1. Medical laboratory Science 2 3 About the department Laboratory Sciences offers opportunities for those interested in different fields of laboratory.

Lecture No. 41

Dr. Mohamed A. El-sakhawy

INTRODUCTION

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APPLIED MEDICAL SCIENCE

الطبية العلوم في التطبيقية مقدمة

Medical laboratory Science

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About the departmentLaboratory Sciences offers opportunities for those interested in

different fields of laboratory sciences, leading to a career in the

health service or in research.

•Medical laboratory specialists are professionals who perform

laboratory tests and analyses that assist physicians in the

diagnosis and treatment of patients.

•They also assist in research and the development of new

laboratory tests.

•They must know the theory and scientific fundamentals as

well as the procedures for testing. 4

The various studies include chemical and physical analysis

of body fluids (clinical chemistry and urinananlysis);

examination of blood and its component cells (hematology);

isolation and identification of bacteria, fungi, viruses and

parasites (clinical microbiology and parasitological); testing

of blood serum for antibodies indicative of specific diseases

(immunology and serology) and collection, storage of blood,

pre transfusion testing and other immunohaematological

procedures (blood banking). In addition, medical laboratory

scientists prepare tissues for histopathological, cytological

and cytogenetic examination. 5

What is Medical Laboratory Sciences? Medical laboratory sciences combines the use of

sophisticated instruments and techniques with the

application of theoretical knowledge to perform

complex procedures on tissue specimens, blood

samples and other body fluids.

The tests and procedures that Medical Laboratory

Specialist perform provide critical information

enabling physicians to diagnose, treat and monitor a

patient's condition. 6

What is Medical Laboratory Science?

Medical Laboratory Science is the “Nerve Center” of medicine.

– Think about the last time you had a really bad sore throat.– If you went to the doctor, you probably had your throat

cultured (the cotton swab rubbed on the back of your throat.)

– That culture was then taken down to the lab and the Clinical Laboratory Scientist was the person who identified which “bug” was causing your sore throat.

All samples taken by a Doctor, Nurse, they are analyzed by a Clinical Laboratory Scientist.

Without the Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Doctors would not be able to diagnose diseases properly or treat patients effectively.

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Clinical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the

detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.

85% of all medical diagnostic and treatment

decisions are based on laboratory test results.

Clinical laboratory technologist - also referred to as

clinical laboratory scientists or medical

technologist - perform these tests.

The role of medical laboratory science?

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medical Laboratory Scientists often find

themselves working to solve the riddle of what

body malfunction or infectious organisms are

making a patient ill.

Clinical Laboratory Scientists use their strong

scientific background in chemistry, biology, and

human physiology to solve medical mysteries

and ultimately help patients regain their health.

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Medical Laboratory Scientists examine and analyze

body fluids, and cells.

They look for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms;

analyze the chemical content of fluids; match blood for

transfusions; and test for drug levels in the blood that show how a

patient is responding to treatment.

Scientists also prepare specimens for examination, count cells,

and look for abnormal cells in blood and body fluids.

They use microscopes, cell counters, and other sophisticated

laboratory equipment.

They also use automated equipment and computerized

instruments capable of performing a number of tests

simultaneously. 10

• With increasing automation and the use of computer

technology, the work of Clinical Laboratory Scientists

has become less mechanical hands-on and more

analytical. The complexity of tests performed, the

level of judgment needed, and the amount of

responsibility workers assume depend largely on the

amount of education and experience they have.

• After testing and examining a specimen, they analyze

the results and relay them to physicians.

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Medical Laboratory Scientists perform complex

chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic,

microscopic, and bacteriological tests.

Scientists microscopically examine blood and other

body fluids. They make cultures of body fluid and

tissue samples, to determine the presence of

bacteria, fungi, parasites, or other microorganisms.

They analyze samples for chemical content or a

chemical reaction and determine concentrations of

compounds such as blood glucose and cholesterol

levels. They also type and cross match blood samples

for transfusions.12

Medical Laboratory Scientists in small laboratories perform

many types of tests, whereas those in large laboratories

generally specialize.

Clinical chemistry lab scientists, for example, prepare

specimens and analyze the chemical and hormonal contents of

body fluids.

Microbiology lab scientists examine and identify bacteria and

other microorganisms.

Blood bank lab scientists (immunohematology) lab scientists

collect, type, and prepare blood and its components for

transfusions.

Immunology lab scientists examine elements of the human

immune system and its response to foreign bodies. 13

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

1. 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.

Areas of Specialty :

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Is the study of microorganisms including bacteria,viruses, parasites, and fungiConducts 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 for detection of bacterial infection and detection of bilharzias and other parasites in stools.

2. Clinical Microbiology:

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Is the study of blood cells and to detect diseases/disorders of the blood.

Common Test: Hemoglobin test to detect anemia.Cross-matching for blood transfusions.

Transfusion Science:Conducts blood typing and blood compatibility tests.

3. Hematology:

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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:

Test to detect cervical cancer.

4. Histology:

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Molecular biology lab scientists perform

complex protein and nucleic acid testing on cell

samples.

Conducts tests on chromosomes, DNA and RNA

from cells of body fluids and tissues, to diagnose

genetic diseases.

