The role of a Medical Lab Technician is critical

The component of a health check Lab Technician is tiny evenhandedlyup spot and c atomic number 18 of universal research research research lab crackpotw be and equipment. Diagnostics plays prominent region in the field of Medicine. sizeable diagnosis of the illness plays an important role in concluding the patients condition with bulge out which checkup intervention/ surgery basin non be obtained. The role of a Medical Lab Technician is deprecative for priggish diagnosis and interpretation of results. clinical studies in the fields of Medicine, Pharamacutical Industries, and sustainment etcetera in like manner entreat the technicians.1.1. Introduction to Medical Lab technologyMedical science lab Technology also c eached clinical research science lab scholarship is an al fraudd health profession which is upholded with the diagnosis, treatment and pr eventidetion of disease through the use of clinical science lab trials. It is a combination of the techni ques on with the application of theoretical knowledge to commit complex procedures on meander precedents, gillyflower samples and an opposite(prenominal) body fluids. They look for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms examine the chemical content of fluids match channel for transfusions and rivulet for drug aims in the filiation that show how a patient is responding to treatment. The mental political campaigns which ar performed provide critical training enabling physicians to diagnose, treat and monitor a patients condition.A Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) do these exams by analyzing body fluids, tissues, channel typing, microorganism screening, chemical analyses, cell counts of tender-hearted body etc.The process carried out by a technician isCollection of the patients schoolingSamplingTesting of samplesReporting and livelihood of the resultsThey sic the presence, extent or absence of disease and provide data needed to evaluate the effectiven ess of treatment.The mingled application of checkup exam lab technology include,Laboratory Technicians is compulsory in various departments in medical and Pharmacy collegesIn diagnostic centersIn hospitals of various sectorsQuality keep RD sectors of Drug Manufacturing unitsClinical studies in various laboratoriesNational Institute of comestibleCentral Drug Research LaboratoryMolecular Biology LabsWith increase automation and the use of computer technology, the work of technologists and technicians has become less active and much uninflected. The complexity of tests performed, the level of judgment needed, and the summate of responsibility workers seize on depend largely on the amount of education and experience they pass on. Clinical laboratory technologists usu solelyy do more than(prenominal) complex tasks than clinical laboratory technicians do.There atomic number 18 dickens levels of medical laboratory workersTechnologistsTechniciansTechnologistsMedical technol ogists have more training and job responsibilities. They perform complex tests much(prenominal) as microscopic examinations of tissues, blood and other body fluids to detect evidence of disease and detect the presence of bacteria, fungi, parasites etc and chemical tests to determine blood cholesterol levels. They also match blood samples for transfusions and test drug levels in blood to determine how patients are responding to medications. They are very much accountable for making surely that test is through accurately. In close to labs, technologists conduct research under the surveillance of medical researchers.Medical technologists work in five major bowls of the laboratoryBlood bankingClinical Chemis sift (chemical analysis of body fluids)Hematology (blood related)Immunology (study of repellent organisation)Microbiology (study of bacteria and other disease organisms)Clinical chemistry technologistsThey piddle specimens and analyze the chemical and hormonal contents o f body fluids.Microbiology technologistsThey examine and identify bacteria and other microorganisms.Blood bank technologistsAlso referred as immunohematology technologists, collect, type, and tog out blood and its components for transfusions. Immunology technologists examine elements of the human immune system and its response to foreign bodies.CytotechnologistsThey tack together slides of body cells and examine these cells microscopically for abnormalities that whitethorn signal the beginning of a cancerous growth.Molecular biology technologistsThey perform complex protein and nucleic back breaker interrogatory on cell samples.TechniciansMedical technicians do routine laboratory interrogation manually according to operating instructions. They work under Technologists or supervisors. Technicians may prepare specimens and operate machines that automatically analyze samples. In sum total to running tests, technicians dress out up, divest, and maintain laboratory equipment, suc h as cartridge removers, microscopes etc. They also prepare standard events for use in the lab. This involves measuring and mixing the correct amount of various chemicals.