Defining the Practice of Medical Technology Profession

Vocabulary flashcards covering key laws, roles, ethics, characteristics, allied personnel, opportunities, and issues relevant to the practice of medical technology.

Medical Technology (Profession)

Health profession that applies science and technology to examine human specimens, aid diagnosis, monitor therapy, and promote health.

Science

Systematic study of the natural world and the interrelationships among biological, psychological, and social phenomena.

Technology

Application of scientific knowledge; may be a physical artifact/instrument, an activity to reach a goal, or useful scientific know-how.

RA 5527 (Medical Technology Act of 1969)

Principal Philippine law regulating the education, licensure, and practice of medical technologists.

RA 6132

Amendment to RA 5527 that updated licensure and board examination provisions for medical technologists.

PD 498

Presidential Decree further amending RA 5527; refined qualifications, fees, and functions in MT practice.

PD 1534

Presidential Decree that modified sections of RA 5527 concerning accreditation of MT schools and internship programs.

Section 2 – Practice of MT

Covers examination of body tissues/fluids, blood banking, microbiologic and histopathologic work, clinical research, reagent preparation, lab control, and specimen collection.

Blood Banking

Laboratory procedures involving collection, testing, processing, and storage of blood for transfusion.

Histopathology

Microscopic examination of stained tissues to study disease manifestations.

Cytotechnology

Examination of individual cells to detect precancerous or malignant changes, commonly using Pap and H&E stains.

Clinical Research (MT context)

Investigation involving human subjects that requires application of medical technology knowledge and laboratory procedures.

Reagent Standardization

Preparation and validation of reagents, standards, and stains exclusively for laboratory use to ensure test reliability.

Clinical Laboratory Control

Monitoring and evaluating overall laboratory processes to maintain quality and accuracy of results.

Specimen Collection & Preservation

Proper acquisition and storage of patient samples to prevent deterioration and ensure valid testing.

Code of Ethics for MT (Dr. Nardito Moraleta)

Oath outlining responsibilities such as reliability, honesty, confidentiality, and dedication to patient welfare.

Sensuous & Flexible (Characteristic)

Ability of medical technologists to adapt procedures and use keen senses in laboratory work.

Research-Oriented (Characteristic)

Disposition of medical technologists toward inquiry and evidence-based improvements in practice.

Health Promoter (Characteristic)

Role of MTs in advocating hygiene, sanitation, and disease prevention in communities.

Medical Mediator (Characteristic)

Function of MTs as intermediaries translating laboratory data into information physicians use for patient care.

Perform Clinical Laboratory Testing

Core duty to competently run routine tests in hematology, microbiology, serology, chemistry, and urinalysis.

Perform Special Procedures

Execution of advanced diagnostics such as molecular and nuclear tests, operating sophisticated equipment.

Ensure Accuracy & Precision

Constant verification of test processes and results to guarantee reliable data for physicians.

Honesty in Practice

Ethical obligation to report true findings and refrain from manipulating laboratory data.

Timely Delivery of Results

Responsibility to release laboratory reports promptly to aid urgent clinical decisions.

Professionalism (Legal Awareness)

Compliance with laws like RA 5527, RA 4688, RA 1517, and RA 7719; practicing within defined boundaries.

Confidentiality

Duty to protect patients’ personal health information unless consent for disclosure is given.

Collaboration with Health Professionals

Working with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and others to form an effective healthcare team.

Conduct Research

Engaging in studies to improve laboratory methods, diagnostics, and overall healthcare.

Health Promotion Programs

Community activities such as sanitation campaigns, free testing, and disease-prevention education.

Pathologist

Licensed physician trained in laboratory medicine who heads the clinical laboratory and validates results.

Medical Laboratory Technician

Certified individual who assists MTs or pathologists in laboratory tasks under RA 5527.

Lab Technician Qualification (≥70% Rule)

Status granted to MT licensure examinees who scored at least 70 % but below the passing grade.

Phlebotomist

Professional trained and certified to draw blood for tests or donation purposes.

ASCP / AMT / NHA (Phlebotomy Certifiers)

Bodies in the U.S. that accredit and certify competent phlebotomists after training and exams.

Cytotechnologist

Specialist who screens cell samples microscopically for abnormalities aiding early disease detection.

Histotechnologist (Histotechnician)

Professional who processes and stains biopsy tissues for microscopic examination.

Nuclear Medical Technologist

MT who prepares and administers radiopharmaceuticals and operates radiation-detecting instruments with safety expertise.

Toxicologist

Scientist studying effects of toxins on living organisms to support consumer safety and occupational health.

Laboratory Scientist

Career path where MTs perform and supervise diagnostic testing in clinical laboratories.

Continuing Education (Challenge)

Ongoing need for MTs to update skills and knowledge through seminars, workshops, and formal study.

Migration of Medical Technologists

Trend wherein Filipino MTs seek employment abroad, impacting local workforce supply.

RA 4688

Philippine law regulating operation and licensing of clinical laboratories.

RA 1517

Blood Bank Law governing collection, processing, and sale of human blood in the Philippines.

RA 7719 (National Blood Services Act)

Legislation promoting voluntary blood donation and adequate safe blood supply nationwide.