LYCEUM-NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

DAGUPAN CITY COLLEGE OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

PRINCIPLES OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE (Practice 1) Intro to Med Lab Sci, Lab Safety
and Waste Management

 This course is designed to introduce students the fundamental principles and concepts
of Medical Technology Education and Profession, clinical laboratory and pathology
services, clinical laboratory biosafety, risk assessment and waste management
practices. Professional practice issues and the historical foundations of the profession
are also discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the course, the students must be able to:
1. Explain the duties, responsibilities and accountabilities of a Medical
Technologist/Medical Laboratory Scientist in a clinical setting as well as in other
fields of professional practices.
2. Appreciate the development of the medical technology education and the practice.
3. Apply the principles and application of laboratory safety and waste management in
clinical laboratory practice.
4. Understand the organization, functions of and working environment of a medical
technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist.
5. Demonstrate professional values and ethics necessary in the day-to-day practice of the
profession.
6. Develop a culture of life – long learning.

Scope of the Study

I. History of Medical Technology (MT)/Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Profession
1. Global Context
2. USA
3. Philippines
II. Defining the Practice of the MT/MLS profession
 1. Introduction
2. Nature of MT/MLS
3. Roles of MT/MLS profession in the diagnosis and treatment of disease
a. Clinical Laboratory testing
b. Performance of special procedures
c. Accuracy & precision of lab results
d. Honesty
e. Delivery of results
f. Confidentiality
g. Collaboration
h. Research
i. Health promotion
4. MT/MLS Practice defined
5. Defining the practice of other lab personnel
III. Ethics
IV. Medical terminologies & Abbreviations
V. MT/CLS Education
1. Definition of the curriculum
2. MT/MLS curriculum
3. Licensure examination
4. Program goals and Learning outcomes
5. Assessment of learning outcomes
6. Job opportunities for the graduate program
VI. Basic Concepts of Lab Biosafety & Biosecurity
VII. Biorisk Management
VIII. Nature of the Clinical Laboratory
1. Intro /Basic Concepts
 2. Classification of Clinical Laboratory
3. Laws on the operation, maintenance & registration
4. Sections of the Clinical Laboratory
a. Routine Clinical Chemistry
b. Microbiology
c. Hematology & Coagulation studies
d. Analysis of Urine & Body Fluids (CM)
e. Immunohematology & Blood Bank
f. Immunology & Serology
5. Anatomic Pathology
6. Specialized sections
a. Immunohistochemistry
b. Molecular Biology & Diagnostics
c. Endocrinology & Toxicology
IX. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
1. Benefits of Membership
2. Types of professional Organizations
3. Professional Journals
4. PAMET
5. PASMETH
6. PHISMETS
7. Fore
8. Foreign Professional Societies
X. CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY is defined several ways by many noted medical technologists
as:
= the applications of the principles of natural, physical and biological sciences to the
performance of laboratory procedures which aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
(Heinemann)
=the branch of medicine concerned with the performance of laboratory determinations and
analyses used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease and the maintenance of health.
(Fagelson)
= the health profession concerned with performing laboratory analysesin view of obtaining
information necessary in the diagnosis and treatment of disease as well as in the maintenance
of good health. (Walters)

Said laboratory determinations and analyses are preformed in the clinical laboratory by
Medical Technologists.
Medical Technologists work as “medical detectives”.
They use microscopes:
- to observe details of cells, ova and cysts of parasitic organisms
- to identify microorganisms which cause infections and/or disease
- to discover other forms of minute life which may affect life
They operate special instruments and equipment to analyze substances found in the body,
especially body fluids like blood, urine, CSF, feces, etc. They use standards and control to
improve the reliability of laboratory results. They work under pressure with speed, accuracy
and precision they adhere to high ethical standards of performance

PMLS 2
PRINCIPLES OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE (Practice 1) Intro to Med Lab Sci, Lab Safety
and Waste Management

This course is designed to introduce students the fundamental principles and concepts of
Medical Technology Education and Profession, clinical laboratory and pathology services,
clinical laboratory biosafety, risk assessment and waste management practices. Professional
practice issues and the historical foundations of the profession are also discussed.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the course, the students must be able to:

1. Explain the duties, responsibilities and accountabilities of a Medical Technologist/Medical

Laboratory Scientist in a clinical setting as well as in other fields of professional practices.

2. Appreciate the development of the medical technology education and the practice.

3. Apply the principles and application of laboratory safety and waste management in clinical
laboratory practice.

4. Understand the organization, functions of and working environment of a medical

technologist/Clinical Laboratory Scientist.

