Medical Laboratory Technologist (Episode 63)

Summary

In this video, Jodi Simmons, a medical laboratory technologist, takes viewers inside the Dawson Creek and District Hospital Lab. She explains the key tasks of a medical lab technologist, including running tests on patient samples, maintaining lab instruments, and ensuring accurate results for doctors. Jodi shares insights into the daily responsibilities, such as quality control, blood typing, and shift work. She also discusses the education and certification requirements, as well as the opportunities for career advancement. Her advice highlights the importance of attention to detail and a caring attitude toward patient well-being, even in an behind-the-scenes role.

Takeaways

• 😀 Medical laboratory technologists work in labs, analyzing patient samples such as blood and body fluids to assist doctors in diagnosing patients.
• 😀 They operate complex medical equipment to ensure results are accurate and precise before sending them to doctors.
• 😀 A typical day includes waking up instruments, running quality control checks, and performing maintenance tasks on machines.
• 😀 Medical lab technologists may need to draw blood and perform tests like blood typing to identify patient blood groups.
• 😀 They must be skilled in using pipettes and small equipment, and must stay organized to prioritize urgent tasks like emergency cases.
• 😀 Precision and double-checking are essential to avoid mistakes, especially when handling critical emergency samples.
• 😀 Lab technologists frequently collaborate with other healthcare professionals like nurses and doctors, playing a vital behind-the-scenes role.
• 😀 The job requires shift work, with day shifts running from 7:30 AM to 4 PM and evening shifts covering from 2:30 PM to 11 PM.
• 😀 Educational requirements include a biochemistry degree, though some may choose a diploma in medical laboratory technology, followed by certification.
• 😀 There are ongoing opportunities for career advancement, including specialization in fields like microbiology or further education through online courses offered by certifying bodies.
• 😀 Attention to detail, care for patient well-being, and being considerate are crucial traits for a successful medical laboratory technologist.

Q & A

What is the role of a medical laboratory technologist?

A medical laboratory technologist works in a lab where they run patient samples, such as blood and body fluids, to perform tests ordered by a doctor. They ensure the results are accurate and precise before releasing them to the doctors.

What does a typical day look like for a medical laboratory technologist?

A typical day involves waking up instruments, pulling quality control material to ensure the instruments are running correctly, performing maintenance like cleaning instruments, and processing patient samples.

What kind of instruments do medical laboratory technologists work with?

They work with various instruments, including chemistry analyzers, which help determine if there has been any damage, such as in the case of a heart attack. They also use equipment like pipettes and reagents to test blood types.

What skills are important for a medical laboratory technologist?

Important skills include being able to work with your hands, being organized, and being able to prioritize tasks, as well as double-checking your work to avoid mistakes, especially in urgent cases.

How do medical laboratory technologists prioritize tasks?

They must prioritize specimens based on urgency. For example, a 'stat' specimen from the emergency department has a higher priority than a routine sample, requiring quick but accurate work.

What kind of interactions do medical laboratory technologists have with other healthcare professionals?

Medical laboratory technologists work closely with nurses and doctors, often in collaboration to ensure proper patient care and accurate test results.

How does a medical laboratory technologist determine a patient's blood type?

They use reagents and test tubes to mix drops of blood. If the blood clumps with the reagent, they can identify the blood type. For example, if 'A' reagent causes clumping, it indicates an 'A' blood type.

What are the working hours for a medical laboratory technologist?

Medical laboratory technologists work in shifts. Day shifts typically run from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, while evening shifts start at 2:30 PM and go until 11:00 PM. Some are also on call during the night.

What education and certification are required to become a medical laboratory technologist?

To become a medical laboratory technologist, one needs a diploma from a two-and-a-half-year program, though a degree in biochemistry or a related field can be beneficial. Afterward, certification is required, and technologists can work anywhere in Canada.

What advice is given to someone starting a career as a medical laboratory technologist?

It’s advised to take a lab tour, talk to professionals in the field, and focus on developing attention to detail and a caring attitude for patients, even though the work is behind the scenes.