Occupational Video - Medical Laboratory Technologist

Summary

The video script introduces the profession of a medical laboratory technologist, highlighting the role of analyzing patient samples to assist in diagnosis. Diane Gersy, a technologist at the Royal Alexander Hospital, discusses the daily responsibilities, such as examining body fluids, using equipment like centrifuges and osmometers, and the importance of being conscientious and scientifically adept. The script also touches on the educational path, potential job settings, and the personal fulfillment derived from helping patients, encouraging those interested to explore the field further on the Alice website.

Takeaways

• 🔬 Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) analyze patient samples to assist doctors in diagnosing diseases.
• 🏥 Diane Gersy works as an MLT at the Royal Alexander Hospital, focusing on examining body fluids and tissues.
• 🧬 MLTs handle patient samples such as blood, urine, and stool, and analyze them to review results for physicians.
• 🕒 The work in the lab operates 24/7, with MLTs covering various shifts to ensure continuous operation.
• 🤝 Communication with colleagues about shift changes is crucial for continuity in processing and analyzing samples.
• 🛠 MLTs perform maintenance and troubleshooting on lab equipment as part of their daily tasks.
• 🧴 Samples arrive at the lab through various methods, including direct patient visits, pneumatic tube systems, and lab assistants.
• 🌀 The use of a centrifuge separates serum and cells in samples for further analysis.
• 🧪 Automated instruments in the lab use cassettes to process multiple blood samples for different counts and analysis.
• 🌡 The osmometer is a manual technique used to measure the freezing point depression of samples to determine particle concentration.
• 📚 MLTs can work in various departments such as chemistry, coagulation, hematology, or pursue roles in research, quality improvement, sales, or teaching.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Diane finds the occupation rewarding, emphasizing the importance of MLTs in diagnosing patient diseases and states.
• 🎓 Becoming an MLT requires 2 to 4 years of postsecondary study, with additional information available on occupational profiles and related occupations.

Q & A

What is a medical laboratory technologist?

A medical laboratory technologist is a professional who analyzes patient samples in various forms to assist doctors in diagnosing patients.

What motivated Diane Gersy to become a medical laboratory technologist?

Diane Gersy was motivated to become a medical laboratory technologist after someone close to her was diagnosed with cancer, which led her to research the field and pursue a career in it.

What are the primary responsibilities of a medical laboratory technologist?

The primary responsibilities include analyzing patient samples such as blood, urine, and stool, reviewing results, and providing these results to physicians for further diagnosis.

How does the typical day in a lab for a medical laboratory technologist look like?

A typical day involves shifts that cover 24/7, starting with maintenance checks, processing samples, resulting them, and ensuring patient results are delivered to the wards. Troubleshooting and maintenance may also be required during the day.

How are patient samples collected and brought to the lab?

Patient samples are collected through various means, including patients coming to the lab themselves, a pneumatic tube system, and lab assistants who collect samples from wards and bring them back to the lab.

What is the purpose of using a centrifuge in the lab?

The centrifuge is used to separate serum and cells by spinning the samples at high speed, allowing the heavier particles to settle at the bottom of the tube.

What is the function of a cassette in the lab?

A cassette holds blood samples and is used with certain lab instruments. The instrument takes the sample from the cassette, pierces it with a needle, and draws the sample for various counts and analysis.

What is the osmometer and how is it used in the lab?

The osmometer is a manual technique used to measure the freezing point depression of a sample. It draws the sample into a pipet, freezes it, and provides a result based on the particles in the sample.

What are some career options for a medical laboratory technologist outside of working in a lab?

Outside of working in a lab, a medical laboratory technologist can pursue careers in research, become a lab scientist, work in quality improvement, sales, or as a technical specialist for lab equipment companies, or even teach.

What are the educational requirements to become a medical laboratory technologist?

Typically, 2 to 4 years of postsecondary study are required to become a medical laboratory technologist.

What kind of personality traits are best suited for a career as a medical laboratory technologist?

A conscientious, reliable, organized individual with strong skills in science and math is best suited for a career as a medical laboratory technologist.