5. Demonstrate professional values and ethics necessary in the day-to-day practice of the
profession.

6. Develop a culture of life – long learning.

Scope of the Study

I. History of Medical Technology (MT) /Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) Profession

1. Global Context

2. USA

3. Philippines

II. Defining the Practice of the MT/MLS profession

1. Introduction

2. Nature of MT/MLS

3. Roles of MT/MLS profession in the diagnosis and treatment of disease

a. Clinical Laboratory testing
b. Performance of special procedures
. Accuracy & precision of lab results
. Honesty
. Delivery of results
. Confidentiality
. Collaboration
. Research
. Health promotion

4. MT/MLS Practice defined

5. Defining the practice of other lab personnel
III. Ethics
Code of Ethics of Medical Technologist
IV. Medical terminologies & Abbreviations
V. MT/CLS Education
1. Definition of the curriculum
2. MT/MLS curriculum
3. Licensure examination
4. Program goals and Learning outcomes
5. Assessment of learning outcomes
6. Job opportunities for the graduate program

VI. Basic Concepts of Laboratory Biosafety & Biosecurity

VII. Bio-risk Management
VIII. Nature of the Clinical Laboratory
1. Intro /Basic Concepts
2. Classification of Clinical Laboratory
3. Laws on the operation, maintenance & registration
4. Sections of the Clinical Laboratory
a. Routine Clinical Chemistry
b. Microbiology
c. Hematology & Coagulation studies
d. Analysis of Urine & Body Fluids (CM)
e. Immunohematology & Blood Bank
f. Immunology & Serology
5. Anatomic Pathology
6. Specialized sections
a. Immunohistochemistry
 b. Molecular Biology & Diagnostics
c. Endocrinology & Toxicology
IX. PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
1. Benefits of Membership
2. Types of professional Organizations
3. Professional Journals
4. PAMET
5. PASMETH
6. PHISMETS
7. Fore
8. Foreign Professional Societies

X. CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY is defined several ways by many noted medical technologists as:
= the applications of the principles of natural, physical and biological sciences to the
performance of laboratory procedures which aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
(Heinemann)
=the branch of medicine concerned with the performance of laboratory determinations and
analyses used in the diagnosis and treatment of
disease and the maintenance of health. (Fagelson)

= the health profession concerned with performing laboratory analysesin view of obtaining
information necessary in the diagnosis and treatment of disease as well as in the
maintenance of good health. (Walters)
Said laboratory determinations and analyses are preformed in the clinical laboratory by
Medical Technologists.

Medical Technologists work as “medical detectives”.

They use microscopes:
- to observe details of cells, ova and cysts of parasitic organisms
- to identify microorganisms which cause infections and/or disease
- to discover other forms of minute life which may affect life
- They operate special instruments and equipment to analyze substances found in the body,
especially body fluids like blood, urine, CSF, feces, etc.
- They use standards and control to improve the reliability of laboratory results.
- They work under pressure with speed, accuracy and precision
- They adhere to high ethical standards of performance
In the Philippines, Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology (BSMT) is offered as a four-year
baccalaureate degree program, in accordance with the pertinent provisions of Republic Act
(RA) No. 7722, otherwise known as the “Higher Education Act of 1994” and authority from the
Commission on Higher Education (CHED), in accordance with the existing rules and regulations.
It consists of general education subjects and professional subjects.
On March 15, 2006, CHED under the Chairmanship of Carlito S. Puno, the BSMT curriculum
was renamed:
Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) and revised to meet the present trends in
laboratory medicine and took effect beginning school year 2006-2007.
On May 8, 2017, CHED under the Chairmanship of Patricia B. Licuanan, the new Bachelor of
Science in Medical Laboratory Science (BSMLS) curriculum was approved with revisions to meet
the present trends in laboratory medicine and the K-12 curriculum and will be effective during
the Academic Year 2018-2019
The greatest number of Medical Technologists are presently employed:
 in government and private hospitals
 in clinical laboratories
 blood banks as medical technology generalists
 medical technology specialists in:
- microbiology
-hematology
-blood banking
-clinical chemistry
 clinical laboratory supervisors
 chief medical technologists
 laboratory owners
 sales as sales representatives
 industry as public relations representatives
 academe/schools as teachers
 educational representatives as part of the health program
 researchers in research and investigatory laboratories
  product specialists in developing/ evaluating new laboratory reagents & methods
 clinical investigators involving legal cases

Medical Technology is the preferred preparatory course for a degree in Medicine.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
 Science & technology have ancient roots. They developed as a result of humankind’s
interaction with its environment. Inquisitive minds provided avenues for new
discoveries & inventions.
A. Stone age
This period is characterized by a belief in the unknown, a being who transcended human
senses, thus became the foundation of superstition. Diseases were thought to be the
works of evil spirits, & hence, regarded as example of witchcraft.
-Religious activities like prayers& rituals in ancient Persia were used to treat illnesses.
- North American Indians cured febrile conditions through purgation, sweating, blood
donation & diet restriction.
- Med practices as amputation, circumcission, castration &
trephining were adopted.