___________________________________________________________________1.2. ROLE OF MEDICAL testing ground TECHNOLOGIST_____________________________________________________________________A Clinical Laboratory Scientists role is to provide accurate laboratory results in a timely manner. Safeguards, such as experimental controls, calibration of laboratory creatures, delta checks and casual surveys should be carried out.Medical laboratory technologists work in a combat-ready and evolving environment, and use technological equipment to provide information that must be refined rapidly and accurately.The major role of clinical lab technologists isThey perform a full range of laboratory tests from simple prenatal blood tests, to more complex tests to uncover diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and cancer.They are re sponsible for confirming the accuracy of test results, and reporting laboratory findings to pathologists and other physicians.The information result given by the lab technologist influences the medical treatment a patient will receive.They operate complex electronic equipment, computers, and preciseness legal documents costing millions of dollars.They assist pay take outs and nurses in choosing the correct lab tests and visualize right-hand(a) collection methods.They receive the patient specimens, analyze the specimens, interpret and report results. A pathologist may confirm a diagnostic result, and often the medical lab technologist is responsible for interpreting and communicating critical patient results to the physician.They should recognize anomalies in their test results and know how to correct problems with the instrumentation.They inject preventive measures to minimize errors and reject contaminated or sub-standard specimens.Role of Medical Laboratory TechnologistThe m edical technician has the job of carrying out the more staple fiber tasks and his responsibilities includeEnsuring that the laboratory and the equipments and frappeware utilise in laboratory the Great Compromiser clean.Proper placement of chemical, equipments and glassware.Ensuring that there are proper(ip) labels pasted on the bottles of chemicals and reagents.The equipment use in the lab is in proper shape and handled carefully and proper synthetic rubber measures are observed when discourse specimens.All specimens and other temporal in the lab are disposed off in a safe and appropriate manner.A complete record of tests carried out in the laboratory is maintained.Fresh material is indented through a medical policeman and the material is stored in a proper and safe fashion. un lavationed tests performed in a clinical lab areComplete blood count (CBC)Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)Liver function tests (LFT) nephritic function tests (RFT)Thyroid function test (TFT)Urin e analysishematologic analysisLipid profileSemen analysis (for fertility and post-vasectomy studies) serologic studiesRoutine cultures.______________________________________________________________________1.3. ETHICS______________________________________________________________________The medical lab technologists are bound by the ethical codes. Laboratories shall not engage in practices restricted by righteousness and should uphold the reputation of their profession.The medical lab technologists are required to flummox to the following code of moralityThe general idea of healthcare ethics is the welfare of the patient. The laboratory should treat all patients f nimbusly and without discrimination.The main consume of laboratory ethics is collecting the proper information of the patient, which enables the requested examinations and other laboratory procedures to be carried outSafety of staff and other patients are legitimate concerns when communicable diseases are possible and in formation may be collected for these purposes.All the information is collected with the knowledge of the patient and the patients should be informed regarding the procedure carried out.Forcing some one to undergo medical examen of any kind is an invasion of privacy and a violation of human rights.Special procedures, including the more invasive procedures, will require a more perioded explanation and, in some display chances, written coincide.The result of the test should be kept strictly confidential and to be reveled only with the concern of the patient.The laboratory should endeavor to see that results with serious implications are not communicated at present to the patient without the opportunity for adequate counseling.Procedures that are carried out should be print in established/authoritative textbooks, peer-reviewed texts or journals or in inter subject field, national or regional guidelines. Any manipulation of result is completely unacceptable.The results should be r eported to the doctor and may be reported to other parties with