissue samples MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST IN THE
● Identifies the microorganisms LABORATORY
● Analyzes fluids chemical content or chemical reaction ● Clinical laboratory
● Determines concentrations of compounds in blood - Hospital
● Performs the ABO and Crossmatch of blood samples - Clinic
for transfusions - Independent laboratory
● Tests for drugs ● Sales industry
● Prepares specimens for examinations, count cells, - Sales representative - pharmaceutical,
and looks for abnormal cells in blood and body fluids equipment, reagents
● Evaluate test results, develops and modifies - Educational representative
procedures ● Research industry
● Establishes and monitors programs to ensure the
- Medical center research
accuracy of test
- Industrial research
● Forensics
NON-TRADITIONAL
● Works at the bench level where most of the hands-on
and highly technical procedures are performed
CHARACTERISTICS/TRAITS
● Good eyesight - normal color vision
● Good intellect and aptitude to biological science and
caring attitude poly- many
● Communication skills
● Observant, motivated, precise, good organizational schis- split
skills
● Service oriented thrombo- clot
● Patient
● Honesty, accuracy, skillful
● Dedicated COMMON SUFFIXES FROM GREEK AND LATIN
● Emotional, intellectual, spiritual and physically mature USED IN THE VOCABULARY

COMMON PREFIXES FROM GREEK AND LATIN SUFFIX MEANING

USED IN THE VOCABULARY
-cyte cell
PREFIX MEANING
-emia blood
a/an- Lack, without, absent,
-itis inflammation
descreased
-lysis Destruction or
aniso- Unequal, dissimilar
dissolving
cyte- cell
-oma Swelling, tumor
dys- Abnormal, difficult, bad
-opathy disease
erythro- red
-osis Abnormal increase,
disease
ferr- iron
-penia Deficiency, decreased
hema-(hemato-) Pertaining to blood
-philic Attracted to, affinity for
hypo- Beneath, under,
deficient, decreased
-plasia, -plastic Cell production or repair
hyper- Above, beyond extreme
-poiesis Cell production or
development
iso- Equal, alike, same
-poietin Stimulates production
leuko- white

macro- Large, long

mega- Large, giant

meta- Alter, next, change

micro- small

myelo:- From bone marrow,

Pan- All, overall, all inclusive

Phleb- vein

phago- Eat, ingest

poikilo- Varied, irregular