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Medical laboratory Science 2

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About the department Laboratory Sciences offers opportunities for those interested in different fields of laboratory sciences, leading to a career in the health service or in research. Medical laboratory specialists are professionals who perform laboratory tests and analyses that assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. They also assist in research and the development of new laboratory tests. They must know the theory and scientific fundamentals as well as the procedures for testing. 4

 The various studies include chemical and physical analysis of body fluids (clinical chemistry and urinananlysis); examination of blood and its component cells (hematology); isolation and identification of bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites (clinical microbiology and parasitological); testing of blood serum for antibodies indicative of specific diseases (immunology and serology) and collection, storage of blood, pre­transfusion testing and other immunohaematological procedures (blood banking). In addition, medical laboratory scientists prepare tissues for histopathological, cytological and cytogenetic examination. 5

What is Medical Laboratory Sciences?  Medical laboratory sciences combines the use of sophisticated instruments and techniques with the application of theoretical knowledge to perform complex procedures on tissue specimens, blood samples and other body fluids.  The tests and procedures that Medical Laboratory Specialist perform provide critical information enabling physicians to diagnose, treat and monitor a patient's condition. 6

What is Medical Laboratory Science? Medical Laboratory Science is the “Nerve Center” of medicine. – Think about the last time you had a really bad sore throat. – If you went to the doctor, you probably had your throat cultured (the cotton swab rubbed on the back of your throat.) – That culture was then taken down to the lab and the Clinical Laboratory Scientist was the person who identified which “bug” was causing your sore throat. All samples taken by a Doctor, Nurse, they are analyzed by a Clinical Laboratory Scientist. Without the Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Doctors would not be able to diagnose diseases properly or treat patients effectively. 7

 Clinical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.  85% of all medical diagnostic and treatment decisions are based on laboratory test results.  Clinical laboratory technologist - also referred to as clinical laboratory scientists or medical technologist - perform these tests. The role of medical laboratory science? 8

 medical Laboratory Scientists often find themselves working to solve the riddle of what body malfunction or infectious organisms are making a patient ill.  Clinical Laboratory Scientists use their strong scientific background in chemistry, biology, and human physiology to solve medical mysteries and ultimately help patients regain their health. 9

Medical Laboratory Scientists examine and analyze body fluids, and cells.  They look for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms; analyze the chemical content of fluids; match blood for transfusions; and test for drug levels in the blood that show how a patient is responding to treatment.  Scientists also prepare specimens for examination, count cells, and look for abnormal cells in blood and body fluids.  They use microscopes, cell counters, and other sophisticated laboratory equipment.  They also use automated equipment and computerized instruments capable of performing a number of tests simultaneously. 10

With increasing automation and the use of computer technology, the work of Clinical Laboratory Scientists has become less mechanical hands-on and more analytical. The complexity of tests performed, the level of judgment needed, and the amount of responsibility workers assume depend largely on the amount of education and experience they have. After testing and examining a specimen, they analyze the results and relay them to physicians. 11

 Medical Laboratory Scientists perform complex chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, and bacteriological tests.  Scientists microscopically examine blood and other body fluids. They make cultures of body fluid and tissue samples, to determine the presence of bacteria, fungi, parasites, or other microorganisms.  They analyze samples for chemical content or a chemical reaction and determine concentrations of compounds such as blood glucose and cholesterol levels. They also type and cross match blood samples for transfusions. 12

Medical Laboratory Scientists in small laboratories perform many types of tests, whereas those in large laboratories generally specialize.  Clinical chemistry lab scientists, for example, prepare specimens and analyze the chemical and hormonal contents of body fluids.  Microbiology lab scientists examine and identify bacteria and other microorganisms.  Blood bank lab scientists (immunohematology) lab scientists collect, type, and prepare blood and its components for transfusions.  Immunology lab scientists examine elements of the human immune system and its response to foreign bodies. 13

There are thousands of different tests that are performed in specialty areas of the medical laboratory: 1. Clinical Chemistry: Conducts tests on blood and body fluid to detect chemicals, hormones and/or drugs. Common Test: Blood Glucose (blood sugar) to diagnose and monitor diabetes. Areas of Specialty : 14

Is the study of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi Conducts tests on blood, body fluid and/or tissue samples to detect bacteria, fungi, viruses, and/or parasites. Common Test: Throat swab to detect strep throat for detection of bacterial infection and detection of bilharzias and other parasites in stools. 2. Clinical Microbiology: 15

Is the study of blood cells and to detect diseases/disorders of the blood. Common Test: Hemoglobin test to detect anemia. Cross-matching for blood transfusions. Transfusion Science: Conducts blood typing and blood compatibility tests. 3. Hematology: 16

Prepares samples of body tissue for tests to detect disease. Common Test: Biopsy of a breast lump. Diagnostic cytology: Conducts tests on cells taken from the body to detect cancer. Common Test: Test to detect cervical cancer. 4. Histology: 17