- Herbal medicine had its roots in Chinese practices. Its use could be traced back to the time
of Emperor Shen Nung (2700BC) who was also credited for having performed acupuncture.
Vivian Herrick, a medical technologist, traces the beginning of medical tech back to 150 B.C.
when intestinal parasites such as Taenia and Ascaris were mentioned in early writings.
Ebers Papyrus, a book for treatment of disease contains description of the three stages of
hookworm infection.

B. Bronze age

-Mysticism, magic & supernatural beliefs dominated this period.

- Diseases were seen as punishments from the gods
- Astrological associations were used to explain untoward ecological changes in ancient
Mesopotamia
- Priests were regarded as healers & exorcists
- No clear knowledge regarding the anatomy of internal organs, but generally known that the
heart beats or throbs

C. Iron age
-Mysticism, magic & supernatural beliefs dominated this period.
- Diseases were seen as punishments from the gods
- Astrological associations were used to explain untoward ecological changes in ancient
Mesopotamia
-Practices in disease prevention (e.g. environmental sanitation, draining of swamps, fumigation)
improved.
Hippocrates (460-377BC) considered the “Father of Medicine”, established the concept of
disease based on the balance of body fluids. the Romans believed in the existence of
microorganisms which might be disease-causing but were too small to be seen
Galen, a famous ancient Greek physician & physiologist, practiced medicine under the
Aristotelian philosophy. He performed several dissections to understand human & animal
anatomy

D. Middle ages ( 450 AD – 1450 AD)

-Superstition & astronomy were prevalent
- Urinalysis practiced, observed physical characteristics helped in the diagnosis of disease
- Herbal medicines widely used, but therapeutic benefits were not scientifically proven.
-the School of Salermo was recognized as the 1st organized medical school in Europe
Acupuncture - ancient China’s most effective means of treatment. However, ancient Chinese
MD prescribed exercise, hydrotherapy & wine anaesthesia. The Chinese were credited for the
biological control of insects which nowadays is a part of integrated pest management (IPM)
Ruth Williams, also a Med. Tech., believes that medical technology began from the Medieval
Period (1096 – 1438) as supported by the fact that urinalysis was a fad. Early Hindu doctors
made the “scientific observation” that urine of certain individuals attracted ants, that such
urine has a sweetish taste.
-Arabic science flourished in the field of optics that led to the specialization in the treatment of
eye diseases
Quacks, calling themselves doctors reaped fortunes from diagnosing diseases by the
appearance of the urine.
E. Era of Scientific & industrial revolutions
- The Scientific Revolution was a major era of transition characterized by radical changes in the
methods of scientific inquiry & explanation
- there were pronounced developments in the fields of biology and physics which paved the
way for the emergence of “modern science”
-the scientific method became clearer & provided stronger explanations to various questions.
The causation of events was rooted in logical reasoning, experimental observations & rational
induction
-Industrial Revolution was coined due to several inventions & innovations during this period
-the development of various mechanical devices & machinery helped increase the activities in
the workplace, thus providing a positive economic impact on industries
-More & more discoveries led to improved ways of life
Anne Fagelson prefers to date Med Tech from the 14th century when a prominent Italian
physician at the University of Bologna employed one
Allessandra Giliani to perform certain tasks now under the domain of the Medical Technology
profession. Unfortunately, this young lady died from a laboratory-acquired infection.
Leewoenhoek (1632-1723)- invented & improved the compound microscope & was the first to
describe red blood cells, to see protozoa & to classify bacteria according to shape. The
invention of the microscope led to the rapid progress of Microbiology and Pathology.
Malpighi (1628-1640)- was described as the greatest of the early microscopists & his work in
Embryology & Anatomy definitely marks him as the “Founder of Pathology”. However, many
believed that Pathology was practiced only from the time of Virchow, making him one of the
youngest of the medical specialists.
 F. 18th-19th centuries –
- The 18th century was characterized by a marked improvement in medical education as
new schools were founded in Vienna, Edinburgh & Glasgow
- It was regarded as the Age of Enlightenment but still associated with charlatan,
quackery & superstition
Virchow founded the Archives of Pathology in Berlin in 1847.
Fehling performed the first quantitative test for urine in 1848, a progress in the science
of qualitative testing.
Aniline dyes were produced about the middle of the 15th century, hence, bacterial
staining and microscopic study of bacteria were made possible.
- Concurrently, the rapid advancement of our chemistry laid the groundwork for the
development of our modern clinical chemistry.
- The new science became known in Germany and spread in Greece, Japan, Turkey,
England and the United States, where medical technology practice was developed to a
high level because of its financial capability, manpower and interest.
-The 19th century was the era of rapid discoveries. New sciences geared towards
attaining a better understanding of disease causation & treatment were founded.
- The emergence of science-based industries led to the creation of various industrial
research laboratories.
There were clear pieces of evidence that scientific methods were used in resolving
scientific queries in different fields