Common Test:

DNA paternity and other forms of pre-natal testing.

5. Clinical Genetics:

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The study of antigen and antibody interaction in the diagnosis of diseaseOr the study of the body’s defense mechanisms

The application of theory and principles of blood banking, cell typing, compatibility testing, and antibody identification

7. Immunohematology:

6. Immunology :

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Clinical Laboratory ScienceToday’s CLS is likely to be found in

modern, bright surroundings using the latest state-of-the-art equipment.

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CLS’s Help to Save LivesHere are just two examples of how the CLS

provides valuable information to the health care team.

– Cross matching Blood

A laboratory test in which volunteer donor's red blood cells are

mixed with the patient's serum to determine whether the donor's

cells will most probably survive in the patient's circulation after

transfusion.

– Immunology

The scientific study of the functions of the body which provide

immunity to disease. It often involves looking for antibodies to

foreign substances in the patient's blood. 22

What a CLS might see under the microscope?

In this picture of blood, there are red blood cells and one white blood cell. Red blood cells (pink discs seen here) are special cells that contain the protein hemoglobin, which allows them to pick up and transport oxygen from the lungs to release it deep into the tissues via our circulatory system.In this picture, the large cell with the lobular purple nucleus (the nucleus is segmented) and the cytoplasm is filled with rose-violet granules. 23

Under the Microscope:Sickle Cell Anemia

• Sickle Cell Anemia is a genetically inherited disease in which the hemoglobin of the person’s red blood cells are mutated.

• Under certain stressful conditions, the hemoglobin crystallizes and the red cell forms a sickled shape.

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Sickled cells cannot fit through tiny capillaries in our bodies and damage to these small veins and capillaries and organ damage can occur as a long term result of being born with this disease.

Under the Microscope: MalariaMalaria is the infection of our red

blood cells with a microscopic

parasite. It is transmitted to

humans through the bite of an

infected mosquito, primarily in

tropical climates (see red purple

dots on rings inside the red

blood cells).

The infected red blood cells rupture when the parasite

matures and fever, chills and possibly organ damage.

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Examples of laboratory tests performed by Clinical Laboratory Scientists include:

The detection of the abnormal cells that cause leukemia.

The analysis of cardiac enzyme activity released during a

heart attack.

The identification of the type of bacteria causing an

infection.

The detection of DNA markers for genetic diseases.26

Identify bacteria and determine the best antibiotic for

treatment of the infection.

Microscopically classify and differentiate normal and

abnormal cells, microorganisms, and crystals.

Operate complex electronic instruments to analyze blood

for the presence of normal, abnormal, and malignant

chemical elements, cells and components.

Determine drug levels to asses treatment and to detect

drugs of abuse.

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Prepare blood for transfusion and match proper blood

donors to recipients

Test for and monitor treatment of bleeding and clotting

disorders

Evaluate the chemical and cellular composition of

blood, urine, and other body fluids

Examine responses of the immune system to foreign

antigens and infectious organisms

Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot sophisticated and

computerized instruments 28

Evaluate and implement testing protocols, procedures,

and equipment.

Use computers for data management.

Perform specialized types of testing including PCR,

cytogenics, electrophoresis and cell marker technology.

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Why become a Medical Laboratory Specialist ?

Medical laboratory specialist is a constantly evolving and

rewarding career. The lab of today is far more complicated

one than the lab of just ten years ago. As new discoveries

advance scientific knowledge, the specialist's role will

continue to change and expand. Even now, we can see the

impact of future tests that may be developed for diagnosing

such health problems as cancer of genetic disorders.

Working in medical laboratory sciences is a fascinating

career that combines science and technology with the

opportunity to help people. 31

Clinical Laboratory Science Career OptionsClinical Laboratory Science is a dynamic profession!With a Baccalaureate degree in Clinical Laboratory Science,

you could go into numerous careers:

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– Hospital Laboratories– Physician Office Laboratories– Research Assistants– Reference or Industrial Laboratories– Forensic/Crime Labs– University Laboratories– Pharmaceutical Companies– Lab Supervisor or Manager– Laboratory Educator– Diagnostic Medicine Quality Control– Epidemiology Veterinary Medicine– Infection Control

A Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science opens a window of exciting

career opportunities. CLS graduates can be found working as:

• Clinical laboratory generalists in hospitals, clinics or commercial

laboratories.

• Clinical laboratory specialists working in areas such as

microbiology, hematology, blood bank, chemistry, molecular

biology/DNA, histocompatiblity, virology, immunology/serology and

bone marrow labs.

• Clinical laboratory supervisors, managers, administrators and

directors.

Careers in CLS

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 • Quality assurance/quality management specialists in

hospitals or industry (e.g. pharmaceutical quality operations).

• Technical representatives, sales representatives or research

and development specialists in laboratory industries.

• Clinical Research Associates (CRA) in clinical trials

organizations.

• Research technologists or research supervisors/coordinators

in academic medical centers.

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• Laboratory information systems specialists.

• Infection control officers in hospitals or clinics.

• Educators for employee training programs or formal

academic programs.

• Consultants for Physician Office Laboratories.

• Clinical laboratory scientists in veterinary laboratories.

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