SCHOOL OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

According to Ruth Heinemann:

• Is the application of principles of natural, physical and biological sciences to the performance
of laboratory procedures which aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

• According to Anna Fagelson:

• Is 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

• According to the The Philippine Medical Laboratory Act of 1969

• An auxiliary branch of laboratory medicine which deals with the examination by various
chemical, microscopic, bacteriologic, and other medical procedures, technique which will aid the
physician in the diagnosis, study and treatment of disease and in the promotion of health in
general

• Early associations with disease: Disease was believed to be caused by the negative
interaction between the environment and the body
• 300 BC – 180 AD
• Hippocrates (“Father of Medicine” and Author of the Hippocratic Oath) and Galen (Greek
Physician and Philosopher)
• Assessment of disorders through measurement of the four humors – Blood, Phlegm, yellow
bile , black bile – in relation to the seasons

• Hippocrates: Advocated for the tasting of Urine, listening to the Lungs, and observing outward
appearances for the diagnosis of disease
• Kidney Diseases: Appearance of blood, bubbles, and pus in urine
• Galen: Diabetes is the “Diarrhea of Urine”, established relationship between fluid intake and
urine volume

• Medieval Europe:
• Uroscopy (Aka Water Casting) widely practiced
• Patients submitted Urine into decorative flasks
• Physicians who failed to examine urine subjected to Public beatings
• 900AD: First book detailing characteristics of Urine was written (Color, Density, Quality)

• Early 11th century

• Medical Practitioners not allowed to conduct Physical examination of the body
• Relied solely on the patient’s description of symptoms and their observations
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• 14th Century
• Mondino de luzzi (Italian Physician) at the University of Bologna: Employed Alessandra
Gilliani to perform tasks considered those of the medical technologist (Died from an LAI)

• Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek (1632-1723)

• Father of Microscopy
• Invented and improved the compound microscope.
• He was the first to describe red blood cells, to see protozoa, and to classify bacteria according
to shape

• Marcello Malphigi (1628-1694)

• Was described as the “greatest” of the early microscopists.
• His work in embryology and anatomy marked him as the “founder of pathology.”
• However, many believed that pathology was practiced only from the time of Rudolph Virchow.

• 18th century
• Mechanical Techniques and Cadaver dissection used to provide a more objective and accurate
diagnosis and to understand the insides of the body

• Dr. William Occam (1800)

• Searched and found the answer to the diagnosis of his patients by several means
• Collected evidence by investigation in the Laboratory
• Discoveries made changes in the systems in the science of Medicine
• Requirement for qualification of a doctor by the Apothecaries Act of 1815

• Baron Karl wilhelm von humboldt

• Development of Physical findings before and after death in establishing an Anatomical
Pathology
• Also, added Bacteriology to the elucidation of the causes of disease and laboratory
examinations

• 19th century
• Physicians began using machines for diagnosis or therapeutics
• John Hutchison spirometer: Measuring vital capacity of the lungs
• Jules herisson sphygmomanometer: Measuring blood pressure
• Chemistry was pivotal to diagnose Diabetes, Anemia, Diphtheria, and Syphilis

First diagnostic medical breakthrough invented by Rene Laennec; used to acquire information
about the lungs and heartbeats ( 1816 )
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•Developed for medical purposes due to advances in lenses and lower costs
• First practical Microscope invented by Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek ( 1840 )

• First visual technology invented by Herman von helmholz ( 1850 )

•Devised by Manuel patrcio garcia using two mirrors to observe the throat and larynx
( 1855 )

•Invented by Wilhelm Roentgen when he discovered by accident that radiation could penetrate
solid objects of low density; Allowed Physicians to view the inside of the body without surgery;
used to diagnose Pneumonia, pleurisy, and Tuberculosis since WWII ( 1859 )

• 1848
• __________________________
• First quantitative test for ________ in Urine
• Developed the Fehling’s solution to estimate _______ content in Urine

• 19th century • First Laboratory in the USA: University of Michigan (Chemical Laboratory
related to Medicine)
• Dr. Sillas Douglas (1884): started the First Laboratory Instruction (Director of Chemical
Laboratory and Dean of Medicine)
•1854: Establishment of the Medical College of St. Bartholomew
•1858: All part-time practicing clinicians were reinforced as teachers at the University College at
Cambridge

• 19th century
• 1858: Rudolf Virchow
• Cell theory: All cells arise from pre-existing cells to lay the groundwork for cellular pathology,
or the study of disease at the cellular level
• Father of Modern Pathology

• 1861: Louis Pasteur

• Father of Modern Bacteriology
• Germ theory: He proved that food spoiled because of contamination by invisible bacteria, not
because of spontaneous generation

• 19th century
• 1878: Dr. William H. Welch
• First Professor and First Dean of Pathology at Johns Hopkins University
School of Medicine and school of Public Health
 SCHOOL OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

• He established a laboratory for Bacteriology and Autopsies

• Father of American Pathology and called the “Dean of American Medicine”
• 1885: Sir John Scott burdon sanderson
• Initiated the use of Laboratory animals for experimentation as part of the means to diagnose
diseases
• **1871: Reported that Penicillium spp. inhibited growth of bacteria

• Electrocardiograph Developed by William Einthoven to measure electrical changes during

the beating of the heart ( 1903 )

• Kenny Method Served as the pioneering work for modern physical therapy; devised by
Elizabeth kenny in the treatment of Polio (then called Infantile Paralysis) using hot packs and
muscle manipulation; prompted the invention of a new stretcher (called Sylvia in 1927) intended
for transporting patients in shock ( 1910 )

• Drinker respirator Invented by Philip Drinker to help patients with paralytic anterior
poliomyelitis recover normal respiration with the assistance of artificial respirator ( 1927 )

• First visual technology invented by Herman von helmholz ( 1939 )

• First operated by Forsmann in 1929; developed by Moniz Reboul Rousthoi between 1930
and 1940; discovered as a safe method in humans by Cournand in 1941; made seeing the
heart, lung vessels, and valves possible through inserting a cannula in an arm vein and into the
heart with an injection of radiopaque dye for X-Ray visualization ( 1941 )