Molecular biology lab scientists perform complex protein and nucleic acid testing on cell samples. Conducts tests on chromosomes, DNA and RNA from cells of body fluids and tissues, to diagnose genetic diseases. Common Test: DNA paternity and other forms of pre-natal testing. 5. Clinical Genetics: 18

The study of antigen and antibody interaction in the diagnosis of disease Or the study of the body’s defense mechanisms The application of theory and principles of blood banking, cell typing, compatibility testing, and antibody identification 7. Immunohematology: 6. Immunology : 19

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Clinical Laboratory Science Today’s CLS is likely to be found in modern, bright surroundings using the latest state-of-the-art equipment. 21

CLS’s Help to Save Lives Here are just two examples of how the CLS provides valuable information to the health care team. – Cross matching Blood A laboratory test in which volunteer donor's red blood cells are mixed with the patient's serum to determine whether the donor's cells will most probably survive in the patient's circulation after transfusion. – Immunology The scientific study of the functions of the body which provide immunity to disease. It often involves looking for antibodies to foreign substances in the patient's blood. 22

What a CLS might see under the microscope? In this picture of blood, there are red blood cells and one white blood cell. Red blood cells (pink discs seen here) are special cells that contain the protein hemoglobin, which allows them to pick up and transport oxygen from the lungs to release it deep into the tissues via our circulatory system. In this picture, the large cell with the lobular purple nucleus (the nucleus is segmented) and the cytoplasm is filled with rose-violet granules. 23

Under the Microscope:Sickle Cell Anemia Sickle Cell Anemia is a genetically inherited disease in which the hemoglobin of the person’s red blood cells are mutated. Under certain stressful conditions, the hemoglobin crystallizes and the red cell forms a sickled shape. 24 Sickled cells cannot fit through tiny capillaries in our bodies and damage to these small veins and capillaries and organ damage can occur as a long term result of being born with this disease.

Under the Microscope: Malaria Malaria is the infection of our red blood cells with a microscopic parasite. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, primarily in tropical climates (see red purple dots on rings inside the red blood cells). The infected red blood cells rupture when the parasite matures and fever, chills and possibly organ damage. 25

Examples of laboratory tests performed by Clinical Laboratory Scientists include: The detection of the abnormal cells that cause leukemia. The analysis of cardiac enzyme activity released during a heart attack. The identification of the type of bacteria causing an infection. The detection of DNA markers for genetic diseases. 26

Identify bacteria and determine the best antibiotic for treatment of the infection. Microscopically classify and differentiate normal and abnormal cells, microorganisms, and crystals. Operate complex electronic instruments to analyze blood for the presence of normal, abnormal, and malignant chemical elements, cells and components. Determine drug levels to asses treatment and to detect drugs of abuse. 27

Prepare blood for transfusion and match proper blood donors to recipients Test for and monitor treatment of bleeding and clotting disorders Evaluate the chemical and cellular composition of blood, urine, and other body fluids Examine responses of the immune system to foreign antigens and infectious organisms Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot sophisticated and computerized instruments 28

Evaluate and implement testing protocols, procedures, and equipment. Use computers for data management. Perform specialized types of testing including PCR, cytogenics, electrophoresis and cell marker technology. 29

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Why become a Medical Laboratory Specialist ? Medical laboratory specialist is a constantly evolving and rewarding career. The lab of today is far more complicated one than the lab of just ten years ago. As new discoveries advance scientific knowledge, the specialist's role will continue to change and expand. Even now, we can see the impact of future tests that may be developed for diagnosing such health problems as cancer of genetic disorders. Working in medical laboratory sciences is a fascinating career that combines science and technology with the opportunity to help people. 31

Clinical Laboratory Science Career Options Clinical Laboratory Science is a dynamic profession! With a Baccalaureate degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, you could go into numerous careers: 32 – Hospital Laboratories – Physician Office Laboratories – Research Assistants – Reference or Industrial Laboratories – Forensic/Crime Labs – University Laboratories – Pharmaceutical Companies – Lab Supervisor or Manager – Laboratory Educator – Diagnostic Medicine Quality Control – Epidemiology Veterinary Medicine – Infection Control

A Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science opens a window of exciting career opportunities. CLS graduates can be found working as: Clinical laboratory generalists in hospitals, clinics or commercial laboratories. Clinical laboratory specialists working in areas such as microbiology, hematology, blood bank, chemistry, molecular biology/DNA, histocompatiblity, virology, immunology/serology and bone marrow labs. Clinical laboratory supervisors, managers, administrators and directors. Careers in CLS 33

Quality assurance/quality management specialists in hospitals or industry (e.g. pharmaceutical quality operations). Technical representatives, sales representatives or research and development specialists in laboratory industries. Clinical Research Associates (CRA) in clinical trials organizations. Research technologists or research supervisors/coordinators in academic medical centers. 34

Laboratory information systems specialists. Infection control officers in hospitals or clinics. Educators for employee training programs or formal academic programs. Consultants for Physician Office Laboratories. Clinical laboratory scientists in veterinary laboratories. 35