Defining the Practice of the Medical Technology/Clinical
Laboratory Science Profession all aspects of these services. Clinical laboratory tests are utilized
Objectives: At the end of the topic, the learners should:
1. Define, understand, and explain what is Medical Technology
2. Explain the different practices of Medical Technology
Profession
3. Understand the different functions of Medical Technologists
WHAT is a Medical Technology?
According to Nusslin F., “Medical Technology (MT) provides
innovative instrumentation and methods designed for the
purpose of improving prevention, diagnostics, therapy and
rehabilitation. MT rooting in science, engineering and the
biosciences is characterized by its inter- and transdisciplinarity”
Source: Nusslin F. Current status of Medical Technology, Acta
Neurochir Suppl. 2006;98:25-31. Review.
WHAT is the Nature of Medical Technology?
1. A procedure of scientific activities (Substantial Procedural)
2. A paramount field of scientific investigation (Investigative
Complicity)
3. An intervention in the medicinal procedures (Inter-medical
Procedural Interference)
4. An explicit application of science and technology (Assiduous
Partner)
5. Evidentiary information in medicine (Circumstantial Medicinal
Evidences)
Source:
https://www.coursehero.com/file/p44p0hp/THE-NATURE-OF-ME
DICAL-TECHNOLOGY-A-procedure-of-scientific-activities/
WHAT are the scopes of Medical Technology?
1. Investigating nosocomial Infections
2. New Discoveries Through Research
3. Public Health Education Through Seminar/Workshops
4. Extending services to molecular engineering
5. Pioneer in Laboratory Medical Diagnostic Services
6. Evaluating the efficacy of drug treatment through
microbiological analysis
7. Engaging in blood donation and bloodletting services for the
public
8. Laboratory Diagnosis
9. Biological and Medical Research
10. Prevention and control of disease and infection
11. Innovative Techniques and Technology
Source:
https://www.coursehero.com/file/p44p0hp/THE-NATURE-OF-ME
DICAL-TECHNOLOGY-A-procedure-of-scientific-activities/
WHAT are the delimitations of Medical Technology?
1. Provision of medical drugs to patients
2. Does not involve actual health care and interventions
Source:
https://www.coursehero.com/file/p44p0hp/THE-NATURE-OF-ME
DICAL-TECHNOLOGY-A-procedure-of-scientific-activities/
WHO are Medical Technologists?
According to the American Society for Clinical Laboratory
Science, “Medical laboratory science professionals, often called
medical laboratorians, are vital health care detectives,
uncovering and providing laboratory information from laboratory
analyses that assist physicians in patient diagnosis and
treatment, as well as in disease monitoring or prevention
(maintenance of health). Moreover, encompassing the design,
performance, evaluation, reporting, interpreting, and clinical
correlation of clinical laboratory testing, and the management of
for the purpose of diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and
prevention of disease. We use sophisticated biomedical
instrumentation and technology, computers, and methods
requiring manual dexterity to perform laboratory testing on blood
and body fluids. Laboratory testing encompasses such
disciplines as clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology,
immunohematology, microbiology, and molecular biology.
Medical laboratory science professionals generate accurate
laboratory data that are needed to aid in detecting cancer, heart
attacks, diabetes, infectious mononucleosis, and identification of
bacteria or viruses that cause infections, as well as in detecting
drugs of abuse. In addition, we monitor testing quality and
consult with other members of the health care team. Integral
features of each of the specialties include diagnostic testing,
research, consultation, education, information management,
marketing and administration.”
Sources:
http://www.ascls.org/position-papers/188-scope-of-practice/164-
scope-of-practice
http://www.ascls.org/what-is-a-medical-laboratory-science-profes
sional
WHAT are the characteristics of Medical Technologists?
1. Sensuous and Flexible
2. Preferential Health Servant
3. Active subject of innovative technologies. (Adventurous and
Self-fulfilling)
4. Invites individuals to learn the new technologies (Informative)
5. Research-oriented
6. Committed Health Promoter
7. Concerns with students who are interested to acquire
profound knowledge and skills of biological and medical sciences
(Educative)
8. Focuses on providing reliable and accurate laboratory findings
(Self-conscious and Perfectibility)
Source:
https://www.coursehero.com/file/p44p0hp/THE-NATURE-OF-ME
DICAL-TECHNOLOGY-A-procedure-of-scientific-activities/
WHAT are the important Qualities for Medical
Technologists?
1. Ability to use technology. Medical laboratory technologists and
technicians must understand how to operate computerized lab
equipment.
2. Detail oriented. Medical laboratory technologists and
technicians must follow exact instructions in order to perform
tests or procedures correctly.
3. Dexterity. Medical laboratory technologists and technicians
need to be skilled with their hands. They work closely with
needles and precision laboratory instruments and must handle
these tools effectively.
4. Physical stamina. Medical laboratory technologists and
technicians may work on their feet for long periods while
collecting samples. They may need to lift or turn disabled patients
to collect samples for testing.
Source:
https://collegegrad.com/careers/medical-and-clinical-laboratory-t
echnologists-and-technicians
WHAT are the functions of Medical Technologists?
1. Scientific Function
2. Production of test data
3. Monitoring the accuracy, precision and utility of laboratory
testing
4. Evaluation and implementation of new laboratory methods
5. Management Function: Technical, Fiscal, Human Resources,
Educational Function
Source:
https://www.coursehero.com/file/p44p0hp/THE-NATURE-OF-ME
DICAL-TECHNOLOGY-A-procedure-of-scientific-activities/
WHERE do Medical Technologists work?
Medical Technologists work in the laboratory. The following are
different types of laboratory where Medical Technologists work:
1. Biosafety Laboratory - the containment of potentially harmful
biological agents.
2. Clinical and Medical Laboratory - laboratories equipped for
diagnostic tests on tissue, blood and other patient samples. They
can be subdivided into various processes such as pathology,