• 1895: University of Pennsylvania’s William Pepper Laboratory opened

• Highlight the service role of clinical Laboratories
• 1908: Dr. James Campbell Todd
• Published a Laboratory Guide called “Manual of Clinical Diagnosis”
• Later in its 6th edition, published a book with Dr. Arthur Stanford called Clinical Diagnosis by
laboratory method under the editorship of Davidson and Henry when the authors died

• 1918: John Albert Kolmer (Pathologist) called for the development of a method that would
certify Medical Technologists on a national scale
• He is the Fourth president of the American Association of Immunologists (1917-1918)
• Publication: The Demand for and Training of Laboratory Technicians (1918)
• Includes a formal description of the first formal training course in Medical Technology

• 1918: Pennsylvania enacted a law

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• Requiring all hospitals and institutions to have a fully-equipped Laboratory fit for routine testing
• Employ a Full time laboratory technicians
• 1920: Administrative units of clinical Laboratories directed by a chief Physician
• Clinical Laboratories consisted of 4-5 divisions:
• Clinical Pathology
• Bacteriology
• Microbiology
• Serology
• Radiology

• 1920s to 1940s
• ___________________________
• 1920s: Able to discern differences between the cytology of normal and malignant cervical cells
upon a simple viewing of swabs smeared on a microscopic slide
• 1928: Published his findings
• 1943: Published “Diagnosis of Uterine Cancer by the Vaginal Smear” alongside Dr. Herbert
Traut (Gynecological Pathologist)
• Described the physiological changes of the menstrual cycle and the influence of hormones and
malignancy on vaginal cytology
• Pap Smear: Gold standard in screening for cervical cancer

• 1922: American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (formerly American Society for Medical
Technologists) formed as a subgroup of ASCP
• Recognized non-Physician clinical laboratory scientists as autonomous professionals
• 1940: US required a 2-year collegiate education and 12-month actual training in the Laboratory
for the preparation of its practice

• 1950:
• Medical Technologists in the USA sought professional recognition from the government
through licensure laws
• Standard curriculum formalized in preparation for a Bachelor of Science degree

• 1565: Real Hospital Militar established

• First Hospital in the Philippines ( Southern Island of Cebu )
• Transferred to Intramuros in 1571 because Manila became the new capital, renamed
Hospital Militar
• Made from Bamboo and Nipa
• Burned down in 1583, rebuilt presumably of wood, and rebuilt again in stone in 1594
• June 1863 Earthquake destroyed Hospital Militar, never rebuilt again (Now:
________________________ and _______________________)
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• Location: Block northeast of Plaza Mayor, corner of Calle Cabildo and Calle Aduana
• Managed by the Franciscan Order from 1587-1685

• Other early Hospitals in the Philippines

• 1578: San Lazaro Hospital
• Founded by: Brother Juan Clemente (Franciscan)
• Built exclusively for patients with Leprosy
• 1586: Hospital De Indios
• Established by the Franciscan Order
• Services were supported by alms and contributions from charities

• Other early Hospitals in the Philippines

• 1590: Hospital De Aguas Santas
• Established in Laguna by Brother J. Bautista of the Franciscan order
• 1596 Hospital De San Juan De Dios
• Founded by the Brotherhood of Misericordia for poor Spaniards
• Support delivered from alms and rents

• 1611: University of Santo Tomas founded by Dominicans

• 1871: Established the first Faculties of Pharmacy and Medicine
• Journals of Science and Medicine also published including the:
• 1886: Boletin De Medicina De Manila
• 1893: Revista Farmaceutica De Filipinas
• 1895: Cronicas De Ciencias Medicas

• The Central Board of Vaccination

• 1806: Production and Distribution of Vaccine Lymph
• 1898: Had 122 vacunadores (vaccinators) in Manila and other major towns
• 1876: Provincial Medical officers appointed to provide health care services throughout the
country
• 1883: Establishment of the Board of Health and Charity

• 1887: Establishment of the Laboratorio Municipal de Manila by Spanish Authorities for

Laboratory examinations of food, water, and clinical samples
• General Antonio Luna: Employed as a chemical expert in this Laboratory and pioneered
water testing, forensics, and environmental studies
• End of 19th century: Spaniards started exploring the microbial causes of diseases
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• 1899-1902: Philippine-American War broke down advancements in medicine and health care
in the Philippines
• Americans replaced Spanish Health System with Public Health Institutions modeled after
Military Healthcare systems
• After the fall of Manila: Spanish Military Hospital converted to the First Reserve Hospital
1898 by LT.Col Henry Lippincot (Chief surgeon of the Division of the Pacific and Eighth Army
Corps)
• Hospital had a diagnostic Laboratory BUT not fully maximized due to its director contracting
Typhoid Fever
• Richard P. Strong: Successor; Utilized the Laboratory to perform Autopsies and examine
blood, feces, and urine

• 1901: Established Bureau of Government Laboratories

• By: US Government through the Philippine Commission under the Act No. 156
• Located in Calle Herran (Pedro Gil), Ermita, Manila
• For: Medical Research and Vaccine Production
• Had a science library, chemical section, and serum laboratory for vaccine production
• Biology Laboratory: Designed to address and develop methods in the diagnosis, treatment,
and prevention of human and animal diseases
• Chemical Laboratory: Food, Plant composition, and mineral investigation

• 1901: Established Bureau of Government Laboratories

• Paul C. Feer: First director
• Ensured that the biological laboratory would be equipped with adequate supplies and
equipment (Incubators, Sterilizers, Microscopes, Microtomes, Stains, Glassware, and
Chemicals)

• 1901: Established Bureau of Government Laboratories

• Main Laboratory description:
• Composed of 2 stories and divided into 2 wings
• Rooms in Biological wing have microscope tables by the window
• Each biological room with chemical worktable with gas, water, and vacuums
• Each opposite wall with hood with a flue extended to the attic
• All Biological wing’s floors had incubators heated by Bunsen Burners and refrigerating boxes
• Building destroyed during WWII
• Area currently occupied by the NIH of UP-M

• 1905: Bureau of Science established

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• Via Philippine Commision Act No. 1407

