chapter 30- clinical laboratory personnel

- a medical team works together to determine the presence, extend or absence of disease and provide data to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. tests may be used to establish values against which future measurements can be compared, monitor treatment, etc.
- physicians rely heavily on laboratory results which the role falls on clinical laboratory personnel. testing plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.

- bachelor’s degree level-trained laboratory personnel → clinical laboratory technologists
- associate’s degree level trained personnel → clinical laboratory technicians
- graduates of a bachelor’s program → clinical laboratory scientists (scientist and technologist are used to describe those who have completed a bachelor’s training program).

clinical laboratory technologists and technicians
significant points:
- excellent job opps
- clinical lab technologists → bachelors in medical technology or life sciences. clinical laboratory technicians → associates or certificate
- most jobs will be in hospitals

- they perform most of the tests. examine and analyze fluids and cells, look for microorganisms, analyze chemical content, match blood types, etc. use technological equipment and computerized instruments to perform tests. field is becoming less hands-on and more analytical.
- technologists do more complex tasks compared to technicians.

specialties:
- clinical chemistry- prepare specimens and analyze chemical and hormonal content of body fluids
- microbiology- examine and identify microorganisms
- blood bank/hematology- collect, type and prepare blood and its components for transfusions
- immunology- examine elements of the human immune system
- cytotechnologists- prepare slides of body cells and examine the cells

- molecular biology techs- perform complex protein and nucleic acid testing
- pathologists assistants- PAs who work under pathologist/physician
- medical lab techs- less complex, work under technologist or manager, etc.

- trained to work with infectious diseases and microorganisms. time spent in the lab is usually zero to non patient contact and hours vary.
- nearly HALF of the jobs were in HOSPITALS

- technologists require bachelor’s degree while technicians require associate’s degree or cert.
- it is the usual requirement but many technologists can qualify with on the job and specialized training.
- CLIA (clinical laboratory improvement amendment) requires personnel who perform highly complex tests to have at least an associate’s degree.
- NAACLS accredits
- 11 STATES require LICENSURE. many employers also prefer those who are certified. (i skipped over all the specifics of certification 🤣)

- technicians can become technologists. technologists can become supervisory positions. more higher education = higher positions.
- 7% growth due to population growth and development of new tests. the evergrowing field of genetic testing will encourage additional testing. BUT- the simplification of tests may enhance the ability of non-lab personnels to perform tests that were conducted in labs prior.
- hospitals are expected to continue to be a major employer but medical and diagnostic labs, offices, etc are growing as well.

phlebotomists
significant points
- employment is expected to grow.
- require post2nd training
- most jobs are in hospitals, labs, outpatient clinics, etc.
- may specialize in population groups that require more skill in drawing blood.
- competition from other health professional who becomes certified as phlebotomists may reduce employment opps.

- they draw blood for a living.
- used for different kinds of testing in labs, they may do simple procedures or spin it in a centrifuge. they often become skilled because how often they do it.
- work in hospitals, diagnostic labs, blood centers, outpatient clinics, etc. they may specialize in an age group.
- blood analysis is essential for medical facilities. demand will remain high as medical professionals will always require blood work for analysis and diagnosis. they may be replaced with other skilled healthcare professionals who are certified to be a phlebotomist.

- typically enter the field with post2nd non-degree award from a program. programs are available in colleges, vocational schools, etc. they take less than a year to complete and lead to cert or diploma. some phlebotomists enter the field with a HS diploma and get on the job training.
- beginning in 2021, those applying to training program must submit an official high school transcript to verify graduation for eligibility.

- CALIFORNIA requires phlebotomists to be licensed unlike other states who do not require.
- most employers prefer to hire those who are certified
- 17% growth