serology, histology, virology, bacteriology and molecular biology
with PCR- technologies.
3. Research and Development Laboratory
Source: https://www.exilab.com/en/laboratory-types/
WHAT are the different sections of Clinical Laboratory?
Phlebotomy, Biochemistry, Immunology/Virology, Microbiology,
Blood Donor Services, Blood Transfusion Services
Molecular Diagnostics/Genetics, Cytogenetics, Mortuary Practice,
Cytology, Embryology, Point of Care Testing, Haematology,
Specimen Services, Histology
Source:
https://www.mscouncil.org.nz/for-practitioners/definitions-and-qu
alifications/the-profession-of-medical-laboratory-science/
WHAT do Medical Technologists do?
A. According to RA 5527 (Philippine Medical Technology Act of
1969)
1. Examination of tissues, secretions and excretions of the
human body and body fluids by various electronic, chemical,
miscroscopic, bacteriologic, hematologic, serologic, immunologic,
nuclear, and other laboratory procedures and techniques either
manual or automated:
2. Blood banking procedures and techniques;
3. Parasitologic, Mycologic and Microbiologic procedures and
techniques;
4. Histopatholgic and Cytotechnology; provided that nothing in
this paragraph shall inhibit a duly registered medical laboratory
technician from performing histopathologic techniques and
procedures.
5. Clinical research involving patients or human beings requiring
the use of and/or application of medical technology knowledge
and procedures;
6. Preparations and standardization of reagents, standards,
stains and others, provided such reagents, standards, stains and
others are exclusively for the use of their laboratory;
7. Clinical laboratory quality control;
8. Collection and preservation of specimens,
Provided, that any person who shall passed the corresponding
Board examination for the practice of a profession already
regulated by existing laws, shall not be subject to the provisions
of at last four (4) preceding paragraphs if the performance of
such acts or services is merely incidental to his profession.
Source: REPUBLIC ACT NO. 5527, ALSO KNOWN AS THE
PHILIPPINE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY ACT OF 1969
B. According to American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science
1. Ensuring that appropriate clinical laboratory tests are ordered;
2. Procuring clinical laboratory test samples in an efficient, timely
manner;
3. Producing accurate clinical laboratory test results;
4. Correlating and interpreting clinical laboratory test data;
5. Disseminating clinical laboratory test information to clinicians
and patients in a timely manner;
6. Evaluating the outcome of clinical laboratory testing for each
individual patient and the entire health care system;
7. Utilizing qualified medical laboratory personnel.
Other requirements include the ff:
 Assessing, designing, evaluating and implementing new
clinical laboratory test methods;
 Evaluating the appropriateness of existing and new clinical
laboratory methods for clinical utility, cost-effectiveness and
cost-benefit analysis;
 Developing, implementing, and reporting results of clinical
laboratory research;
 Designing and implementing cost-effective delivery models
for clinical laboratories, including their services and
personnel;
 Developing and implementing a comprehensive Quality
Management System to include:
 Quality control and assurance of clinical laboratory testing
services;
 Competency assessment of personnel;
 Integration with other aspects of the healthcare delivery
system for ensuring appropriate utilization of clinical
laboratory testing services;
 Continuous process improvement activities to effectively
utilize human resources.
 Designing, implementing and evaluating academic curricula
for the education of new medical laboratory professionals;
 Designing, implementing and evaluating academic curricula
for advanced education of medical laboratory professionals;
 Designing, implementing and evaluating continued
education activities and career growth opportunities for
medical laboratory professionals;
 Promoting awareness and understanding of the use of the
clinical laboratory.
Source:
http://www.ascls.org/position-papers/188-scope-of-practice/164-
scope-of-practice
WHAT are the duties/roles of Medical Technology/Medical
Laboratory Science in disease detection and diagnosis?
1. Analyze body fluids, such as blood, urine, and tissue samples,
and record normal or abnormal findings
2. Study blood samples for use in transfusions by identifying the
number of cells, the cell morphology or the blood group, blood
type, and compatibility with other blood types
3. Operate sophisticated laboratory equipment, such as
microscopes and cell counters
4. Use automated equipment and computerized instruments
capable of performing a number of tests at the same time
5. Log data from medical tests and enter results into a patient's
medical record
6. Discuss results and findings of laboratory tests and
procedures with physicians
7. Supervise or train medical laboratory technicians
WHAT are the responsibilities of Medical
Technology/Medical Laboratory Science in disease
detection and diagnosis?
(BASIC PRACTICE)
1. Ensure that all relevant information is obtained for correct
specimen collection and analysis.
2. Treat all patients with courtesy and respect, ensuring that their
rights are protected and their consent obtained.
3. Apply proper protocol for identification of the patient and
collection of specimens.
4. Apply proper protocol for specimen accessioning, identification,
documentation and storage in a retrievable manner.
5. Exercise judgment in assessing the integrity and suitability of
specimens for examination.
6. Identify and use the most appropriate techniques for preparing
specimens for analysis.
7. Assess and organize the workload to optimize efficiency and
quality of patient care.
8. Provide appropriate instruction to health care workers
responsible for collection, transportation, documentation and
storage of specimens.
9. Ensure there is a complete, current and accessible manual
outlining proper procedures for collection, transportation,
documentation and storage of specimens.
(ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES)
10. Understand the principles and perform analytical techniques
on a variety of specimens and ensure accuracy of analyses.
11. Understand the physical and chemical principles of the