• For Medical officers who sought a career in Laboratory research
• Worked with the Army Board for the Study of the Tropical Diseases (Disbanded in 1914)
• Bureau focused on Pathology; Board was intent on studying white foreigners’ physiology in
tropical climates
• Bureau worked closely with PGH and UP
• Became an active center for scientific research and instruction in the country

• The __________________
• 1909: Laboratory received:

• 7000 Fecals Specimens, 900 Urine Specimens 700 Blood Specimens

• Bureau’s medical and laboratory investigations primary focus: Microbiology (Cholera, Malaria,
Leprosy, Tuberculosis, and Dysentery

• The Civilian Board of Health

• Established: September, 10, 1898 (Assembly as the Military Board Health)
• Formal Organization: September, 29 ,1898
• 1901: Changed to Civilian Board of Health
• 1902 (End of the Philippine-American War): Changed to the Bureau of Health
• 1915: Reorganized into the Philippine Health Service
• 1933: Reverted back into the Bureau of Health
• Official Journal: The Health Messenger

• The Civilian Board of Health

• 1940s: Reorganized into the Department of Health and Public Welfare
• Chief: Dr. Jose Fernandez Fabella
• 1944: EO. NO. 94 signed into law by President Manuel Roxas
• Creation of the Department of Health
• First Secretary: Dr. Antonio C. Villarama
• 1948: Institute of Nutrition created under EO 94

• December 8, 1941: Japan’s attack of Manila

• Medical Laboratory Unit of the US Army provided medical services with the available
laboratory supplies, supplemental laboratory examinations, and epidemiological and sanitary
investigations
• Tasks:
• Perform routine water analyses
• Examination of food supplies
• Distribution of special reagents and solutions
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• Culture media
• Investigation of epidemics and epizootics
• Performed special serological, bacteriological, pathological, and chemical examinations, post-
mortem, and preservation of pathological specimens of value to the US Army Medical
Department

Units of the Medical Laboratory of the US Army

• 2D Medical laboratory activated on September 1, 1940
• 3D Medical Laboratory activated on February 10, 1941
• First laboratory unit deployed in the Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA) arriving in Australia on
June, 18 1942
• Rendered theater-wide Laboratory service and detached mobile units and advanced sections
into New Guinea

• Units of the Medical Laboratory of the US Army

• 5th Medical Laboratory: Arrived July 13, 1943 in SWPA
• Relieved the 3D Medical Laboratory in Australia and New Guinea
• April 13, 1945: Consolidated at Finschhafen, New Guinea
• February 1944: Training of High School graduates to work as Laboratory technicians

• Units of the Medical Laboratory of the US Army

• October, 20, 1944: US Forces arrived on Leyte
• 3rd, 5th , and 8th Medical Laboratories and the 19th Medical General Laboratory relocated to
the West Pacific Area
• Eventually augmented by the 26th and 27th Medical Laboratories and the 363rd Medical
Composite Detachment
• 19th Medical General Laboratory, 3rd Med Lab, and 363rd Medical Composite Detachment
operated in Leyte
• 27th Medical Laboratory: Operated in Tacloban
• 26th Medical Laboratory: Operated in Lingayen Gulf
• The only Laboratory unit in Luzon for 6 months following the US invasion on January, 9, 1945

• Public Health Laboratory

• First Clinical Laboratory in the Philippines
• Established by the 26th Medical Laboratory of the 6th Infantry Division of the US Army at the
end WWII
• Location: Quiricada St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
• June 1945: US Army left and endorsed the Laboratory to the National DOH
• Non-operational until reopened in October 1, 1945 by Dr. Alfred Pio De Roda with the help of
Manila City Health Officer Dr. Mariano Icasiano (First City Health Officer of Manila)
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• Dr. Alfred Pio De Roda: Well-known Bacteriologist of the 26th Medical Laboratory
• Now known as the Manila Public Health Laboratory

• Education
• 1947:Dr. Alfred Pio De Roda conducted a training program for aspiring laboratory workers
• Trainees were mostly high school and paramedical graduates
• Dr. Prudencia Sta. Ana: Instructed by Dr. De Roda to prepare a 6-month formal syllabus for
the training program with certificate for trainees upon completion
• Started in 1954, later Dr. Tirso Briones joined in the training program
• Program ended also in 1954 as the Bureau of Private Education approved a 5-year course in
BSMT (Manila Sanitarium and Hospital)

• Education
• The Manila Sanitarium and Hospital opened the 1st School of Medical Technology in 1954
• Leadership under Mrs. Hilgert- Hedrick (Wife of Dr. Eluem Hedrick, a Medical Internist and a
member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church to the Philippines)
• Known as the founder of MT education in the Philippines
• Medical internship and Residency training program affiliated with Loma Linda University in
California

• Education
• The Manila Sanitarium and Hospital opened the 1st School of Medical Technology in 1954
• Mrs. Willa Hilgert- Hedrick
• Made the FIRST complete Laboratory for the School of Medical Technology
• Mrs. Antoinette Mckelvey: Trained under Dr. Papanicolaou, joined Mrs. Hedrick to put up
Histopathology

• Education
• The MT course was opened due to the following reasons:
1. The hospital doctors’ need for a Laboratory
2. The search for competent Laboratory workers, but laboratory workers then got no formal
laboratory training and no official standard program or training for Laboratory workers was
offered, except at the Public Health Laboratory (trainees only allowed to observe in the
Laboratory but not allowed to perform)
3. The Lord’s response to their needs so that one day M.C Warren (President of the
Seventh-day Adventist North Philippine Union Mission), Dr. Reuben Manalaysay (President of
the Philippine Union College), and Director Cecilio Puteng (Bureau of Private Schools) came
to see Mrs. Hedrick to formally request her to start a School of Medical Technology for the
Philippine Islands

• Education
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• Philippine Union College

• Located in Baesa, Caloocan City
• Now known as Adventist University of the Philippines (Now at Silang, Cavite)
• 1954: Absorbed MSH’s School of Medical Technology
• Dr. Jesse Umali: First graduate of the MT program (1956)
• Graduated Doctor of Medicine at FEU
• OB-Gynecologist in the USA

