PMLS - Defining the practice of the medtech

Medical Technology

• has advanced significantly due to modern equipment and new procedures aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of diseases

• relies on principles from various scientific disciplines, including chemistry, electronics, optics, and mechanics, to develop solutions for diagnosing diseases

• focuses on improving the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases.

Science

focuses on understanding the natural world and its interactions, while technology applies this understanding to create tools and systems that benefit society.

• As a physical artifact, machine, or instrument.

• As an activity or a means to accomplish a goal.

• As knowledge used to reduce uncertainty and achieve desired outcomes.

Technology can be described in three ways:

Technology

integrates physical elements like equipment and materials with knowledge, skills, and processes to solve problems and improve living conditions.

• Clinical laboratories play a critical role in diagnosing and treating diseases.

• Laboratory scientists analyze specimens (e.g., blood, tissues) to identify abnormalities and provide insights into patients’ health.

• The use of automated equipment and systems has enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of laboratory processes

Role of Clinical Laboratory Testing:

• R.A. 5527 (Medical Technology Act of 1969),

• R.A. 6132

• P.D. 498

• P.D. 1534

Legal Bases of the MT/MLS Practice:

Section 2, R.A. 5527

• Examination of Specimens:

  • Tissues, secretions, and body fluids using electronic, chemical, microscopic, bacteriologic, hematologic, serologic, immunologic, or nuclear techniques

• Blood Banking Procedures

• Parasitologic, Mycologic, and Microbiologic Testing

• Histopathology and Cytotechnology

  • Performed only by registered lab technologists

• Clinical Research

  • Use of medical technology in human/patient research

• Preparation of Laboratory Materials

  • Reagents, standards, stains, etc., for exclusive laboratory use

• Quality Control in Labs

• Collection and Preservation of Specimens

• Medical technologist must be licensed before he or she is permitted to practice

• Practicing without a license is punishable by law

• Practice is also bound by a professional code of ethics

Responsible Practice of MT/MLS:

• Perform Clinical Laboratory Testing

  • Conduct basic to advanced laboratory tests, including:

  • Urinalysis

  • Stool examination

  • Hematologic, microbiologic, serologic, and chemical procedures

  • Ensure laboratories are well-equipped for accurate testing

• Perform Special Procedures

  • Utilize advanced diagnostic equipment for complex procedures

  • Conduct molecular and nuclear diagnostics

• Ensure Accuracy and Precision of Results

• Be Honest in Practice

• Ensure Timely Delivery of Results

• Demonstrate Professionalism

• Uphold Confidentiality

• Collaborate with Other Health Care Professionals

• Conduct Research

Key Responsibilities of the MT/MLS Profession:

R.A. 5527

Philippine Medical Technology Act 1969

R.A. 4688

Clinical Laboratory Act of 1966

R.A. 1517 and R.A. 7719

Blood Banking Acts

• Collaborate with Healthcare Professionals

• Implement Health Promotion Programs

• Offer Free Laboratory Testing

• Collaborate PostDiagnosis

Involvement in Health Promotion Programs:

Pathologist

Definition:

• A fully registered physician specializing in laboratory medicine.

• Interprets tissue, secretion, and excretion results to:

  • Diagnose disease

  • Determine treatment effectiveness

  • Ascertain cause of death

  • Advance medicine through research

Responsibilities:

• Leads clinical laboratories and validates all laboratory results.

• Laboratory results without a pathologist’s signature are considered invalid.

Medical Laboratory Technicians

Definition:

• Certified professionals assisting medical technologists and pathologists.

Qualifications

• Failed the licensure exam but achieved at least 70% and met government civil service eligibility standards.

• Passed the civil service exam for medical technicians (March 21, 1969).

• Completed a two-year college course with:

  • At least one year of experience as a medical laboratory technician.

  • Two years of college substituting for work experience.

  • At least 10 years of experience as of the approval of the law.

Phlebotomist

Definition:

• Skilled in drawing blood for laboratory tests or donations.

Responsibilities

• Performs venipuncture or arterial puncture under training and certification.

• Contributes to healthcare teams with expertise in safe blood collection.

• In other countries, phlebotomists need not get a degree – specialized programs can accredit phlebotomists who are adequately trained on the job (ASCP, AMT, NHA)

Cytotechnologist

Definition:

• Laboratory personnel working with pathologists to detect changes in body cells.

• Focuses on identifying abnormalities or anomalies in cell structures.

Responsibilities:

• Examine microscopic slides for early disease diagnosis (e.g., cancer).

• Use microtomes and staining techniques (e.g., Pap test, H&E) to prepare samples.

• Identify benign or malignant conditions.

Histotechnologist

Definition:

• Also known as histotechnicians; prepare, process, and stain biopsies and tissue specimens. • Assist pathologists in microscopic examination.

Responsibilities:

• Routine preparation and staining of tissues.

• Training may include chemistry, histology, immunology, and biochemistry.

• Can pursue formal training programs (e.g., AAS in Histology) in reputable health facilities abroad.

Toxicologist

Definition:

• Studies the effects of toxic substances on the physiological functions of humans, animals, and plants.

Responsibilities:

• Develops data for use in consumer protection and industrial safety programs.

• Designs and conducts studies to determine the effects of various substances in laboratories.

• Uses biological and biochemical techniques to analyze toxicity and ensure safety.