CSMLS

Working in medical laboratory science is a fascinating career that combines science and technology with the opportunity to help people.

As a medical laboratory technologist (MLT), you'll:

  • Perform sophisticated laboratory tests that help diagnose and treat disease
  • Use complex instruments and electronic equipment
  • Ensure test results are accurate
  • Work independently but as an essential part of the health care team

Consider this:

_ *1999 best-seller, Jobs Rated Almanac: the Best and Worst Jobs . Medical laboratory technologists ranked 16 in a list of 250 jobs, and third in the healthcare / medicine / occupational category.

Areas of Specialty

There are thousands of different tests that are performed in speciality areas of the medical laboratory:

Clinical Chemistry:

Conducts tests on blood and body fluid to detect chemicals, hormones and/or drugs.
Common Test: Blood Glucose (blood sugar) to diagnose and monitor diabetes.

Clinical Microbiology:

Conducts tests on blood, body fluid and/or tissue samples to detect bacteria, fungi, viruses, and/or parasites.
Common Test: Throat swab to detect strep throat.

Hematology:

Conducts tests to measure blood cells and to detect diseases/disorders of the blood.
Common Test: Hemoglobin Test to detect anemia.

Transfusion Science:

Conducts blood typing and blood compatibility tests.
Common Test: Cross-matching for blood transfusions.

Histology:

Prepares samples of body tissue for tests to detect disease.
Common Test: Biopsy of a breast lump.

Diagnostic Cytology:

Conducts tests on cells taken from the body to detect cancer.
Common Test: Pap test to detect cervical cancer.

Clinical Genetics:

Conducts tests on chromosomes, DNA and RNA from cells of body fluids and tissues, to diagnose genetic diseases.
Common Test: Amniocentesis and other forms of pre-natal testing.

Other speciality areas include immunology, electron microscopy, virology, parasitology and flow cytometry.