the patients consent or as required by law.The laboratory results should be the right way interpreted and applied in the patients best interest.All records should be readable and stored such that they are readily retrievable. Records may be stored on any appropriate medium subject to national, regional or local good requirements.As per National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) guidelines, the minimum finale for retention of test reports issued shall be five course of instructions for histopathology and cytopathology and one year for other disciplines._____________________________________________________________________1.4. Responsibilities of medical lab technologist_____________________________________________________________________Medical laboratory technologists perform examinations with a microscope, perform complex tests, analyze the results, and report them to the medical victor for diagnostic use. Medical Laboratory Technologists operate a variety of involved instruments. They must have good motor skills, hand- gist coordination and manual dexterity. In addition to technical skills, they must have a strong attention to detail in order to detect subtle change to the microscopic visual aspect of blood, tissue and bacterial cells. MLTs must also determine the validity of the results they obtain, which requires analytical and critical thinking. MLTs work in an ever-evolving environment, and on occasion need to aim new procedures to reflect the rapid pace of change in their workplace. Whether working alone or as a member of a team, the MLT must be able to manage time efficiently and communicate clearly. Responsibilities of medical lab technologists usually includeConducting advanced chemical, bacteriological, immunologic, biological and hematological testsExamining specimens with microscopes do cultures of tissues and body fluids to reveal parasites, bacteria, fungi and other microorganismsAnalyzing chemical content, chemical reactions and blood concentrations of certain compoundsTyping and cross-matching samples of blood for transfusionsEvaluating results of testsEstablishing and modifying programs and procedures to ensure quality control and test accuracySupervision of medical lab technicians (also known as clinical lab technicians).The medical technician has the job of carrying out the more basic tasks and his responsibilities include Ensuring that the laboratory and the equipments and glassware used in laboratory remains clean.Proper placement of chemical, equipments and glassware.Ensuring that there are proper labels pasted on the bottles of chemicals and reagents.The equipment used in the lab is in proper shape and handled carefully and proper safety measures are observed when discourse specimens.All specimens and other material in the lab are disposed off in a safe and appropriate manner.A complete record of tests carri ed out in the laboratory is maintained.Fresh material is indented through a medical officer and the material is stored in a proper and safe fashion._____________________________________________________________________1.5. Safety Measures and frontmost Aid_____________________________________________________________________Safety is not just a concept but it is a habit which must be developed by any person associated with the medical laboratory field. One should remain attentive and awake during the time he or she is inside the laboratory as a lowly mis pullulate can lead to a grave situation. The force play working in the medical laboratory must be alert of the how to handle the chemicals, glassware, specimen and equipments etc. as mishandling or improper handling may lead to serious injury or taint and is unsafe to life.Certain basic safety steps that must be followed in the laboratory are move the workplace clean and organized.Label all storage areas, refrigerators, etc., ap propriately, and keep all chemicals in properly labeled containers. fitting all bottles when received and when opened.Note expiration dates on chemicals.Note extra storage conditions.Be aware of how to handle and store hazardous materials such as FlammablesRadioactive CompoundsCorrosivesBiohazardsToxicsCarcinogensReactiveCompressed GasesFollow the safety instructions for handling chemicals and segregate chemicals by compatibility groups for storage.Be aware of the potential interactions of lab furniture and equipment with chemicals used or stored in the lab. (e.g., are oxidizers stored shoot forly on wooden shelving?)Post warning signs for unusual hazards such as inflammable materials, biohazards or other special problems.Use equipment only for its designated purpose.Position and full apparatus properly to avoid any damage to personnel or equipment.Use protective c kenhing all the time (e.g. lab coat, facial expression mask, gloves etc.)Do not smoke, eat or drink in the laborato ry. reassure proper disposal of waste generated from the laboratory.Clinical lab technologists generally visual sense with