Defining the Practice of the Medical Technology Profession - Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on the practice and ethics of the medical technology profession, including roles, standards, and related personnel.

Science

Primarily concerned with the study of the natural world and the interrelationship among the biological, psychological, and social worlds.

Technology

The application of science in ways beneficial to society; defined as a physical artefact, as an activity or means to accomplish a goal, or as knowledge.

Medical Technology

Designed to improve detection, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases; interdisciplinary and context dependent.

Clinical laboratory testing

Crucial for detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases; involves examination and analysis of body fluids, tissues, and cells.

Laboratory Scientist

A professional who detects bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms; analyzes chemical contents of fluids; matches blood for transfusions; tests drug levels; prepares specimens; counts cells; uses microscopes and other equipment; relays results to physicians.

RA 5527 Medical Technology Act of 1969

A law defining medical technologists as professionals who render laboratory services for diagnosis, treatment, and health promotion for a fee or compensation.

Examination of tissues and body fluids

Laboratory procedures and techniques used to examine tissues, secretions, excretions, and body fluids manually or automatically.

Blood Banking Procedures and Techniques

Practices related to collection, processing, testing, storage, and use of blood and blood components for transfusion.

Parasitologic, mycologic and microbiologic procedures

Laboratory techniques for identifying parasites, fungi, and microorganisms.

Histopathologic and cytotechnology

Techniques for processing, diagnosing, and examining tissues (histopathology) and cellular samples (cytology) under the pathologist.

Clinical research involving patients

Research requiring the use and application of medical technology knowledge with human subjects.

Preparation and standardization of reagents and stains

Creating and calibrating reagents and stains for laboratory use to ensure consistency and accuracy.

Clinical Laboratory Quality Control

Systems and procedures to ensure accuracy, reliability, and precision of laboratory results.

Collection and preservation of specimens

Gathering patient samples and preserving them appropriately for testing.

Licensure

Legal requirement that a medical technologist be licensed before practicing.

Code of Ethics

A set of ethical principles guiding professional conduct for medical technologists.

Main Role of a Medical Technologist

To collaborate with health care practitioners to provide humane and dignified health service.

Perform Clinical Laboratory Testing

Conduct routine tests such as urinalysis, stool examination, hematologic, microbiologic, serologic, and chemical tests.

Perform Special Procedures

Operate advanced diagnostic equipment including molecular and nuclear diagnostics.

Ensure Accuracy and Precision of Results

Ensure results are correct and reliable to inform physician interpretation.

Be Honest in Practice

Maintain honesty and integrity in all professional activities.

Ensure Timely Delivery of Results

Recognize urgency and deliver results promptly; STAT means instantly.

Demonstrate Professionalism

Follow Code of Ethics and national organizations; maintain professional demeanor.

Uphold Confidentiality

Keep patient health information private unless consent is given.

Collaborate with Other Health Care Professionals

Work with physicians and other professionals for patient care.

Conduct Research

Engage in research to advance laboratory science and medical knowledge.

Involvement in Health Promotion Programs

Participate in community health campaigns and offer lab testing where appropriate.

Pathologist

Head of a clinical laboratory; signs all laboratory results to validate them.

Medical Laboratory Technicians

Individuals who meet specific education and civil service criteria; may require licensure exemptions in certain contexts.

Phlebotomist

Professional who collects blood samples from patients.

Cytotechnologist

Works with the pathologist to detect cellular changes important for early disease diagnosis.

Histotechnologist

Responsible for preparing, processing, and staining biopsies and tissue specimens for microscopic examination.

Nuclear Medical Technologist

Works with nuclear physicians; handles radiation physics, safety, radiopharmaceuticals, and radiation detection to measure radionuclide distribution.

Toxicologist

Studies the effects of toxic substances on physiology to support safety programs; uses biological and biochemical techniques including drug testing.

STAT

Latin term statim meaning immediately or instantly; used to denote urgent test results.

PAMET

Philippine Association of Medical Technologists; a national professional organization.

PASMETH

Philippine Association of Schools of Medical Technology and Chemistry; a national professional organization.

Radiopharmaceuticals

Medicines containing radioactive isotopes used in nuclear medicine procedures.

Histopathology

Study and diagnosis of disease via microscopic examination of tissue sections.