G. 20th- present –
- the era of sophistication made scientific investigation more advanced & rendered
medical diagnosis easier to make
- the pharmacologic application of microbial isolates led to the discovery of powerful
antibiotics against infectious agents, e.g. Penicillin & streptomycin, were isolated from
the mold Penicillium notatum & the soil organism Streptomyces griseus, respectively.

The scientists credited for these included Alexander Fleming (1928), biochemists
Selman Waksman, Albert Schatz &Elizabeth Bugie (1943)

The scope of medical practice grew. More than treating infectious diseases, medical
practitioners also treated degenerative, non-infectious disorders, esp diabetes &
Alzheimer’s disease
Modern technology was crucial in various procedures & helped provide a more
reliable diagnosis, like, computerized tomography(CT) scan, ultrasonography, magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI), digital radiography, position emission tomography (PET) &
electron microscopy
 LASER (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation), developed by
Theodore H. Maiman in 1960, applied in laboratory medicine

Biotechnology slowly gained popularity in biomedical researches & investigation

the great impact of science & technology was figured in national development &
changed the lifestyle of people
ethical issues & problems were raised as a result of the influence of science &
technology on the modern society
medical issues on the application of cloning, stem-cell treatment, alternative birth
control, in-vitro fertilization & other medical practices remain controversial among the
religious & laity.

PMLS 3
Science, Technology & Public Health in the Philippines
Pre-Hispanic (Ancient times)
- Barbarism was the principal feature of the pre-hispanic or ancient times.
- Filipinos crafted from stones tools for their daily activities & weapons for protection, colorful
ornaments from stones & metals. Pottery & jewelry making were among the oldest trades
- folkloric use of herbs & medicinal plants in treating disease was common practice
-old doctors were regarded as herbolarios
- mysticism & superstitious beliefs were used to explain natural phenomena

Spanish Colonial Period

- with coming of the Spaniards, education was important. However, discriminatory acts
were common as education was reserved only for the elite & rich.
- schools & hospitals established:
 Colegio de San Ignacio – 1589 – 1st college for boys in Manila – Jesuits
  Colegio de San Ildefonso – 1595 – in Cebu City now USC – oldest school in the country &
Asia – Jesuits
 Colegio de Santa Potenciana – 1589 – 1st school & college for girls
 Colegio de Nuestra Senora del Santissimo Rosario- 1597 – old name of University of
Santo Tomas, founded by Archbishop Miguel de Benavides in 1611
 Colegio de San Jose – 1601 – school in Manila