• Education
• University of Santo Tomas
• June 17, 1957: Offered Medical Technology course as an elective for Pharmacy students (4th
and 5th year) • Offered by Dr. Antonio Gabriel and Dr. Gustavo Reyes
• Dean of FoP: Rev. Fr Lorenzo Rodriguez
• June 17, 1959: Temporary permit for the 1st 3 years of MT was issued
• June, 30, 1960: Permit for the internship program was issued
• June, 14, 1961: Medical Technology officially recognized as a degree-level program in UST

• Education • Centro Escolar University: 1960

• Pioneer: Mrs. Purificacion Sunico-Suaco
• First dean of SMT (1960-1963)
• First graduates of BSMT in 1962
• Organized and monitored the proper implementation of the Medical Technology Curriculum
• Granted by CEU President Carmen De Luna
• Deans of CEU – SMT
• Porfirio de Guia, MD (1963-1969)
• Former University Medical Clinic and the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts
• Credited for the steady growth in the enrollment
• Responsible for hospital affiliations

• Education • Centro Escolar University: 1960

• Deans of CEU – SMT
• Velia G. Trinidad, MD (1969-1984)
• During her term, additional hospital affiliations for the training of the increasing number of
interns were established.
• Fe N. Martinez, RMT PhD (1984-1989)
• Review class inside CEU was established to monitor the students closely in preparation for the
board exam
• Priscilla A. Panlasigui, CLS, PhD
• Curriculum enrichments to meet the demand of globalization.
• 1993 and 2001 MT Program Accreditation
• Integration of the ff. : EMT, Pharmacology, Cytology, Medical Transcription, and Research
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• Education • Centro Escolar University: 1960

• Deans of CEU – SMT
• Dr. Charito M. Bermido, RMT, PhD (2006 – Present)
• Level III Re-accreditation in 2007

• Reforms were made especially in the areas of teaching, research, curriculum and Board exam
review.
• Education
• Far Eastern University: 1961
• Pioneers: Dr. Horacio A. Ylagan and Dr. Serafin J. Juliano
• Dr. Ylagan: Technical Director of the School
• First graduates of BSMT in 1963
• Granted by Dr. Lauro H. Panganiban (Dean) and Dr. Jesus B. Nolasco (Secretary) of the
Institute of Medicine
• Formally opened in July 5, 1962 (Approved by the Bureau of Education)

• Education
• University of the Philippines
• Offers a similar program but the degree being conferred in BS Public Health
• June 1927: Established School of Sanitation and Public Health
• Dr. Hilario Lara (District Health Officer of La Union) sent as a government pensionado to
study at the School of Hygiene and Public Health of the Johns Hopkins University
• 1929: Changed to School of Hygiene
• 1938: Changed to Institute of Hygiene
• 1971: Changed to Institute of Public Health
• 1986: Changed to College of Public Health
• Education • PASMETH: May 13, 1970
• Dr. Serafin Juliano and Dr. Gustavo Reyes
• Organized an Association of Deans/Heads of Schools of MT and Hygiene in the hopes of
maintaining the highest standards of Medical Technology/Public Health education and to foster
closer relations among schools
• First meeting: June 22, 1970 at the UST
• First Set of Officers (1970-1972)
• President: Dr. Gustavo Reyes
• Vice President:Dr. Serafin Juliano
• Secretary/Treasurer: Dr. Velia Trinidad
• PRO: Dr. Faustino Sunico
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• The Legal Mandate

• RA 5527( The Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969 )
• Enacted into Law on June, 21, 1969
• Law governing the medical technology profession in the Philippines and requires graduates of
the four-year B.S. Medical Technology program to take the licensure examinations given by the
Professional Regulation Commission.
• Recognized Medical Technology as a profession and defined the practice of Medical
Technology
• 3 Amendments:
• RA 6138 (August 31, 1970): An Act to Amend certain sections of RA 5527
• P.D 498 (June 28, 1974): Amending Sections 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 13, 16, 17, 21, And 29 of RA
5527
• P.D 1534 (June 11, 1978): Further Amending RA 5527 as Amended by PD 498

• RA 7722( The Higher Education Act ) enacted into Law in 1994

• RA 8981( PRC Modernization Act ) enacted into Law in 2000
• CHED Memorandum 14, s. 2006 (Shortened Internship Program from 1 year to 6 months)
approved in 2006
• RA 10912(Continuing Professional Development Act ) lapsed into Law in 2016
• CHED Memorandum 13, s. 2017(Reverted internship program back to 1 year, introduced a
new curriculum) approved in 2017
• 2018 was the start of the implementation of the new curriculum

RA 5527, Section 6 Definition of Terms (d) “Minimum Required Course”

• At least 4 years
• Including a 12 Month internship in accredited training laboratories
• BS Medical Technology/Public Health
• Followed from 1969-2006

CMO No. 14, s. 2006, Article 3 (d) “Program Specifications”

• A 4 year program
• Internship Program of 6 Months in an accredited training laboratory
• BS Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science/Public Health
• Followed from 2006 - 2018

CMO No. 13, s. 2017 (d) “Program Specifications”

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• A 4 year program
• Internship program of 12 Months in an accredited training laboratory
• BS Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science/Public Health
•Followed from 2018 - Present

• Board of Medical Technology

• First Board:
• Chairman: Dr. Arturo D. Tolentino, Jr
• Members: Mr. Felix E. Asprer and Ms, Azucena S.J Vizconde
• First board Examination for MT: September, 1970
• National Passing Rate: 25%
• Because of this, Board of Examiners established mutual relations with the Philippine
Association of Schools of Medical Technology and Public Health (PASMETH) in developing and
updating a course syllabi to improve the performance of schools in the licensure examinations

• Ruphus of Ephesus – First description of Hematuria attributed to the failure of Kidneys to

function properly in filtering the blood (50 AD)
• Isaac Judaeus – Devised guidelines for the use of Urine as a diagnostic aid (900 AD)

• William Harvey – Discovered the circulation of blood; marked the beginning of a period of
mechanical explanations for a variety of functions and processes (1578-1657)
• Athanasius Kircher – Earliest microscopist; Probably the first to use the microscope to
investigate the causes of disease (1602 – 1680)

