Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Cytotechnologist
Histology Personnel
Medical Laboratory
Personnel
Phlebotomist
 Diseases and disorders of the human body can be detected by
laboratory examination of body fluids and tissues. Diagnosis of diseases,
such as leukemia, diabetes, anemia, AIDS (acquired immune deficiency
syndrome), and bacterial or parasitic infections, can be made by using
sophisticated methods of analysis and evaluation. In addition, laboratory
examinations can detect pregnancy, show the presence and amount of various
drugs or alcohol in the body, and determine blood type. Microscopic
examination of the tissues in the body is used in the diagnosis of
diseases, tumors, and abnormalities of all the organs.
Clinical laboratory personnel conduct and evaluate these
procedures in order to provide the physician with the information necessary
to make an accurate diagnosis. Technologists and technicians provide a wide
range of laboratory services depending upon their skill and education. Tests
may be routine or highly complex analyses using the most advanced technology
and equipment available.
Many careers and specialties are available in the clinical
laboratory, with educational requirements ranging from two years of training
after high school to several years of postgraduate training.
Cytotechnologist
Cytotechnologists, who have specialized training, prepare slides of body cells and
microscopically examine these cells for abnormalities which may signal the
beginning of a cancerous growth. Examination of Pap smears is a major role for cytotechnologists.
Work Activities
* Preparing slides of cell
samples for examination by using special staining techniques that make the cells
easier to differentiate
* Examining smears of cell
samples on slides using a microscope
* Detecting abnormal hormone
conditions
* Recognizing minute
abnormalities in the color, size, and shape of cellular components and patterns
Work Settings
Most Cytotechnologists work
in hospitals, clinics, or private laboratories under the supervision of a
pathologist. Different kinds of diseased tissue specimens and unpleasant odors
often are present, but few hazards exist because safety procedures generally are
employed in laboratories. Some Cytotechnologists work in a university setting as
professors or researchers.
Special Requirements
Persons interested in a
clinical laboratory career should be careful about selecting an educational
program. Prospective employers—hospitals and independent laboratories—may have
preferences as to program accreditation. The program offered at the University
of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is a fully accredited program. Educational
programs should be able to provide information about the kinds of jobs obtained
by graduates, the length of time the program has been in operation,
instructional facilities, and
faculty qualifications.
Educational Institutions
UAMS(B)
For more information,
contact:
Arkansas Association for
Cytology
University of Arkansas for
Medical Sciences
Department of Pathology
4301 W. Markham, slot 517
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 686-6540
American Society of
Clinical Pathologists Board of Registry
2100 West Harrison St.
Chicago, IL 60612-3798
(312) 738-1336
www.acsp.org
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Histology Personnel
Histologic Technicians
and Histotechnologists prepare human or animal tissue samples for
microscopic and other types of examination for use in diagnosis, research, or
instruction. This work enables pathologists to diagnose dysfunction, disease,
and malignancy.
Histotechnologist, also
called Histologists, perform complex procedures and often are supervisors or
instructors. Histologic Technicians cut and stain tissue specimens for
microscopic examination by pathologists and assist Histotechnologists.
 Work Activities
* Preparing sections of body
tissue for diagnostic, research, or teaching purposes
* Embedding pieces of tissue
in wax, then slicing very thin sections using a microtome
* Mounting thinly-sliced
tissue onto a glass slide for microscopic study
* Processing tissue sections
by fixation, dehydration, decalcification, microincineration, and staining
* Identifying tissue
structures and cell components
* Managing and supervising
the histology laboratory
Work Settings
Most Histologic Technicians
and Histotechnologists work in the pathology laboratory of a hospital or clinic.
Some may work in medical or research laboratories. Specimens of diseased tissue
and hazardous, odorous chemicals are encountered daily. However, strict
precautionary procedures are used to assure safety and to minimize risks.
Special Requirements
In Arkansas, histologic
technicians may complete an accredited program in histotechnology. In addition,
they are expected to pass an examination given by the American Society of
Clinical Pathologists (ASCP). To be certified by the ASCP, Histotechnologists
must have a bachelor’s degree in an approved major. Then, either one year of
experience in a histopathology laboratory or the completion of a formal
histologic technology educational program is required.
Educational Institutions
BHS (C)
For more information,
contact:
National Society for
Histotechnology
4201 Northview Drive, Suite
502
Bowie, MD 20716-2604
(301) 262-6221
www.nsh.org
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Medical Laboratory
Personnel
Medical Laboratory
Technicians and Medical
Technologists perform essential laboratory testing that is critical to the
detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. Their work includes the use of
microscopes, chemicals, computers, and complex laboratory equipment and
instruments. They can perform tests in all sections of the laboratory, including
hematology, bacteriology, chemistry, urinalysis, serology, immunohematology,
forensic pathology, immunology and toxicology. Medical Laboratory Technicians
perform procedures that require less technical or theoretical knowledge than
those performed by Medical Technologists.