Early Health Care facility

San Lazaro – 1578, oldest hospital, to cure leprosy victims
Enfermia de Naga – 1583
The Hospital de San Juan De Dios – 1576 – the 1st laboratory in the Philippines, the most
modern at that time, originated as dispensary by Fr. Juan Clemente in Intramuros in 1577
 Hospicio de San Jose – 1778
 Chinese General Hospital – 1891
 Laboratorio Municipal de Manila – 1887 – established by the government to analyze
water & food & examine various clinical specimens. Later became Bureau of Science
engaged in pathologic studies of infectious diseases. Med Tech may have begun.
 Epidemics of infectious disease like cholera, plague, smallpox, dysentery & typhoid were
common
Sanitation & hygiene were among the most serious public health issues
Medicine & pharmacy were considered the most developed health-related fields during the
Spanish regime
Leon Ma. Guerrero, a pioneer in the field of Pharmacy, known as “Father of Philippine
Pharmacy” due to his notable works on the medicinal application of Philippine plants
American Regime
During the American regime, science & technology rapidly developed as the government
provided extensive support to education & scientific research:
UP was established in 1908, College of Agriculture in Los Banos
The Bureau of Government Laboratories (1901) was instituted to study tropical diseases. It was
later integrated into the Bureau of Science (1905), serving as principal research laboratory &
training institution for future scientists. The top foci of research included:
 Cholera – Vibrio cholerae
 Malaria – Plasmodium sp
 Tuberculosis – Mycobacterium tuberculosis
 Leprosy – Mycobacterium leprae
 Dengue fever – Dengue virus
 Beriberi – Vitamin B1 deficiency
 Diphtheria – Corynebacterium diphtheriae
 Amoebic dysentery – Entamoeba histolytica
 Efforts were intensified to promote & pursue scientific research as evidenced by the
creation of the National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP)
 The Commonwealth period highlighted the significant role of the state in promoting
scientific research & invention
World War II era
 Public health practices during World war II were not observed due to badly damaged
infrastructure
 The number of deaths increased due to infectious disease & malnutrition
 The National government was alerted on public health issues & instituted emergency
control measures
Postwar to 1972-
 Health was given the highest priority & attention was also placed on internationalization
 Improvement in medical practices was observed as Filipinos were given up-to-date
training in American medical centers
 Control measures vs infectious diseases were developed. They included vector control,
vaccinations & nutrition programs
 The Department of Health was reorganized & several offices were created to address
health problems of national concern like schistosomiasis, malaria & malnutrition
Martial Law era to present
  Tertiary hospitals such as Philippine Heart Center, the Lung Center of the Philippines &
the National Kidney & Transplant Institute were established. The Primary Health Care
system was adopted, emphasized the importance of promotive & preventive care rather
than curative aspects of disease
During the Aquino administration, health-related laws were passed such as:
 The Maternal Code
 The Milk Code
 The Generics Law (RA No. 6675) also known as Generics Act of 1988
 The Magna Carta of Public Health Workers (RA 7305)
 The National Health Insurance Act of 1995 (RA7875)
 The Organ Donation Act of 1991 (RA7170)

During the Ramos Administration, more health-related laws were passed. Significant to Med
Tech include:
 Executive Order 39 which created the Philippine National AIDS Council as the national
policy & advisory body on the control & prevention of HIV-AIDS
 The National Blood Services Act of 1994 (RA 7719) which deals primarily with voluntary
blood donation.
Carmencita Noriega Reodica, MD, MPH, CESO II, then Secretary of Health
proposed (7) strategies for the essential national health research,
 Expanded program on immunization (“Oplan Alis Disease”)
 Vitamin A, Iron & iodine utilization (“Araw ng Sangkap Pinoy”)
 Family Planning
 Tuberculosis prevention (“Target, Stop TB”)
 Environmental Sanitation (“Tubig, Kubeta, Oresol”)
 STD-AIDS awareness/prevention
 Healthy lifestyle programs
Currently, medical diagnosis in the Philippines adopts a state-of-the-art foreign practices.
Improved laboratory services using sophisticated machines have made the diagnosis of diseases
more reliable.
Resistance to the use of antibiotics surfaced as the major dilemma in many medical arenas.
Biomedical research is gaining popularity
Molecular diagnostics is now in the realm of medical science.
The “brain drain” of many competent professionals due to economic reasons is a National issue
that has to be addressed because of its impact on the health situation in the Philippines.

THE HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY (UNITED STATES)

