Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT)

Overview:-

• Medical laboratory technology is the branch of medical science responsible for performing laboratory investigations relating to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

• It has been said that 80% of medical diagnoses are made or confirmed by laboratory values.    

• Healthcare professionals do not know what the term medical technician means. 

History of  Medical Laboratory Technology:-

• In the early 19th century  French soldiers were attacked by yellow fever. A large number of French soldiers died as a result of infection by an organism for which the means of transmitting the disease were not understood. 

• Researchers discovered that transmission to humans occurred chiefly by the bite of an insect vector, a mosquito, and lead to the development of a vaccine in the early 20th century.

• In the 1930s a great deal of attention began to be focused on the clinical laboratory. not only for infectious but also for other metabolic tests for diagnosing diseases.

• At the beginning of clinical testing to diagnose disease states and to assess the effectiveness of treatment or recovery the physician performed his own tests in the patient's home.

How Medical Laboratory Technologists Work:-

MTs work in labs and usually must spend a lot of time on their feet. They're required to wear masks, gloves, goggles, and other protective equipment while they work. They must also use procedures that help mitigate their risk of coming into contact with infectious materials.

Those who work in a hospital or other facility that is open 24/7 may be required to work evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.

Types of Medical Laboratory Technologists:-

• MLTs who work in small laboratories may perform a variety of tests, but those employed in larger labs may be more likely to specialize in one area.

• Microbiology technologists work with bacteria and other microorganisms.

• Immunology technologists concentrate on the immune system and its response to foreign bodies.

• Blood bank technologists collect, examine, classify, and prepare blood for transfusions.

• Clinical chemistry technologists work with body fluids and analyze their chemical and hormonal contents.

• Cytotechnologists examine cells under a microscope for abnormalities that may lead to cancer.

Medical Laboratory Technologist vs. Medical Laboratory Technician:-

• A medical laboratory technologist and a medical laboratory technician work in related occupations and the terms may be confused, but there are a number of differences.

• Because technologists must earn a bachelor's degree, they have a much more extensive theoretical knowledge base than technicians, who need only an associate degree. 

• When it comes to job duties, technicians collect, process, and analyze specimens. They perform lab procedures and maintain instruments. 

• Medical laboratory technologists conduct the same procedures technicians do but also execute sophisticated analyses. They evaluate and interpret the results, conduct research, and develop new methods.

Other Duties and Responsibilities of Medical Laboratory Technicians Include:-

• Records of the test results in the lab's record book or daily file

• Collecting, preparing, and storing specimens

• Explaining lab testing procedures to patients and other clients

• Receiving, examining, and approving samples collected by physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals and ensuring that the right type, integrity, and quantity of samples are presented for the ordered tests.

• Preparing various lab reagents and standard volumetric solutions for use in a variety of tests

• Maintaining a clean and safe working environment

• Standardizing testing procedures to ensure consistent reliability and usefulness of test results
• Calibrating equipment, developing standard operating procedures, and determining correct reference ranges for various tests

• Using automated equipment and computerized lab instruments capable of performing several tests at the same time.

There are many Medical Lab Tests including:- 

• Blood Banking Tests —Typing, antibody screening, and cross-matching that are used to identify and prepare blood components that are compatible with transfusion.

• Chemistry Tests —Those tests for the measurement of electrolytes, glucose, lipids, proteins, hormones, enzymes, trace metals, drugs, and toxins.

• Cytogenetic Procedures —Techniques for chromosome counting and identification of abnormal chromosomes and disease genes.

• Cytology Procedures —Staining and examination of tissue samples in order to identify cancerous changes within cells.

• Hematology Tests —Tests to count and classify blood cells, and diagnose blood diseases including coagulation disorders.

• Histology Procedures —Cutting, staining, and mounting of specimens for microscopic examination by pathologists.

• Immunology Tests —Tests that are used to determine a person's ability to resist infections, diagnose autoimmune diseases, allergies, and infectious diseases, and determine tissue compatibility for organ transplantation.

• Medical Laboratory Technician —A clinical laboratory worker who may perform all levels of testing including quality control monitoring, specimen processing, and other laboratory operations.

• Medical Technologist —A clinical laboratory worker who performs all levels of testing, evaluates laboratory methods, verifies results, detects and resolves analytical problems, performs quality assurance, and consults with physicians and allied health professionals regarding laboratory services.

