In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Introduction and Role of Medical Lab Technology 2. Ethics and Responsibilities of Medical Lab Technologists.
Introduction and Role of Medical Lab Technology:
Medical laboratory science is an umbrella field comprising a number of different disciplines.
The major disciplines/departments of medical laboratory science are:
1. Clinical Chemistry
2. Hematology
3. Histopathology
4. Medical Microbiology
The major role of a medical laboratory is to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases by performing qualitative, quantitative or screening test procedures or examinations on materials derived from the human body.
The laboratory plays a vital role in the overall comprehensive health care system by:
1. Confirming provisional diagnosis of the clinician
2. Ruling out a diagnosis
3. Detecting disease
4. Regulating therapy
In recent times, the increased demand on the laboratory has led to the introduction of more specialized and sophisticated procedures including automation and computerization. The medical laboratory science practitioner of today must, of necessity, be theoretically sound and practically effective in his selective discipline.
Ethics and Responsibilities of Medical Lab Technologists:
1. Place the well-being and service for the sick above your own interests.
2. Be loyal to your medical laboratory profession by maintaining high standards of work and strive to improve your professional knowledge.
3. Work scientifically and with complete honesty.
4. Do not misuse your professional skills or knowledge for personal gain.
5. Never take anything from your place of work that does not belong to you.
6. Do not disclose to a patient or any unauthorized person the result to your investigations.
7. Treat with utmost confidentiality and personal information that you may learn about a patient.
8. Respect and work in harmony with the other members of your hospital staff or health center team.
9. Be at all times courteous, patient and considerate to the sick and their relations.
10. Promote health care and the prevention and control of disease.
11. Follow safety procedures and know how to apply first aid.
12. Do not drink alcohol during laboratory working hours or when on emergency stand by.
13. Use equipment and laboratory-ware correctly and with care.
14. Do not waste reagents or other laboratory supplies.
15. Fulfil reliably and completely the terms and conditions of your employment.