The first chemical laboratory related to medicine was established at the University of Michigan
by Dr. Douglas who pioneered laboratory instruction in this well-equipped laboratory.
In 1878, Dr. William H. Welch established another laboratory at the Bellevue Hospital Medical
College. He gave the first laboratory course in pathology ever offered in an American Medical
School. Then in 1885, Dr. Welch became the first professor of Pathology at the John Hopkins
University.
The first clinical laboratory was opened in 1896 at the John Hopkins Hospital by Dr. William
Osler. In this laboratory, “routine examination were carried out, special attention being given to
the search for malarial parasites in the blood”.
A clinical laboratory was also opened at the University of Pennsylvania in 1896. (William
Pepper Laboratory)
In 1908, Dr. James C. Todd wrote “A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis”. The book was retitled
“Clinical Diagnosis by Laboratory Methods” in its 6th edition by Dr. Todd and Dr. Arthur Sanford
and then “Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods “ in its 19th edition.
This book became the standard reference for laboratories.
In 1900 census, 100 technicians, all male were employed in the United States. This increased to
3,500 in 1920. In 1922, 3035 hospitals had clinical laboratories.
About 1915, the state legislature of Pennsylvania enacted a law requiring all hospitals and
institutions to have adequate laboratory and to employ a full-time laboratory technician.
The World War I was an important factor in the growth of the clinical laboratory and produced
great demand for technicians. The demand for technicians in clinical laboratories continued, so
practicing physicians with the knowledge of the laboratory work began to teach their assistants
to do some of the tests for them.
One of the first schools for training workers was established at the University of Minnesota. A
course bulletin entitled “Courses in Medical Technology for Clinical and Laboratory Technicians”
was issued in 1922. Certainly, the University of Minnesota was the first to offer a degree level
program believed to be in 1923.
In 1921, the Denver Society of Clinical Pathologists was organized. More societies were
developed and in 1936 the American Board of Pathology was established.
During World War II there was a marked effect on lab medicine. The use of blood increased &
the “closed system” of blood collection was widely adopted. Instrumentation was advanced &
with these instruments, the measurement of the intensity of color production, dozens of new
chemical tests became possible, automated equipment appeared & quality control programs
became commonplace. Laboratory medicine certainly moved into an era of sophistication.
In conclusion, there’s a certain local progression of the growth of the clinical laboratories. The
first portion to develop was pathology w/c was followed in order by clinical microscopy
(urinalysis) with a later addition of some studies of blood cells, physiological chemistry &
bacteriology.

HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY(PHILIPPINES)

At the end of World War II, medical technology practice was introduced to the Philippines by
the 26th Medical Laboratory of the 6th US Army. The US Army established the first clinical
laboratory in the Philippines at Quericada Street, Santa Cruz, Manila where the Manila Public
Health laboratory is presently located. The laboratory offered training programs to high school
graduates as early as February, 1944.
The US Army left the clinical laboratory in June, 1943 and endorsed it to the National
Department of Health. But the department rendered the laboratory non-functional for some
time.
Realizing the need for a clinical laboratory in the Philippines, Dr. Pio de Roda, who was one of
the staff of the clinical laboratory, formally organized the Manila Public Health laboratory from
the remnants of the deserted laboratory in October 1, 1945. Dr. de Roda was assisted by Dr.
Mariano Icasiano who was then the Manila City Health Officer.
In 1947, the training of high school graduates to work as medical technicians was revised under
Dr. Pio de Roda and Dr. Prudencia Sta. Ana. No definite period of training was set & no
certificates were given to trainees.
In 1954, a six-month laboratory training with certificate upon completion was given to trainees.
Dr. Sta. Ana prepared the syllabus for the training program.
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES
The training program offered by Dr. Pio de Roda did not last long, for the first four-year
B.S. Degree course in Medical Technology was offered by the Philippine Union College and
Manila Sanitarium. After two years (1956) PUC graduated its first graduate, Dr. Jesse Umali,
who was also a successful OB-Gynecologist.
In the school year 1957-1958, Dr. Antonio Gabriel and Dr. Gustavo Reyes of the Faculty of
Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas, offered medical technology as an elective to 4th and 5th
year Pharmacy students.
Because of the popularity of medical technology among Pharmacy students, Rev. Fr. Lorenzo
Rodriguez decided to offer it as course. It was on June 17, 1957 when temporary permit was
issued by the Department of Education for first to third year students, then in June 1960, the
permit for the internship program was issued. The full recognition of the 4-year B.S. Medical
Technology course was given on June 14, 1961.
Many schools followed to offer B.S. Medical Technology course. Today according to the records
of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), there are approximately 59 (130 ) colleges &
universities offering the course. The University of the Philippines offers a similar course but the
degree conferred is B.S. Public Health.
Postgraduate studies are offered to B. S. Medical Technology graduates. The UST Graduate
School and PWU are offering M.S. in Medical Technology. In addition, UP is offering a one-year,
non-thesis degree in Master in Public Health.