various analyses performed.
12. Apply approved methods and procedures in the performance
of analyses.
13. Operate and maintain analytical equipment proficiently.
14. Understand and interpret references ranges (intervals),
critical values, and detection limits of each technique.
15. Understand and identify the cause of interferences and
adverse effects and take appropriate action.
16. Ensure that control protocols are clearly defined and followed
for each analysis.
17. Ensure the accuracy of patient results utilizing quality control
programs.
(TECHNICAL SUFFICIENCY)
18. Evaluate the technical sufficiency of test results and ensure
that reports are issued in an appropriate and timely manner.
19. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between
clinical information, laboratory analyses, diagnosis and patient
care.
20. Identify results that are outside expected finding or clinically
established reference ranges and ensure that appropriate action
is taken.
21. Release results of laboratory analyses that meet quality
control criteria in a timely and efficient manner.
22. Communicate information regarding laboratory analyses to
clients in a manner that is appropriate.
23. Ensure that laboratory results remain confidential and are
accurately documented and retained in accordance with
established policy and existing legislation.
(QUALITY MANAGEMENT)
24. Maintain established standards for quality control in
specimen procurement, preparation, analysis, interpretation and
reporting.
25. Follow established protocols as defined in policy and
procedure manuals.
26. Ensure the accurate and timely reporting of results.
27. Practice in a manner consistent with efficient and effective
use of resources.
28.Participate in internal and external quality assurance
programs.
29. Maintain appropriate documentation.
(PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES)
30. Be responsible and accountable for their continued
competence.
31. Practice within the legal and ethical framework of their
profession.
32. Participate in the development and application of accepted
standards of their profession.
33. Always put the welfare of the patient above other
considerations.
34. Communicate patient test results clearly and accurately to
clinicians
35. Perform work efficiently and accurately under the pressure of
time constraints and be able to multitask
36. Professional attitudes, behaviors and cultural competencies
37. Display professionalism in communication and dress and
show respect for colleagues and superiors
38. Demonstrate tolerance and establish effective working
relationships with others from diverse backgrounds, including
age, race and gender
39. Work effectively as a team member or independently as
required to accomplish the goals of the work unit (laboratory)
40. Demonstrate advocacy in the field of laboratory medicine,
seeking to engage in activities that help to increase the
awareness, status and quality of the medical laboratory science
profession
41. Value self-directed learning, maintain board certification, and
participate in ongoing continuing education to increase and
update knowledge of laboratory medicine
Sources: https://www.cmltm.ca/about-us/standards-of-practice
https://www.mayo.edu/mayo-clinic-school-of-health-sciences/car
eers/laboratory-sciences/clinical-laboratory-science-program-flori
da-and-minnesota/goals-and-competencies
WHAT are the types of specialized medical laboratory
technologists?
1. Blood bank technologists, or immunohematology technologists,
collect blood, classify it by type, and prepare blood and its
components for transfusions.
2. Clinical chemistry technologists prepare specimens and
analyze the chemical and hormonal contents of body fluids.
3. Cytotechnologists prepare slides of body cells and examine
these cells under a microscope for abnormalities that may signal
the beginning of a cancerous growth.
4. Immunology technologists examine elements of the human
immune system and its response to foreign bodies.
5. Microbiology technologists examine and identify bacteria and
other microorganisms.
6. Molecular biology technologists perform complex protein and
nucleic acid tests on cell samples.
Source:
https://collegegrad.com/careers/medical-and-clinical-laboratory-t
echnologists-and-technicians
7. Medical laboratory management
8. Medical laboratory science research and development
9. Medical laboratory science teaching
10. Medical laboratory quality management
Source:
https://www.mscouncil.org.nz/for-practitioners/definitions-and-qu
alifications/the-profession-of-medical-laboratory-science/
WHAT are the career opportunities for MT fresh board
passers?
1. Biochemist – study the chemical composition of cells and the
cellular makeup of living organisms; they perform research on
the cellular level, analyzing chemical processes and reactions
2. Bacteriologist – conduct research and observe the qualities,
growth and composition of scientific microorganisms such as
bacteria, fungi and parasites
3. Blood Bank Technologist – collect, analyze and prepare blood
for transfusions
4. Clinical lab technicians and assistants- Clinical Pathologist
collect samples from patients, sometimes within a surgical setting,
or they take the samples collected by clinical lab technicians and
assistants
5. Histologist – work closely with pathologists and diagnosticians
to identify the cause of patient symptoms and flag any warning
signs of disease
6. Microbiologist – studies microscopic organisms using the
microscope
7. Parasitologist – study the characteristics, habits, and life
cycles of animal parasites. In many cases, their work includes
investigation of undiagnosed human illness, and possible
parasitic invasion related to the illness
8. Medical Research Assistant – performs tasks to aid research
in a hospital, laboratory or clinical setting; help collect samples
and specimens, interview research subjects, perform routine
tests and procedures, assemble data and ensure that test
protocols are documented
9. Toxicologist – determines the risk of negative effects of certain
chemicals on humans, animals and the environment
10. Cytotechnologist – specializes in cytology, which is the study
of the formation, structure and function of cells
11. Crime Lab Analyst – work in laboratories rather than in the
field, analyzing various forms of physical evidence collected by
police detectives and forensic technicians at crime scenes