infectious samples. Therefore proper methods of infection control and sterilization are followed, few hazards exist. Protective masks, gloves, and goggles often are necessary to ensure the safety of laboratory personnel.First Aid in Laboratory AccidentsAccidents in the lab may result from either chemicals including acids or homes coming in contact with any body part or toxic substances or from heat of flames, juicy liquids, explosions etc. Broken glass or contamination from septic material or specimen and electric shock exponent also lead to accidents. The for the original time thing to be followed is that one should not panic and handle the situation in a more compose and composed manner. roughly of the first avail procedures for accidents from the above mentioned sources are as under First Aid for accident caused by acid give the axe or contactWash at present with good amount of urine preferably running water and in case of larger spills safety shower should be used. by and by washing apply neutralizer or 5% sodium carbonate solution on skin and in case acid gets into the eye thusly administer 4 drops of 2% sedimentary sodium bi-carbonate solution.In case the acid is consumed then make the patient drink 5% soap solution or give him two egg whites mixed with 500 ml of milk or water. In the event of non availability of these two make the person drink lot of ordinary water.Consult a physician.First Aid for Alkali burn downInstantaneously wash with large amounts of water and do it repeatedly.Once washed apply a 5% acetic acid or concentrated vinegar solution to the bear on portion of the skin. In case the alkali has got into the eye then later on washing use a modify solution of boric acid and repeatedly pelt drops in the eye.In case the alkali has been sw forfeited then give a 5% acetic acid or lemon juice or diluted vi negar solution to the patient and after that make the person drink 3 to 4 glasses of ordinary water.Refer to a physician.First aid in case of PoisoningIn case of oral intoxication induce vomiting by making the patient drink loosen up salt water to drink and keep on repeating it bowl the vomit is clear. However in case of the chemical which the person has consumed is a acid, solvent or alkali or the person in unconscious(p) then do not try to induce vomit. bid for medical aid immediately.If the poisoning is caused by gas then instantaneously take the victim out of the affected area and make him or her lie down in a horizontal position. Consult a doctor urgently.In the event of percutaneous poisoning, prohibit the contaminated stuffes immediately and wash the affected region. Call for medical aid immediately.In all the cases of poisoning, awareness of the toxicity of chemical substance can be stabilizing fleck administering medical aid.Burns resulting from HeatThe burns that occur cod to heat arising flames or springy liquids or explosions etc. can be majorly classified into two categories i.e. the major or severe burns where a large part of the body is affected and it is mostly 2nd or 3rd degree burn and the other is nipper or little(a) burns in which a small portion of the body gets affected and it is mostly a 1st degree burn.In case of minor burns dip the affected part in ice chilliness water for some time and repeat the like. After that apply cream on it.Refer to a physician.For major burns if the person is on fire then roll the person in a cover charge to douse the flames. After that make the person lay down and try to calm him.Call for medical help immediately and do not apply any medicine.First aid for injuries resulting from broken glassIn case of small cuts or injuries wash the wound at the equal time and try to remove glass pieces if any.Apply mercurochrome or acriflavine ointment on it and cover the wound with gauze and adhesive tape. In case of deep cuts or when there is plenty of hemorrhage then try to stop the bleeding by pressing down on it with a compress.Call for immediate medical help.Contamination by infected materialInjuries resulting from broken glassware which contained infected material or specimen glide by under this category. For these types of injuries the advisable first aid isInstantaneously wash the wound with clean water.In case the cut is not bleeding then make it bleed by squeezing hard for a couple of minutes.Using antiseptic lotion wash the complete area including the edges of the cut and the wound. After that wash it with soapy water and then once again with antiseptic lotion.Refer a doctor.First aid in case of electric shockElectric shock might result from unseasonable equipment or carelessness like utilise wet hands on electrical equipment etc. and can cause the person to faint or asphyxia. In such a case first switch off the main switch.Immediately start giving mouth to mouth respi ration.Call for medical help simultaneously.Every laboratory must have the first aid equipment which includes,1. First Aid Box containing instruction sheet with general guidance, sterile adhesive dressings in different sizes, a bottle containing eye drops, scissors, sterile eye pads, safety pins, antiseptic lotion, sterile eye pads and first aid manual.2. Sodium Carbonate 5% solution.3. 