Medical Laboratory Sciences Program

A career in medical laboratory sciences is a great way to combine an aptitude for science with
the desire to help others. Medical Laboratory Scientists, also known as clinical laboratory
scientists, are highly skilled professionals who perform analytical tests on blood, tissue, and
body fluids to provide laboratory information for the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of
human diseases. There also is a growing trend for medical lab scientists to perform wellness
laboratory testing aimed at preventing disease.
The primary goal of the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program is to provide the community with
medical laboratory scientists who are prepared to enter the health care work force as qualified
clinical laboratory practitioners & who meet the requirements for certification in their
profession. Medical lab scientists are in demand in hospital laboratories, reference clinical
laboratories, physician office laboratories, public-health agencies, university research
laboratories, and in industry in laboratory, sales, and customer-support positions.
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Lab tech in his work environment.
The Medical Laboratory Sciences Program offers preparation for careers in medical (clinical)
laboratory science through two different programs, the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program
and the Blood Bank Technology Program. Students enrolled in the Medical Laboratory Sciences
Program are offered training in all major areas of the clinical laboratory through classroom
instruction and practical experiences.

A Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)

is a healthcare professional who performs chemical, hematological, immunologic,
microscopic, and bacteriological 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,
doctor's offices, reference labs, and biotechnology labs.
Students may pursue either a bachelor of science degree or, for those who already hold a
bachelor’s degree, a post-baccalaureate certificate in medical laboratory sciences.
The Blood Bank Technology Program is a post-baccalaureate program for medical laboratory
scientists who wish to specialize in blood-bank technology.
Most Clinical Laboratory Scientists are generalists, skilled in all areas of the clinical laboratory.
However some CLSs are specialists, qualified by unique undergraduate education or additional
training to perform more complex analyses than usual within a specific field.
Specialties include clinical biochemistry, hematology, coagulation, microbiology, bacteriology,
virology, parasitology, mycology, immunology, immunohematology (blood bank),
histopathology, histocompatibility, cytopathology, genetics, cytogenetics, electron microscopy,
and IVF labs. ".
Medical Technologists specialty may use additional credentials, such as "SBB" (Specialist in
Blood Banking) from the American Association of Blood Banks, or "SH" (Specialist in
Hematology) from the ASCP. These additional notations may be appended to the base
credential, for example, "MLS(ASCP)SBB".

JOB DUTIES
Clinical Laboratory Scientists work in all areas of the clin lab including blood banking, chemistry,
hematology, immunology, & microbiology. They perform a full range of laboratory tests – from
simple prenatal blood tests, to more complex tests to uncover diseases such as HIV/ AIDS,
diabetes, & cancer. They are also responsible for confirming the accuracy of test results, &
reporting lab findings to pathologists & other MDs.
The information that a CLS gives to the doctor influences the medical treatment a patient will
receive. CLS operate complex electronic equipment, computers, & precision instruments
costing millions of dollars.
A Clinical Laboratory Scientist analyzes human fluid samples using techniques available to the
clinical laboratory, such as manual white blood cell differentials, bone marrow counts, analysis
via microscopy, & advanced analytical equipment. Clinical Laboratory Scientists assist MDs &
nurses in choosing the correct lab tests & ensure proper collection methods. Clinical Laboratory
Scientists then receive the patient specimens, analyze the specimens, interpret & report results.
A Pathologist may confirm a diagnostic result, but often the Medical Technologist is responsible
for interpreting & communicating critical patient results to the physician.
Clinical Laboratory Scientists must recognize anomalies in their test results and know how to
correct problems with the instrumentation. They monitor, screen, and troubleshoot analyzers
featuring the latest technology available on the market. The CLS performs equipment
validations, calibrations, quality controls, "STAT" or run-by-run assessment, statistical control of
observed data, and recording normal operations. To maintain the integrity of the laboratory
process, the medical laboratory scientist recognizes factors that could introduce error and
rejects contaminated or sub-standard specimens.

Common tests performed by Clinical Laboratory Scientists are complete blood count (CBC),
comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), electrolyte panel, liver function tests (LFT), renal
function tests (RFT), thyroid function test (TFT), urinalysis, coagulation profile, lipid profile,
blood type, semen analysis (for fertility and post-vasectomy studies), serological studies and
routine cultures.
In some facilities that have few phlebotomists, or none at all, (such as in rural areas) Clinical
Laboratory Scientists may perform phlebotomy on patients, as this skill is part of the clinical
training.

Role in the healthcare process

A Clinical Laboratory Scientist's role is to provide accurate laboratory results in a timely manner.
Safeguards, such as experimental controls, calibration of laboratory instruments, delta checks
(monitoring of significant changes within a normal series of results, formerly known as the
"previous patients check")…and periodic surveys from the College of American Pathologists
(CAP), ensure accuracy. Laboratory results aid clinical practitioners in confirming or ruling out
diagnoses, monitoring chronic disease changes, and analyzing the effects of medical therapies.