• Microbiology Tests —Those tests for the isolation and identification of pathogenic bacteria, yeast, fungi, parasites, and viruses and antibiotic sensitivity testing.

Where can we work when we finished our MLT Studies?

• We can work as “Medical Laboratory Technologists’’ in private sector hospitals letter on we can promote to “Lab charge, Lab Supervisor or Manager”.

• We can work as “Medical Technologists” in the government sector,  diploma holder    “Technicians” join the government sector.

• We can work as “Research Assistants” in research laboratories and research project letters and we can promote to “Scientific Officers”.

• We can work as “Quality Control Officers / Managers”  in clinical laboratories.

• We can join Public sector colleges and universities as “Lecturer or MLT”.

• We can join “Pharma Companies, Genetic Research Lab, Drug Testing Lab, Marketing Manager”.

What is the average salary of a Medical Laboratory Technology graduate:-

A Medical Laboratory Technology graduate can earn up to Rs 30,000 (LKR) per month. This can go up to Rs 50,000 (LKR) per month with an increase in the experience of the candidate.

MLTs who are employed in public healthcare facilities receive higher salaries compared to those who work in private hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic laboratories. 

MLTs who work in metropolitan areas also receive higher salaries than those who work in non-metropolitan areas.

The work environment of medical laboratory techs:-

Medical laboratory technicians work in a range of settings, including the following:

• Hospital laboratories
• Commercial laboratories
• Diagnostic laboratories
• Blood and organ banks
• Fertility centers
• Biotechnology companies
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Public health organizations
• Research facilities
• Reference laboratories
• Medical equipment sales companies

Skills to become a successful medical laboratory technician:-

In addition to the technical skills you will acquire in school and an aptitude for science, you will need the following soft skills to become a successful medical lab technician:-

• Reading comprehension: You must be good at understanding and following physicians' written instructions.

• Attention to detail: Precision is of the utmost importance when performing testing procedures.

• Critical thinking: This skill allows you to determine your options when solving problems or making decisions, compare them and then choose the one with the most positive outcome.

• Problem-solving: You must be good at identifying problems and solving them as soon as possible.

• Active listening: You must have excellent listening skills to effectively communicate with patients and fellow medical personnel.

• Dexterity: You must also be skilled with your hands because you work closely with needles and precise lab instruments. You must handle these tools effectively.

• Physical stamina: You must have physical stamina because you will work on your feet for long periods while gathering samples. You may need to turn or lift disabled patients to collect samples for testing.

How to become a Medical Laboratory Technician:-

Here are the typical steps to follow to become a medical laboratory technician:

1. Earn a high school diploma or equivalent.

2. Pursue post-secondary education.

3. Obtain state licensure.

4. Obtain certifications.

5. Pursue continuing education.

Branches of  Medical Laboratory Technology [ MLT ]

Which type of test is performed in MLT labs?

• Examining and analyzing body fluids and cells.
• Determine the chemical content of fluids.
• Look for parasites, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
• Match blood for transfusions.
• Test for drug levels in the blood.

Four types of laboratory biosafety level

Level 1 – least level was no threat during the deal with the sample.

Level 2 – moderately affect the worker but is curable in short-term treatment.

Level 3 – may cause serious or lethal disease via aerosol transmission simple inhalation of particles or droplets. Require long-term treatment.

Level 4 – extremely dangerous and pose a high risk of life-threatening disease. Treatment is not available.

Other names for Medical Laboratory Technology

• In India, it is called MLT also CLT [Medical/ Clinical Laboratory Technologist]
• But in foreign named as MLS/CLS [ Medical / Clinical Laboratory Scientist ]

 

Differences between Medical Laboratory Technology & Medical Laboratory Scientist?

• Technician- a person who has done diploma or certificate.
• Technologist -a person who have done bachelor's degree at least, and a technician works as a technologist. A technologist's position is above that of a technician.

Professional Role & Ethics of MLT?

• Follow all the safety precautions
• Test reports should be given to an authorized person
• Practice proper professional skills to avoid mistake
• Don’t disclose the personal information
• Keep in touch with the latest development in the field
• Dedicate towards profession to benefit mankind
• But it plays an important role in patient care by providing timely. Accurate reliable test results to health -care team members.

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