Medical Lab Procedures

Medical technologists and technicians, working in medical laboratories, perform a variety of tests and procedures that assist in the diagnosis of patients. Procedures may be performed on blood specimens, tissues samples or body fluid samples. Laboratories have specialized departments that handle different types of analysis.

Specimen Collection

• Specimen collection is a main part of many labs. Staff may procure blood samples through venipuncture and take throat or nasal cultures with swabs. Laboratory employees may need to monitor patients giving urine samples for drug testing and educate patients in the proper way to collect urine, stool and sputum samples. All specimens are carefully identified, labeled and properly stored.

Hematology

• The hematology department performs tests that identify the quantity and quality of certain blood components. A common hematological test is the complete blood count, or CBC. That test analyzes the number of blood cells present in a sample as well as the formation and structure of those cells. This department also performs coagulation studies, which are useful in the detection of blood clotting defects.

Blood Bank/Immunology

• Blood bank departments are found only in hospital medical laboratories. This area is where blood is readied for transfusion. Lab techs analyze blood and closely match it with donor blood to ensure safe transfusions. They also frequently perform immunological tests such as hepatitis, flu and HIV screens.

Clinical Chemistry

• Clinical chemistry is usually the largest department of the lab. Body fluids, such as blood, urine and spinal fluid, may be tested for various blood chemistry levels, such as glucose or sodium. This area of the laboratory is also where drug screens, or toxicology tests, are performed. The chemistry department also analyzes hormone levels, cholesterol and electrolytes. Tests are performed on blood and urine samples.

Microbiology

• The microbiology department performs cultures to isolate and identify microorganisms that may be in blood, urine or other body fluids. The results of these tests are important because they can determine which antibiotic or drug would be most effective to fight this disease. This department also focuses on virology, the study of viruses, and mycology, the study of fungi. These disease-causing organisms must be identified before a patient can be cured.

Point-of-Care Testing

• In hospitals, outpatient clinics and doctor's offices, point-of-care testing is frequently used. This means testing that can be done at the patient's side. Such tests as finger stick glucose levels, pregnancy tests and even cholesterol tests can be measured right in the room with the patient, needing only a drop of blood.

Medical Technologists and Technicians

• The medical technologists and technicians, who work in medical laboratories, are highly skilled and trained to recognize abnormalities. These professionals work closely with nurses and physicians to give patients high-quality care. They are a vital part of the health care system.