TOPIC 2: DEFINING THE PRACTICE OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

Science

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

Technology

The application of science in ways that are considered beneficial to society.

Technology

A design for instrumental action that reduces the uncertainty in the cause-effect relationships involved in achieving a desired outcome.

Rogers (1983)

Who said (include the year) that technology is “a design for instrumental action that reduces the uncertainty in the cause-effect relationships involved in achieving a desired outcome?”

Medical Technology

Designed to improve the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases.

Medical Technology

It has linkages with many other disciplines for specific diagnostic or therapeutic purposes (Evans et al., 2023).

Medical Technologists

They perform examination and analysis of body fluids, tissues, and cells.

Section 2 of R.A. 5527

In the Philippines, the medical technology profession and its practice is governed and defined in what section and republic act? It is also known as The Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969.

The Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969

This is Section 2 of R.A. 5527.

R.A. 6132, P.D. 498, and P.D. 1534

The Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969 (Section 2 of R.A. 5527) is amended by what laws?

Medical Technology

Examination of tissues, secretions and excretions of the human body and body fluids by various electronic, chemical, microscopic, bacteriologic, hematologic, serologic, immunologic, nuclear, and other laboratory procedures and techniques either manual or automated.

Medical Technology

Clinical research involving patients or human beings requiring the use of and/or application of the profession’s knowledge and procedures.

Perform Clinical Laboratory Testing

Medical technologists must be capable of performing the most basic to the most advanced laboratory tests.

Perform Clinical Laboratory Testing

Show competency in performing routine laboratory tests including urinalysis and stool examination.

Perform Clinical Laboratory Testing

Should be capable of performing hematologic, microbiologic, serologic, chemical, and other procedures in the different areas of laboratory science.

Perform Special Procedures

MTs are expected to perform special procedures in diagnosing diseases.

Perform Special Procedures

May include the operation of advanced diagnostic equipment.

Perform Special Procedures

Special procedures can also include molecular and nuclear diagnostics.

Ensure Accuracy and Precision of Results

MTs should always be conscious of the accuracy and precision of both the testing process and its results.

Ensure Accuracy and Precision of Results

Accuracy and precision impacts the interpretation of results by the physician to provide proper medication in the treatment of diseases.

Be Honest in Practice

MTs should value honesty particularly in conveying or reporting the results of any laboratory procedure.

Be Honest in Practice

Must be honest at all times in the conduct of test procedures to come up with accurate and precise results.

Ensure Timely Delivery of Results

MTs must be aware of the urgency of delivering results on time especially in cases that require urgent treatment.

Ensure Timely Delivery of Results

One should take notations on “STAT” or even observe the source of the requests (e.g., from the ER or OR).

Demonstrate Professionalism

MTs must be able to perform their functions according to the professional Code of Ethics, should be aware of the laws and regulations governing the practice of Medical Technology, and should not exploit its functions beyond its boundaries.

Uphold Confidentiality

Ensuring confidentiality of patient’s information is one of the core duties within the medical practice.

Confidentiality

This requires health care providers to keep a patient’s personal health information private unless the patient consents to release the information.

Collaborate with Other Health Care Professionals

MTs are required to collaborate with other health care practitioners in order to build a well-functioning team.

Conduct Research

MTs must also be engaged in research activities to update their skills.

Involvement in Health Promotion Programs

Medical technology is a multi-disciplinary field which consistently ventures into other areas of health care including health promotion and MTs must be actively involved in reaching out to the community.

Pathologist

A duly registered physician specially trained in methods of laboratory medicine and the study/interpretation of tissues, secretions, and excretions of the human body and its functions.

Pathologist

Diagnoses disease, monitors treatment, determines cause of death, and advances medical research.

Pathologist

Heads a clinical laboratory.

Pathologist

Monitors laboratory results (laboratory results must be signed by a pathologist to be considered valid).

Medical Laboratory Technician

A person certified and registered with the Board of Medical Technology.

Medical Laboratory Technician

Assists a medical technologist and/or pathologist.

Medical Laboratory Technician

Failed MTLE but obtained a general rating of at least 70%.

Medical Laboratory Technician

Passed Civil Service Examination for Medical Technicians given on March 21, 1969.

Medical Laboratory Technician

Finished 2-year college course + 1 year working experience as a medical laboratory technician.

Medical Laboratory Technician

At least 10 years of experience as medical laboratory technician as of the date of RA 5527’s approval.

Phlebotomist

An individual trained to draw blood either for laboratory tests or blood donations.

Cytotechnologist

A laboratory personnel who works with the pathologist to detect changes in the body cells which may be important in the early diagnosis of diseases. Common staining techniques: Papanicolaou (Pap) Test and the H&E.

Papanicolaou Test and Hematoxylin and Eosin

These are two tests that are common in staining techniques for a cytotechnologist.

Histotechnologist

A laboratory personnel responsible for the routine preparation, processing, and staining of biopsies and tissue specimens for microscopic examination by a pathologist.

Nuclear Medical Technologists

A health care professional who works alongside nuclear physicians.

Toxicologist

Studies the effects of toxic substances on the physiological functions of human beings, animals, and plants to develop data for use in consumer protection and industrial safety programs.