Medical Technology
High Tech Applications of Biology, Chemistry &
Medicine
Medical Technology is the traditional name for clinical laboratory sciences
which includes the areas of Hematology, Immunohematology, Clinical Chemistry,
Clinical Microbiology, and Clinical Immunology. Medical Technologists work
to provide critical information needed for diagnosis, prognosis and management
of disease. The work is of exacting precision and accuracy, and is performed
in a fast-paced, highly technical environment. Clinical laboratory scientists
examine and analyze blood, body fluids, tissues, and cells. They perform
routine to complex chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic
and microbial tests, so they are required to have a strong background in
biology, chemistry and medicine. Medical Technologists also evaluate test
results, develop and modify procedures, and establish and monitor programs
to ensure accuracy of test results. In today's clinical laboratory, a medical
technologist is responsible not only for fast and accurate performance
of lab tests, but also for quality control, quality assurance, clinical
relevance, infection control, cost effectiveness, revenue generation, and
management of human resources.
Practice of the profession is regulated by a federal law entitled "The
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act" (CLIA) and laws of the state in which
the laboratory is located. Medical Technologists are responsible for the
accreditation of their laboratory as well as the laboratory's compliance
with state and federal regulations. They often serve as consultants to
smaller laboratories and physicians' office laboratories (POLs). Board
certification as a medical technologist is a nationally recognized and
highly marketable qualification for employment in a variety of organizations.
In the State of Florida, laboratory personnel are required to be licensed
by the State and to renew their license each biennium through documentation
of continuing education.