Work Activities
Medical Laboratory
Technicians’ activities may include:
* Performing laboratory
procedures used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease
* Collecting blood specimens
* Using laboratory
equipment, such as microscopes and computerized instruments, for automated
analyses
* Inoculating culture media
to identify bacteria
* Monitoring the quality
control of tests and procedures
* Reporting unusual or
abnormal results to a Medical Technologist or pathologist
In addition to any testing
that can be performed by Medical Laboratory Technicians, Medical Technologists’
activities may include:
* Performing complex and
sophisticated laboratory analyses
* Evaluating the effects
that a patient’s physiological condition may have on the results of the tests
performed
* Confirming test results
and providing the physician with the necessary data to determine the presence,
extent, cause, and treatment of the disease
* Designing, establishing,
and monitoring quality control programs to ensure the accuracy and reliability
of test results
* Assuming the
responsibility for accurate results
Career Specialties
Most Medical
Technologists and Medical Laboratory Technicians are generalists who
work in all areas of the laboratory. With additional education, they can become
specialists in particular areas of laboratory work, including:
Clinical Chemistry: qualitative or quantitative analyses of the chemical constituents of
body fluids, including toxic substances, cholesterol, drugs and alcohol, blood
sugar, and enzymes
Hematology:
analysis of blood cells and plasma to detect diseases, such as leukemia and
anemia
Immunohematology: study of antigens and antibodies found on blood cells and in plasma in
order to provide safe blood and blood products for transfusion
Microbiology:
identification and evaluation of the bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites
associated with infectious diseases
Immunology (Serology):
analysis of serum and body fluids in order to study the body’s immune response
to infectious and autoimmune diseases
Work Environment
Medical Laboratory Personnel
work as part of a team. Medical Laboratory Technicians and Phlebotomists
(persons who are trained to collect blood samples) are supervised by Medical
Technologists. Medical Technologists are supervised by the Chief Medical
Technologist or Laboratory Director, and the pathologist.
Most Medical Laboratory
Personnel work in hospital laboratories. Many are employed by private
physicians, public health laboratories, medical research facilities,
pharmaceutical companies, universities, industrial medical laboratories, and the
armed forces. Hazards include working with diseased tissues, close contact with
patients who have infectious diseases, exposure to toxic agents, and unpleasant
odors. Risks are minimized by properly handling materials and using approved
safety precautions.
Special Requirements
Medical Technologists are
required to have a bachelor’s degree plus clinical training or a bachelor’s
degree in medical technology. Medical Laboratory Technicians are required to
have an associate degree in medical laboratory technology that includes clinical
training. In addition, technician or technologist candidates must pass a
national certification examination given by the Board of Registry of the
American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the National Certification Agency for
Medical Laboratory Personnel, or the American Medical Technologists. It is
recommended that a counselor be consulted for advice on coordinating
certification pursuits with career goals.
Educational Institutions
Medical Laboratory
Technologists and Medical Laboratory Technicians:
ASUJ,
ASUB, BHS, NAC, NPCC, PCCUA, SACC, UAFS (All A); ATU, BHS, HSU, HU, NWACC, PCCUA,
SAUM, UACCB, UACCH, UAMS (All B)
For more information,
contact:
Arkansas Society for
Medical Technology
University of Arkansas for
Medical Sciences
College of Health Related
Professions
4301 W. Markham, slot 597
Little Rock, AR 72205
American Society for
Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite
530
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 657-2768
www.ascls.org
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Phlebotomist
 Also known as registered
phlebotomy technicians (RPTs), phlebotomists are medical laboratory technicians
whose primary role is to collect blood samples directly from the patient. Using
safe and minimally painful techniques, the phlebotomist draws blood and keeps
careful records of all procedures. Blood may be collected for work in a clinical
laboratory or may be drawn for blood bank collection. Safety precautions are of
utmost concern to phlebotomists due to the nature of their work.
Work Activities
Phlebotomists are usually
employed by hospital laboratories, private laboratories, clinics, large medical
offices, and blood banks. They are supervised by medical technologists and are
trained to apply tourniquets, locate veins and insert needles to draw blood.
Some phlebotomists are also trained to conduct interviews, take vital signs and
draw blood samples to screen blood donors.
Work Settings
Phlebotomists may be
employed in hospital laboratories, blood, banks, blood donation centers,
doctors’ offices, clinics and nursing homes. In hospitals, phlebotomists may be
needed around the clock, while other settings may be more conducive to typical
business hours. Full-time as well as part-time employment is possible.
Special Requirements
In addition to a high school
diploma, interested individuals should also be enrolled in an approved
phlebotomy program, a forma structured training program, of have one year of
experience in a laboratory setting. There are one year programs at community
colleges that offer associate degrees. American Medical Technologists (AMT)
conducts the certification examination and awards the Registered Phlebotomy
Technician title.
Educational Institutions
ASUMH, NAC, NPCC, PCCUA, UACCH (C)
For more information
contact:
American Society for
Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS)
7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite
1301
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 657-2768
www.ascls.org
American Society of
Clinical Pathologists
2100 W. Harrison St.
Chicago, IL 60612-3798
www.ascp.org
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