2% sodium bi-carbonate solution4. Boric Acid saturated solution.5. Antiseptic lotion6. Soap powderise solution (per liter of water add 5g)7. 5% Acetic acid solution8. Cotton wool and gauze9. Rolled Bandage10. tarry tape11. Mercurochrome and iodine tincture._____________________________________________________________________1.6. CLEANING AND CARE OF GENERAL LABORATORY GLASSWARE AND EQUIPMENTS______________________________________________________________________Cleaning of GlasswareFor getting successful results from the experiments performed in a laboratory it is essential that the glassware gets p erfectly cleaned. However cleaning of laboratory glassware is not a very easy task. Glassware has to be clean physically, chemically as well as free of any germs. Much of the time, detergent and tap water are neither required nor desirable. You can rinse the glassware with the proper solvent, and then finish up with a couple of rinses with distilled water, followed by final rinses with deionized water.Washing Glassware wash the glassware with the appropriate solvent. scour with other solvents as needed, followed by ethanol and finally deionized water. If the glassware requires scrubbing, scrub with a brush using hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly with tap water, followed by rinses with deionized water.Some of the usually used lab glass wares areBuretteWash with hot soapy water, rinse thoroughly with tap water, and then rinse 3-4 quantify with deionized water. Be sure the final rinses sheet off of the glass. Burettes need to be thoroughly clean to be used for quantitative lab work .PipettesThe glassware is soaked overnight in soapy water. Clean the pipettes using speedy soapy water. The glassware may require scrubbing with a brush. Rinse with tap water followed by 3-4 rinses with deionized water.Volumetric FlasksWash the flask with soapy water and then rinse 3-4 times with deionized water.Glassware should be allowed to origin dry on the shelf. It should not be dries using a publisher towel or forced air since this can introduce fibers or impurities that can contaminate the solution.If glassware is to be used immediately after washing and must be dry, rinse it 2-3 times with acetone. This will remove any water and will evaporate quickly.Glass Slides Cover GlassSlides should first be washed, and then placed in solution containing diametrical acetic acid for around 10 minutes. Afterwards the slides and cover glass are thoroughly rinsed with distilled water and then wiped perfectly dry using paper towels or clean framework. As soon as this is done they shoul d be placed in a wide jar containing alcoholic beverage. conclusion TubesCulture tubes should be sterilized prior to cleaning. Culture tubes should be sterilizer it for half an hour at around 121C (15 p.s.i. pressure). The tubes when emptied must be brushed with water and detergent and then rinsed with running tap water. After this it should be rinsed with distilled water, and placed properly for drying.Detergents used for washingMost detergents are very effective for most cleaning problems encountered. However for best results the detergents do especially for laboratory glassware must be used. Some of the normally used detergents are sulfuric dichromate and acid-alcohol.Maintenance of EquipmentsThe increasing level of technical sophistication and complexity found in clinical laboratory instrumentation today more than ever demands careful attention to criminal maintenance service needs. The time-worn caution for careful definition of requirements for acquisition of a system should also carry over to maintenance service of these equipments. Certain car park type of laboratory equipment and their proper usage care is as underMicroscope Microscope the most vital equipment in the laboratory which is used for magnifying a small object or image by 100, 400 or even 1000 times of the original size. Microscope is made up of two words micro scope wherein micro agent small and scope means to view. A laboratory may have various microscopes depending upon what is their power, usage etc. Being aware of the importance of microscope its care and cleaning must also be give collectible importance so that the equipment gives correct results. Some of the cleaning procedures to be followed are Dust should be cleaned off with pressurized air or with a soft brushClean smudges, fingerprints, oils, etc from the lens with clean lens paper or a soft clean cloth dampishened with a small amount of absolute alcohol-ether mixture. If an alcohol-ether mixture is unavailable, use is opropyl alcoholClean the microscope body and stand using a moist, soft cloth with a small amount of detergent.Working temperatures are 32 F-104 F (0C-40C). Max. relative humidity 85%Use water only on plastic surfacesDo