Why Medical Laboratory Science?
Medical laboratory science provides clues that are key in the diagnosis and treatment of disease or injury, and laboratory professionals are the detectives of the health care world. They provide clues that are key in the diagnosis and treatment of disease or injury and assist in the maintenance of healthy lifestyles. Clues to solving the mysteries of diseases are found in our own bodies. Laboratory tests monitor the composition of our blood, urine, and other body fluids and tissues for early warning signs of disease. Laboratory professionals perform tests that are crucial to our health and well-being.
Although they spend less time with patients than physicians and nurses, laboratory scientists are just as dedicated to patients’ health. As vital members of the health care team, they play a critical role in collecting the information needed to give the best care to an ill or injured patient. They find great satisfaction in their work, knowing that they are helping others and are saving lives.
It is the medical laboratory scientist, not the nurse or physician, who measures blood cholesterol and blood sugar, tests for anemia, checks the urine for protein, identifies strep throat bacteria, prepares blood for transfusion, and even determines if a hit and run driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It is the cytotechnologist who, in the laboratory, directs the preparation of cellular samples, microscopically evaluates cervical, pulmonary, gastric, urinary, and body cavity fluids for the presence of pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions and in patient areas assists in the collection and bedside interpretation of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens for the pathologist.
Medical laboratory professionals work in many settings: hospitals, doctor’s offices, clinics, research facilities, public health centers, the Armed Forces, veterinary offices, colleges, business, and industry. Academic achievements and technical ability set the level for responsibility one reaches in medical laboratory science.
Consider focusing your interest in biology or chemistry into this more specific and marketable major. If you enjoy the challenges and rewards of medicine and science, this is the profession for you!
Interested in this programme — seek professional guidance from our team of expert consultants.