• Robert Hooke – Used the Microscope to document the existence of cells and inspired the
works of later Histologists (1635 – 1703)
• Frederick Dekkers – Observed that urine contained protein would form a precipitate when
boiled with acetic acid (1694)

• Thomas Willis – First to notice the characteristic sweet taste of diabetic urine, which
established the principle for the differential diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus and Diabetes
Insipidus (1621 – 1675)
• Richard Lower – First to perform direct transfusion of blood from one animal to another (1631
– 1691)

• William Hewson – Discovered the cause of coagulation, which he called “coagulable lymph”,
now known as Fibrinogen (1739 – 1774)
• Johannes Evangelista Purkinje
• Descriptions of the germinal vesicle in the embryo
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• Description and naming of protoplasm

• Discovery of the sudoriferous glands of the skin and their excretory ducts
• Numerous descriptions of brain, nerve, and muscle cells (1823)

• Louis Pasteur – Pasteurization (Partial heat sterilization); introduced the concepts of aerobic
and anaerobic bacteria; Attenuated vaccines (1822- 1895)
• Sir William Osler – Established ward laboratories at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where routine
tests were carried out by attending physicians (1898)

• Robert Koch (1843-1910)

• Discovered the complete life history and sporulation of the anthrax bacillus
• Developed a method of obtaining pure cultures of organisms
• Played a role in perfecting the method of steam sterilization
• Discovered the tubercle bacillus by other special culture and staining methods and formulated
a rule for determining the specificity of disease-causing organisms
• Discovered Vibrio cholerae and recognized its routes of transmission

• Joseph Lister – Discovered methods of antisepsis using Carbolic Acid (1827- 1912)
• Sir Almroth Edward Wright
• First to observe the role of Calcium salts in the coagulation of blood
• Devised a coagulometer to estimate coagulation time

• Paul Ehrlich (1854-1915)

• Developed many methods of drying and fixing blood smears using heat
• Discovered mast cells and saw their granulations using a basic aniline stain
• Classified White Blood Cells (Leukocytes) into different morphological types
• Discovered Methylene Blue as a bacterial stain
• Sir Alexander Fleming – Accidentally discovered Penicillin (1881 – 1955)
• Hans Christian Gram – Developed the bacteriological staining method most widely used
today (1884)

• Juliuz Richard Petri Developed the plating technique using double dishes now called “Petri
dishes” (1887)
• Gerhard Johannes Paul Domagk – Discovered the antibacterial action “Prontosil”, a
derivative of Sulfonamide (1895-1964)
• Otto Follin (1867 – 1934)
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• Introduced Jaffe’s alkaline picrate method for Creatinine

• Published the first normal values for Uric Acid, NPN, and Protein in blood for assessment of
renal function
• Discovered the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent

• Karl Landsteiner (1868 – 1943)

• Discovered the concept of the human blood types
• Described the ABO Blood Group
• Studied bleeding in newborns and contributed to the discovery of the Rh factor
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NATURE OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

• Medical Technology profession: Develops over the years

• To understand the nature of Medical Technology: Connection between Science and
Technology
• Science: Study of the natural world and the interrelationship among the biological,
psychological, and even the social world
• Principles of MT dependent on developments in the scientific disciplines like Chemistry,
Electronics, Optics and Mechanics to develop utilizable Biotechnology
• Technology: Application of science in ways that are considered beneficial to society
• Defined in 3 ways:
• Physical Artefact, Machine or Instrument
• Activity or a means to accomplish a goal
• Knowledge

• Connection between Science and Technology

• Technology:
• Rogers (1983): Technology is a design for instrumental action that reduces the uncertainty in
the cause-effect relationship involved in achieving a desired outcome
• Consists of:
• Physical Elements (Equipment, Materials, Products)
• Intangible Elements (Knowledge, skills, procedures, principles, or information)
• Avenue for humans to alter or modify the environment in order to extend their abilities to
create, invent, discover, or innovate to make the world a better place to live in

• Clinical Laboratory Testing:

• Plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases
• Involved in the examination and analysis of body fluids, tissues, and cells
• Look for the presence of bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms in the body
• Analyze chemical contents of fluids, match blood for transfusions, and test for drug levels in
the blood to show a patient’s response to a specific treatment
• Prepare specimens for examination, to count cells, and look for abnormal cells in the blood
and other body fluids

• Clinical Laboratory Testing:

• Use Microscopes, Cell counters, and other sophisticated laboratory equipment
• Use automated equipment and computerized instruments capable of performing a number of
tests simultaneously
• Analyze the results and relay them to physicians
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• RA 5527, The Medical Technology Act of 1969, Section 2 and as amended by RA 6132,
PD 498, PD 1435, defines the practice of Medical Technology:
• Section 2. a. Practice of Medical Technology– A person shall be deemed to be in the
practice of medical technology within the meaning of this Act, who shall for a fee, salary or other
compensation or reward paid or given directly or indirectly through another, renders any of the
following professional services for the purpose of aiding the physician in the diagnosis, study
and treatment of diseases and in the promotion of health in general:

• RA 5527, The Medical Technology Act of 1969, Section 2 and as amended by RA 6132,
PD 498,PD 1435, defines the practice of Medical Technology:
• Section 2. a. Practice of Medical Technology
• Examination of tissues, secretions and excretions of the human body and body fluids by
various electronic, chemical, microscopic, bacteriologic, hematologic, serologic, immunologic,
nuclear, and other laboratory procedures and techniques either manual or automated;
• Blood banking procedures and techniques;
• Parasitologic, Mycologic and Microbiologic procedures and techniques;

• RA 5527, The Medical Technology Act of 1969, Section 2 and as amended by RA 6132,
PD 498,PD 1435, defines the practice of Medical Technology:
• Section 2. a. Practice of Medical Technology
• Histopathologic and Cytotechnology; provided that nothing in this paragraph shall inhibit a duly
registered medical laboratory technician from performing histopathologic techniques and
procedures.
• Clinical research involving patients or human beings requiring the use of and/or
• application of medical technology knowledge and procedures;

