MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE

Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) play an important, often unrecognised role in disease diagnosis and the monitoring of treatment.  They are responsible for most laboratory testing performed on samples sent to the diagnostic laboratory by medical practitioners.  Laboratory results produced by MLS are used by medical staff in the diagnosis of disorders in approx. 70% of all patient cases.  This is why a four year university degree is required before you can practise as a MLS in New Zealand.  

There are many automated instruments in today's clinical laboratory which require an understanding of the method and theory, how to troubleshoot problems and how to interpret laboratory results.  In addition MLS interact with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other health professionals to explain test results and to answer questions about laboratory tests and testing etc.  They are also trained to recommend additional testing.  Currently there are staff shortages in this profession and bright minds are required urgently.   

MLS develop, adapt and apply scientific methods of analysis and ensure high standards of laboratory quality assurance, to provide the greatest possible public confidence in the service.  MLS are employed mainly in hospital and community pathology laboratories, medical research and animal health laboratories.  Other career options include forensic science, the laboratory supply business, teaching and research in the sciences.  

Within the profession of MLS there are eight sub-specialties which are referred to as disciplines;

Clinical Biochemistry - analysis of the chemical constituents of the blood, urine, faeces and tissues.  Most of the laboratory testing uses sophisticated instrumentation interfaced to a laboratory information system.  Diseases such as diabetes, renal failure, heart attack and hepatitis are some of the conditions investigated by clinical biochemists.

Clinical Immunology - the study of the immune system and associated diseases.  Clinical immunologists study the body's response to disease often through the measurement of antibody production.  This approach allows the diagnosis of many diseases including HIV infection, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies and a range of autoimmune diseases.  

Cytogenetics - the study of the genetic basis of disease.  Cytogeneticists work with chromosomes and provide information about congenital diseases such as Turner's and Down's syndromes.  They also provide important information about changes to the chromosomes in disease, such as leukaemia.

Haematology - the study of the cells of the blood, the bone marrow and the clotting proteins present in blood.  Haematologists investigate the blood of patients for diseases such as anaemia, disorders of the haemoglobin molecule, cancer, bleeding and thrombosis.   

Histopathology/Histology - is the preparation, processing and staining of tissues obtained during surgery, biopsy or necropsy.  Histologists prepare sections of tissue that are examined by pathologists in the investigation of tissue disease eg. cancer.    

Medical Cytology - is the study of cell preparations collected from the lungs, lymph nodes, genital tract etc. for the presence of cancer cells. Investigation of the 'Pap' smear for the detection of cervical cancer is an important role of the cytologist.

Medical Microbiology - the detection and culture of bacteria and fungi that cause human disease.  Microbiologists provide information about the susceptibility of these agents to antibiotics used during treatment of infections.  Microbiologists use microscopy to examine samples for human parasites in a variety of clinical samples such as faeces and blood.

Transfusion Science - is the science of blood and blood-product transfusion.  Transfusion scientists prepare blood products from donor blood that are used to treat bleeding, and to correct blood component deficiencies.   Transfusion scientists screen donated blood for infectious agents and perform crossmatching to ensure safe blood transfusions and graft survival of tissue transplants.