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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 analysis 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.
 Medical Technologists perform laboratory procedures used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
CytotechnologistCytotechnologists are trained laboratory technologists who use special techniques to study the structure and function of cells in the human body. By examining cells using a microscope, they can detect changes that occur during the progression of diseases, such as cancer. To enter a 12-month clinical internship program in cytotechnology, the student first must complete three years of college. These programs, offered in some hospitals and colleges, teach students to use a microscope to examine cell samples that have been specially stained, and to recognize and identify changes or abnormalities in cell size, shape, structure, or location.
Work Activities
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
Educational Institutions See "Sources of More Information" Histology PersonnelHistotechnologists and Histologic Technicians 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. Histotechnologists, also called Histologists, perform complex procedures and often are supervisors or instructors. Histologic Technicians perform routine specimen preparation procedures and assist Histotechnologists.
Work Activities
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 To be certified by the ASCP, Histotechnologists must have a bachelor 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. They also must pass an examination given by the ASCP.
Educational Institutions
 The clinical laboratory sciences, an area which is critical to the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 19 percent increase in the number of laboratory professionals by the year 2000. Medical Laboratory PersonnelMedical Technologists and Medical Laboratory Technicians 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, and toxicology.Medical Laboratory Technicians perform procedures that require less technical or theoretical knowledge than those performed by Medical Technologists.
Work Activities
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 analysis 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
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.
To become Medical Technologists, individuals must have a combination of formal clinical training and experience, an associate degree plus experience, a baccalaureate degree plus clinical training, or a baccalaurate degree in medical technology. In addition, individuals seeking to become technicians or technologists must pass a national certification examination given by the Board of Registry of the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, or the National Certification Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel, or the American Medical Technologists. Certification also is available through the International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT). Specific requirements regarding levels of formal education vary with each employer. It is recommended that a counselor be consulted for advice on coordinating certification with career goals.
Medical Technologist:
Phlebotomist:
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