• RA 5527, The Medical Technology Act of 1969, Section 2 and as amended by RA 6132,
PD 498,PD 1435, defines the practice of Medical Technology:
• Section 2. a. Practice of Medical Technology
• Preparations and standardization of reagents, standards, stains and others, provided such
reagents, standards, stains and others are exclusively for the use of their laboratory;
• Clinical laboratory quality control;
• Collection and preservation of specimens;

• RA 5527, The Medical Technology Act of 1969, Section 2 and as amended by RA 6132,
PD 498, PD 1435, defines the practice of Medical Technology:
• Section 2. a. Practice of Medical Technology
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• Provided, That any person who has passed the corresponding Board examination for the
practice of a profession already regulated by existing law, shall not be subject to the provisions
of the last four preceding paragraphs if the performance of such acts or services is merely
incidental to his profession.
• All commonly observed in a clinical laboratory, but not all exclusive to Medical Technologists

• RA 5527, The Medical Technology Act of 1969, Section 2 and as amended by RA 6132,
PD 498, PD 1435, defines the practice of Medical Technology:
• Section 2. c.
• Medical Technologist - A person who engages in the work of medical technology under the
supervision of a pathologist or licensed physician authorized by the Department of Health in
places where there is no pathologist and who having passed the prescribed course (Bachelor of
Science in Medical Technology/Bachelor of Science in Hygiene) of training and examination is
registered under the provision of this Act.

• RA 5527, The Medical Technology Act of 1969, Section 2 and as amended by RA 6132,
PD 498, PD 1435, defines the practice of Medical Technology:
• Section 2. d.
• Medical Laboratory Technician - A person certified and registered with the Board as qualified
to assist a medical technologist and/or qualified pathologist in the practice of medical technology
as defined in this Act.

• Medical Technologist
• First become licensed before he or she is permitted to practice the profession (RMT, PRC
MTLE)
• Practicing as a Medical Technologist without a license is punishable by law
• Medical Technology practice should be bound by the accepted pledge of oath in accordance
with the Code of Ethics of MT

• Original Version by Dr. Nardito Moraleta

• Upon entering into the practice of medical technology let it be known that;
• I accept the responsibilities associated with my duties.
• I shall uphold the ideals of my profession.
• I am aware that since the physician relies upon my work in then diagnosis and treatment of
diseases, any error may affect the health or even the life of the patient. Every procedure and
observation therefore must be carried out with absolute reliability, accuracy, fairness, and
honesty.
• I am aware of the need for mutual understanding and cooperation among my fellow workers in
the medical and paramedical field in the pursuance of a worthy cause.
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• I shall strive to preserve the integrity of myself and the professionals from whom we expect the
same.
• I shall strive to develop necessary virtues needed in my work and shall place my service above
any other considerations.

• Original Version _________________

• I shall restrict my phrases, criticisms, values, and opinions, within constructive limits and I shall
not use the knowledge I know as a tool for my selfish ends.
• I realize that the knowledge I acquired about any individual in the course of my work must be
treated as confidential. And since the physician has the ultimate responsibility in the diagnosis
and treatment, my result must be known only by him. I shall neither make diagnosis nor
interpretations other than this in the report made by me nor shall I advice the physician or others
on how to treat diseases.
• I shall believe in full and equal opportunities in the pursuance of our ideals within the context of
the principles of human rights.
• To these principles, I hereby subscribe, promising to conduct myself at all times in a manner
appropriate to the dignity of my profession.

Revised version of the Code of Ethics By Prof. Rodolfo Rabor

• Perform Clinical Laboratory Testing

• Medical Technologists must be capable of performing the most basic to the most advanced
laboratory tests
• Expected to show competency in performing routine laboratory tests including Urinalysis and
Stool Examination
• Perform Hematologic, Microbiologic, Serologic, Chemical, and other procedures in the different
areas of Laboratory science
• Laboratory must be equipped with necessary resources

• Perform Special Procedure

Operation of advanced diagnostic equipment
• Molecular, Nuclear Diagnostic
• Ensure Accuracy and Precision of Results
• Accuracy: The nearness or closeness of the assayed value to the true or target value
• Precision: The ability of an analytical method to give repeated results on the same sample
that agree with one another

• Be Honest in Practice
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• Act in accordance with the MT profession’s Code of Ethics and his or her pledged oath of
practice
• Ensure Timely Delivery of Result
• Be aware of the urgency of delivering results on time, observe the source of the requests (ER,
OR, ICU, etc)
• STAT: Within 60 minutes of collection
• ASAP: Once results are available (2 hours or less)
• Routine: Within 4 hours
• Turnaround Time: Time interval from the time of submission of a process to the time of the
completion of the process

• Demonstrate Professionalism
• Perform duties according to the professional Code of Ethics for MT professionals
• Aware of the laws and regulations governing the practice of medical technology
• Governing laws:
• RA 5527 ( Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969)
• RA 4688 ( Clinical Laboratory Act of 1966 )
• RA 1517( Blood Banking Act of 1956 )
• RA 7719 ( Blood Banking Act of 1995 )
• Philippine Governing Organizations:
• Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc.
• Philippine Association of School of Medical Technology and Public Health, Inc.
• Uphold Confidentiality
• Confidentiality: One of the core duties within the medical practice
• Healthcare providers keep a patient’s personal health information private unless consented to
release information
• Governed by RA 10173 (Data Privacy Act if 2012)

• ______________________________________
• ______________: Act of working together in order to achieve a desired outcome
• Nurses, Pharmacists, Rad Techs, PTs, OTs, SLPs, Dietitians, etc.
• ______________________________________

• Research activities update skills of MT

• Help in the further development of the field and may be used as future reference for patient
care.
• Involvement in Health Promotion Programs
• Medical Technology is a multi-disciplinary field
• Reaching out to the community
• Ways RMTs can help the community:
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• Cooperate with other health care professionals in health promotion campaigns such as
promoting the ideal attitudes on hygiene, community sanitation, waste segregation, and disease
prevention
• Implementation pre-planned programs of health promotion campaigns
• Offer free laboratory testing such as blood typing, urinalysis, fecalysis, blood sugar testing, and
other tests beneficial to the entire community
• Collaborate with other health care professionals once diagnoses are done

• Pathologist
• Section 2,b - A duly registered physician who is specially trained in methods of laboratory
medicine, or the gross and microscopic study and interpretation of tissues, secretion and
excretions of the human body and its functions in order to diagnose disease, follow its course,
determine the effectivity of treatment, ascertain cause of death and advance medicine by means
of research.
• Pathologist always considered to head a clinical laboratory and monitor all laboratory results.
• Result without the Signature of a Pathologist may not be considered valid
• Medical Laboratory Technician
• Section 2,d - A person certified and registered with the Board as qualified to assist a medical
technologist and/or qualified pathologist in the practice of medical technology as defined in this
Act.

