Specialties in Medical Laboratory Technology

Specialties in Medical Laboratory Science

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical and physiochemical processes of living organisms. As the study relates to humans, the medical laboratory technologist (MLT) performs a wide variety of biochemical analyses, including those to determine cholesterol and thyroid levels, enzyme levels for heart disease, and glucose levels for the diagnosis and management of diabetes. In fact more than 200 chemical analyses may be performed and interpreted in a typical biochemistry section of a medical laboratory. This requires an MLT with a special level of knowledge and expertise.

Cytology is the study of the origin, formation, structure, function and classification of cells. The identification of normal and cancerous cells also falls within this discipline. Cytotechnologists are responsible for specimen preparation and staining, as well as microscopic evaluation and interpretation of patient samples. One of the roles of the cytotechnologist is to identify cancer of the cervix through the microscopic examination of Pap smears. Cytology results are used in diagnosis, patient management, and treatment follow up.

Histology deals with the microscopic identification of cells and tissues. This science requires an understanding of the structure and composition of cells and their organization into various organs. Technologists working in histology are responsible for the preparation and staining of tissues for diagnostic examination under the light microscope. Histology technologists also work with tissue biopsies and larger specimens from operating rooms. This work is sometimes performed on an urgent basis so surgeons can decide how to proceed in the best interest of a patient undergoing surgery.

Hematology deals with blood, blood forming tissues and the related cellular components. Modern-day analysis is performed primarily by automated instrumentation with the interpretive analysis conducted by the MLT. This analysis can identify cells associated with a wide variety of blood disorders such as leukemia and anemia. Investigation of bleeding or coagulation disorders, such as hemophilia, and monitoring of test results from patients taking anticoagulants are also performed in this specialty.

Microbiology is the study of the bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites that invade the body. The microbiology lab is often divided into the subspecialties bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, and virology. An MLT authorized to practice in microbiology may work in one, or a combination of, the multiple subspecialties.

Technologists working in transfusion science study antigens and antibodies associated with blood transfusions and certain complications of pregnancy. It is a complex field of study and one of the areas of practice where the technologist may analyze and provide a blood product used for the treatment of a patient. The transfusion science technologist may assess the blood to be used in surgery for accident victims or provide an analysis of various specialized blood products such as plasma for hemophiliacs or platelets for patients with leukemia. The technologist practising in this area must have an understanding of immunology, serology and genetics. In larger centres, transfusion science technologists may perform tests associated with tissue and organ transplantation.

Parasitology is the specialty that examines and identifies parasites found on or in the human body. This includes the identification of some of the most common parasites such as pinworm, roundworm and tapeworm. Unlike the other specialties of microbiology, parasites are often large enough to see with the naked eye.

Virology is the science devoted to the study of viruses and viral diseases. The prevalence of AIDS and HIV has developed a greater public awareness of the devastating impact viruses can have on everyday life. Technologists working in this field focus on the identification and management of viral diseases.

The molecular genetics technologist focuses on examining DNA and RNA and looking for changes in the genes. Abnormal or changed genes are, in many cases, associated with specific conditions or diseases such as breast cancer and hemophilia. Molecular techniques can be used to identify infectious agents like viruses and bacteria that are difficult or slow to grow in tissue cultures. These techniques can also identify the stages of cancer and various genetic diseases.