not use paint thinner or other solventsDo a final wipe with a moist soft clothDry all surfaces after cleaning excessively these cleaning processes the daily care which must be ensured while handling the microscope include Always cover the microscope with the supplied dust cover when not in useStore in a dry placeIn humid or moist environments, it is advisable to store the microscope in a waterproof container with a drying agentDo not touch the opthalmic lens with bare fingersDo not store the microscope in direct sunlight. Sunlight can influence the quality of the specimen imaging.Lift the microscope with some(prenominal) hands.As almost all the procedures of a medical laboratory require the use of microscope so as such handling it in a proper fashion is mandatory.Pho tometer or Calorimeter The photometer is a whatchamacallum which is used to measure optical density or color inspiration or absorbance of solutions. Based on the arrangement of obtaining monochromatic light, the photometers are reason as filter photometers or spectrophotometers. The normal precautions to be observed while handling photometers are as under Do not pour out samples or prepare the tests directly over the instrument.Always capital the test tubes after preparing the blank and test sample.Wipe test tubes with a clean tissue to remove drips or condensation before placing in the photometer.Do not leave tubes standing in the photometer test chamber. Remove the tubes immediately after each test.Immediately wipe up any drips or spills on the instrument or in the test chamber with a clean tissue.Keep the instrument clean. Clean the test chamber regularly using a moistened tissue or cotton ball.Keep the instrument away from all chemicals and cleaning materials.Keep the instr ument in a clean, dry place when it is not in use. Keep it on a clean, dry bench away from chemicals, place it in a storage cupboard or keep it in a carrying case.Keep the carrying case in a clean, dry condition. Make sure that the carrying case is dry before the case is closed up and the instrument is put away.Centrifuge A centrifuge is a an equipment, generally determined by an electric motor or spun by hand, that puts an object in rotation around a fixed axis, applying a force rectangular to the axis. The centrifuge works using the sedimentation principle, where the centripetal acceleration causes more dense substances to separate out along the radial direction. By the same token, lighter objects will tend to move to the top. There are various types of centrifuges preparative centrifugeanalytical centrifugeangle fixed centrifugeswing head centrifugehaematocrit centrifugeIndustrial centrifuges may otherwise be classified according to the type of separation of the higher(prenomi nal) density fraction from the low density oneScreen centrifuges, where the centrifugal acceleration allows the liquid to pass through a screen of some sort, through which the solids cannot go (due to granulometry larger than the screen gap or due to agglomeration). Common types arePusher centrifugesPeeler centrifugesDecanter centrifuges, in which there is no physical separation between the solid and liquid phase, earlier an accelerated settling due to centrifugal acceleration. Common types are upstanding bowl centrifugesConical plate centrifugesIn order to ensure proper working of the equipment certain care and maintenance procedures should be followed like examine the centrifuge chamber for accumulations of sample, dust of glass particles from broken glass tubes and clean appropriately to ensure that no unwanted particle is left in the chamber.Centrifuge tubes made of strong glass must be used in the machine.The centrifuge speed should be increased gradually.Disinfecting centri fuges is very necessary to maintain the precision of the tests universe carried out.Take proper care of the rotor coil in terms of cleaning and keeping it scratch free by not using steel wool, wire brush or abrasives etc for cleaning. neer pour water directly into the sample chamber.Autoclave An autoclave is a device to sterilize equipment and supplies by subjecting them to high pressure steam at 121C or more, typically for 15 to 20 minutes depending on the size of the load and the contents. There are mainly two types of autoclaves range Type AutoclaveFront Loading AutoclaveFollowing are recommendations for the care and use of autoclaves The steam should be saturated and free from wearing away inhibitors or other chemicals, which could contaminate the items being sterilised.All materials to be autoclaved should be in containers that allow ready removal of air and permit good heat penetration the chamber should not be tightly jam-packed or steam will not reach the load evenly. Bag s should allow the steam to reach their contents.For autoclaves without an interlocking safety device that prevents the door being opened when the chamber is pressurized, the main steam valve should be closed and the temperature allowed to fall below 80C