• ___________________________________
• Certain qualifications other than what is stated:
• Failed to pass the _____ given by the Board of MT but obtained a general rating of at least
_____ and provided finally that a registered Medical Laboratory Technician when employed in
the government shall have the equivalent civil service eligibility not lower than the second grade
• Passed the ____________________ for ___________________ given on
___________________
• Finished a _________ college course and has at least ______ experience of working as a
medical laboratory technician; provided that for every year of experience in college, _________
of work experience may be substituted; and provided further; that the applicant has at least
_______ as medical laboratory technician as the date of approval of this decree

• Phlebotomist
• Trained to draw blood for either Laboratory tests or for blood donations
• Capillary/Skin Puncture, Venipuncture
• Arterial Blood Collection: Only performed by a specially trained Phlebotomist
(Certifications or training body) • Philippines: Phlebotomy one of the required skills of a MT
• Other countries: Phlebotomist need not get a degree (Training sponsored by community
colleges ~____________) then take examinations recognized as a Certified Phlebotomist by:
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• American Society for Clinical Pathology ( ASCP )

• American Medical Technologist ( AMT )
• National Healthcare Association ( NHA )

• Cytotechnologist
• Works with the Pathologist to detect changes in body cells which may be important in the early
diagnosis of diseases
• Done by examining slides of body cells for abnormalities or anomalies in structures (benign or
malignant conditions)
• Cytotechnologist select and sections minute particles of human tissue for microscopic study
(microtomes, etc.)
• Employ stain techniques to make cell structures visible or to differentiate its parts
• Most common: Papanicolaou Test and H&E

• Histotechnologist ( Histotechnicians )
• Responsible for the routine preparation, processing, and staining of biopsies and tissue
specimens for microscopic examination by a Pathologist
• Philippines: No formal training program for Histotechnologist
• USA: Histotechnicians Program accredited by the
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science( NAACLS )
• Aspiring Histotechnologist : Associate degree program in a reputable health facility
(Associate Degree in Applied Science major in Histology)

• Nuclear Medical Technologist

• Works alongside Nuclear Physician
• Apply knowledge of Radiation Physics - and safety regulations to limit Radiation Exposure,
prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals , and use Radiation Detection Device and
other kinds of Laboratory equipment to measure the quantity and distribution of Radionuclides
deposited in the patient or in the patient’s specimen

• Toxicologist
• Studies the effects of toxic substances on the physiological function of human beings, animals,
and plants to develop data for use in consumer protection and industrial safety programs
• Designs and conducts studies to determine physiological effects of various substances on
laboratory animals, plants, and human tissue, using biological and biochemical techniques
 SCHOOL OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

ETHICS

• Ethics: Moral code that guides how an individual should behave

• Branch of knowledge that deals with moral principles
• About the individual’s search for meaning while dealing with human problems which may be:
• Logical (Problems of Reasoning)
• Epistemological (Problems of the truth)
• Cosmological(Problems of the Universe)
• Ethical (Problems of Morality)
• Aesthetical (Problems of art and beauty)
• Scientific (Problems of Science)

• Morality ( Donal Harrington ): Can be viewed as a law, inner conviction, as love, as personal
growth, and as social transformation
•James Gustafon (1974): Ethics vs. Morality

Theoretical prescriptions/critiques
• The Nature of the good
• The nature of human person
• Criteria of judgement

Based on principles practiced by a particular community

• Fundamental Convictions of human right
• Character of moral agent
• Use of norms
• Situational analysis

• Aka Moral Relativism

• School of ethics concerned on the principle that morality is relative to the norms of a particular
culture.
• Is a theory based on norms relative to a particular Culture or Society
• Acknowledges Societal diversity (Every society has a unique moral design and culture;
people’s beliefs are greatly influenced by culture)
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• Pragmatism
• An approach that assesses the truth of meaning of theories or beliefs in terms of the success
of their practical application.
• More of a theory on Knowledge,Truth, and Meaning rather than Morality
• Encourages people to find processes that work in order to achieve their desired ends
• Philosophical approach or movement that began in the 1870s
• Pragmatism - believe that reality is constantly changing and that we learn best through
applying our experiences and thoughts to problems, as they arise
• Term coined by Charles Sanders Peirce, further developed by William James

• Ethical Utilitarianism
• States that the rightness or wrongness of actions is determined by their Consequences
• “Principle of Utility” formulated by Mill: “Actions are good insofar as they tend to promote
happiness, bad as they tend to produce unhappiness. The utility of an action is determined by
the extend to which it promotes happiness rather than its reverse.”
• Found by two English Philosophers: Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) and John Stuart Mill
(1806-1873)

• Perceived as “controversial”
• Diversity ,Decision Making,Compliance,Governance: some of the concerns considered
when doing an ethical review in the context of health care profession
• Topics discussed as “Moral Issue”
• Abortion
• Euthanasia
• Genetic Engineering
• Considered as America’s most distinctive and major contribution to the field of philosophy

• Abortion
• Considered illegal in the Philippines based on Article II, Section 12 of the 1987 Philippine
Constitution
• The state recognizes the sanctity of life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic
autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the
unborn from conception.
• Abortion: Can be direct, induced, or caused by natural cases or accidents • May be necessary
when the Mother’s life is at stake: debatable to many
• Anti Abortion groups: Abortion is the ultimate violation of life for it is the act of killing an
individual that is not yet able to speak for himself or herself
• Pro Abortion group: Believe that the pregnant women, especially victims of rape, should be
given the chance to decide for themselves
 SCHOOL OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