Job title
The informal abbreviations of job titles may be a source of confusion. Medical Laboratory
Scientist (formally Medical Technologist)(ASCP) and Medical Technologists (AMT) or (AAB) are
often called "med techs" (based on the era in which they were known as "medical
technologists……but this shorthand term is shared by other healthcare employees, including
pharmacy techs, x-ray techs and, formerly, respiratory techs, (now called respiratory therapists)
and medical laboratory technicians (MLTs).
There is a formal distinction between a MLT and a MT/CLS that is not always understood by
others. Both may be certified or registered by one or more nationally-recognized professional
organizations, but technicians have a two-year associate’s degree, and may have less classroom
training than other professionals. MTs and CLSs have a bachelor’s degree and usually do more
difficult, complex analyses than technicians are trained to do. Scientists and technologists
generally earn a higher income than technicians do and have more opportunities for
advancement.
Much of the confusion could also be from the fact that the NCA and the ASCP certification
agency, had two different titles (clinical laboratory scientist and medical technologist
respectively) but with the two of them merging together into a "newer" ASCP and that
organization choosing the name "Medical Laboratory Scientist", it can be said that finally the
field has a "unified" title between the two organizations, however, the AMT still continues to
use the title Medical Technologist

Shortage
The United States is currently experiencing a shortage of Clinical Laboratory Scientists as well as
virtually all other healthcare professionals. Student enrollment in CLS programs is steadily
declining. Many universities have cut budgets for Clinical Lab Science programs, and some have
closed them altogether. According to an article in the October 2008 issue of Critical Values (Vol.
1, Issue 4), a critical shortage of MLSs is swiftly approaching.
"The number of technologist/scientist & technician education programs has declined by more
than 50% since 1970, with the most dramatic decline in technologist/scientist programs, 71% of
which closed between 1970 and 2007. In contrast, the number of phlebotomy training
programs increased six-fold from 1987 to 2003. The shortage of technologists/scientists and
technicians is expected to worsen over the next decade with demographic changes and
requirements."
A primary reason for this decline is the vast disparity in salary compared to other healthcare
workers. A typical medical technologist's salary is only 50% to 70% of that of a registered nurse
(RN), depending on geographical location. For instance, in Washington, D.C., the median MLS
salary is $55,000, compared to $67,695 for a registered nurse with an equivalent amount of
experience.
 United States Bureau of Labor Statistics - statistics from 2005 list the median annual
income for a medical technologist in California as $64,540, the highest average in the
nation. A major reason for this disparity is lack of public view for the profession.
Hospitals and other clinical laboratories prefer to cut costs in ways that are less obvious
to patients, so when expenses are reduced, MLSs are more likely than nursing staff to be
affected by it.
 Another reason for the shortage of Clinical Laboratory Scientists in the United States is
an aging workforce.
One possible way to decrease the shortage is to make secondary and post-secondary
educators and advisers aware of both the benefits associated with degrees from
accredited medical technology/ Clinical Laboratory Science programs and urge them to
inform their students about the profession. Students should be aware that Medical
Laboratory Scientists perform complex laboratory testing requiring accuracy and
integrity, and that a degree in Medical Laboratory Science can lead to satisfying wages,
management opportunities, or even a path to another professional career, such as
dentist, pharmacist, physician, or laboratory equipment sales or repair.

Australia
Similar to the US, Australian labs also employ Clin Lab Scientists to perform a large role of
duties w/n a clin lab. The training required is that of a bachelor degree ranging from 3 - 4 years
in duration depending on the institution.
Those with a degree in Biomedical Science w/ majors in the relevant fields are also employed to
fill the same roles however there is a growing push to hire only those with a recognized CLS
degree due to their more specialized training & knowledge. The body that oversees registration
of scientists in the medical laboratory in Australia is AIMS, Australian Institute of Medical
Scientists. Most employers require scientists to be members of AIMS.
MLS professionals are credentialed by either of two nationally recognized agencies.
The American Society for Clinical Pathology offers its Board of Certification (BOC) exam. This
credential requires a bachelor's degree (4 years) and successful performance on the BOC
certification exam. Those certified by the BOC use the professional title of Medical Laboratory
Scientist or MLS(ASCP).

MLS professionals are credentialed by either of two nationally recognized agencies.

The American Medical Technologists (AMT) also offers a certification exam for those
who hold a bachelor's degree. Those passing the AMT exam use the professional title of
Medical Technologist or MT.
MLSs or MTs are experts in medical testing who inter-act with all members of the healthcare
team that rely on accurate & timely results to enhance patient care.
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