Medical Laboratory Procedures

Medical laboratories perform a variety of tests and procedures to assist physicians in diagnosing patients. A typical laboratory may employ skilled professionals who carry out procedures on blood specimens, tissues samples, or body fluid samples.

Specimen Collection

• Many labs perform specimen collection. Staff may draw blood samples and throat or nasal cultures may be taken with swabs. All specimens are carefully identified, labeled, and properly stored.

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.

Microbiology

• The Microbiology department is where cultures are performed. These cultures are done to isolate and identify microorganisms that may be in blood, urine, or other body fluids.

Hematology

• The Hematology department performs tests that identify the quantity and quality of certain blood components and also performs coagulation studies, which test for defects in the blood clotting ability of a person.

Blood Bank & Immunology

• Blood Bank departments are only found in hospital medical laboratories. This area is where blood is readied for transfusions. They also perform immunological tests such as hepatitis and HIV screens.

Medical Technologists & Technicians

• It is important to realize that medical technologists and technicians, who work in these labs, are highly trained and skilled at recognizing abnormalities. They are a vital part of the health care system.