• Euthanasia ( Mercy Killing )

• Practice of ending a life intentionally, usually in situations when the individual is terminally ill, to
relieve him or her of pain and suffering
• Regarded as a merciful release of an individual from an incurable sickness
• Process of inducing the painless death of a person who is severely debilitated for reasons
assumed to be merciful, either through voluntary, non-voluntary, or involuntary means
( Herbert Hendins )
• Voluntary Euthanasia : Individual gives consent to subject himself/herself to a painless death
• Non Voluntary Euthansia : Conducted when the permission of the patient to perform the
process is unavailable (I.e., deep comatose patients, neonates born with significant and major
birth defects)
• Involuntary Euthanasia : Individual does not give his or her consent
• Controversial because it is the act of taking away a life perceived to be against the society’s
moral standards

• Genetic Engineering
• Controversial ethical issue: Involves genetic manipulation perceived to be against moral
standards set by society
• Issue: “Humans acting as their own gods” due to manipulation of genetic make-up

• Genetic Engineering procedures:

• Genetic Screening
• Main purpose: Screen, chose, and select the genes for proper detection of any genetic
disease and other chromosomal malformations
• Usually done for the early diagnosis of disease
• Genetic Interventions
• Techniques such as genetic control, therapy, and surgery
• “ Intervening ” in the biological process and “control” bad or defective genes

• Genetic Engineering
• Genetic Engineering procedures:

• Genetic Engineering
• Genetic Engineering procedures:
• Stem Cell Therapy
• Form of genetic engineering that makes use of Stem Cell to treat or prevent diseases
• Subject to controversy because of how Stem Cell are sourced
• In Vitro Fertilization
• Aka Laboratory Fertilization or IVF
• Subject to RELIGIOUS oppositions due to the procedure perceived to be a deviation from the
natural process of fertilization
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• Ethics: Covers the philosophy of doing what is Right

•Professional Ethics: Covers the morally accepted behavior of individuals in the workplace
• Guide individuals in dealing with issues and conflicts in the workplace in order for them to
remain functional
• Code of ethics : Serves as the guiding principle in the practice of a profession
• Professionalism : Necessary in maintaining a healthy and productive work environment.
 SCHOOL OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGIES AND ABBREVIATIONS

Medical Terminologies: Rules

• Normally derived from Greek and Latin words

• Medical Terms: 3 basic parts
• Root Word (Main part of the medical term that denotes the meaning of the word)
• colo – Colon phlebo – vein hemat– blood aero - air
• The Prefix (Beginning of the term, shows how meaning is assigned to the word)
• a-/an – without, absence poly- - Many
• hyper- - Increased/Above pre- - Before
• The Suffix (Terminal portion of the term or end of the term. Denotes the meaning of
the root word)
• -megaly - Enlargement -emia – Blood
• -uria – Urine -ostomy – To make an opening or mouth

• If suffix starts with a consonant, a Combining vowel needs to be used (usually the
letter O).
• Combining vowel does not change meaning of the root word and is added in order to
make the pronunciation of the word easier
• Vowel added between the root word and suffix
• Examples:
• Hemat + logy – Hematology (Study of blood)
• Phleb + tomy – Phlebotomy (Process of cutting into the vein using a needle

• Plural form of medical terms: Change the end of the word and not by simply adding
S, follows the rule for irregular nouns
• Examples:
SINGULAR PLURAL
bacterium Bacteria
Nucleus Nuclei
Thrombu Thrombi

SINGULAR PLURAL
bacillus Bacilli
ovum Ova
spermatozoon Spermatozoa
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• Number prefixes
• bi- Two
• hemi- Half
• mono- One
• multi- Many
• nulli- None
• poly- Many
• primi- First
• quadri- Four
• semi- Partial, Half
• tetra- Four
• tri- Three

ROOT WORD MEANING

cardio Heart
myo Muscle
arterio Artery
cyto Cell
arthro Joint
heap/hepato Liver
pyo Pus
cranio Skull
thrombo Clot
pyro Fever
nephro Kidney
osteo Bone
 SCHOOL OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

PREFIXES MEANING
Iso - Same
Micro - Small
Macro - Large
Intra - Inside/within
Pseudo - False
Mono - One
Nano - Billionth
Hypo - Decreased
Anaero - Without Oxygen
Homo - Same, Like
Cryo - Cold
Neo - New

SUFFIXES MEANING
-itis Inflammation of
-megaly Enlargement
-blast Young
-cidal Killing of
-poiesis Formation
-meter Measure
-ectomy Surgical Removal
-emia Blood Condition
-pathy Disease
-penia Deficiency
-oma Tumor, Growth
-tome Cutting Instrument
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Abbreviations

• Most commonly encountered abbreviations in the healthcare practice:

• DOH – Department of Health
• CHED – Commission on Higher Education
• VDRL – Venereal Disease Research Laboratory
• AIDS – Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• AIDs – Autoimmune Disorders/Diseases
• AMI – Acute Myocardial Infarction
• BUN – Blood Urea Nitrogen
• 2PPBS - 2-Hour Postprandial Blood Sugar
• AFS – Acid Fast Stain

• Most commonly encountered abbreviations in the healthcare practice:

• PCQACL – Philippine Council for Quality Assurance in the Clinical Laboratories

• FBS – Fasting Blood Sugar
• IV – Intravenous
• HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• IU – International Unit
• ER – Emergency Room
• ICU – Intensive Care Unit
• K – Potassium
• Na - Sodium

• Most commonly encountered abbreviations in the healthcare practice:

• NPO – Nothing/Non-Per Orum

• BAP – Blood Agar Plate
• NRL – National Reference Laboratory
• SACCL – STD/AIDS Cooperative Central Laboratories
• NEQAS – National External Quality Assurance Scheme
• SLH – San Lazaro Hospital;
• RITM – Research Institute for Tropical Medicine
• LCP – Lung Center of the Philippines
• NKTI – National Kidney Transplant Institute