WHAT are the career opportunities for Advanced Positions?

*Require years of extensive experience and practice:
1. Forensic Chemist – analyzes evidence that is collected at
crime scenes by using principles of chemistry, genetics and
biology
2. Chief Medical Technologist – supervises and ensures that all
laboratory tests are done accurately and on time
3. Chief Medical Researcher – work in hospitals or science
laboratories or independent organizations compiling and
analyzing information about diseases, drug interaction and
patient progress. They collect data, confer with doctors and
patients and report findings to hospital administrators and others
4. Medical Laboratory Manager – responsible for the operation,
direction and administration of a clinical laboratory
5. Pharmacologist – studies and analyzes the impact of
chemicals and other pharmaceutical substances, such as
medicinal plants on the human body
6. Research Scientists
7. Educators
8. Epidemiologists
9. Veterinary Laboratory Scientists
10. Nuclear Medicine Scientists
11. Food and Industrial Microbiologists

WHAT are the career opportunities for Non Board MT

passers?
1. Medical Equipment Sales Representatives – sells and markets
medical equipments to private clinics, diagnostic centers and
hospitals; they also instruct and demonstrate the use of certain
medical devices
2. Pharmaceutical Sales Representative – work for
pharmaceutical companies, traveling around to get doctors to
use their product
3. Medical Technicians – assist Medical Technologists in
collecting specimens and operating medical equipments during
procedures

Sources:
https://www.finduniversity.ph/majors/bs-in-medical-technology-p
hilippines/
https://www.national-u.edu.ph/?page_id=1170
Defining the Practice of medical technology and other Laboratory Personnel.

Source: Harmening, D. M., Castleberry, B. M., & Lunz, M. E. (1995).

Defining the Roles of Medical Technologists and Medical Laboratory
Technicians. Laboratory Medicine, 26(3), 175–178.
doi:10.1093/labmed/26.3.175