Your Lab

What Is a Laboratory Professional?

Laboratory personnel examine and analyze body fluids, and cells. They look for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms; analyze the chemical contents of fluids; match blood for transfusions; and test for drug levels in the blood that show how a patient is responding to treatment.

Technologists also prepare specimens for examination, count cells, and look for abnormal cells in blood and body fluids. They use microscopes, cell counters, and other high-tech laboratory equipment. They also use automated equipment and computerized instruments to test specimens. After testing and examining a specimen, they analyze and relay the results to physicians.

There are many types of laboratory professionals.

Medical Laboratory Scientists
Medical Laboratory Technicians
Cytotechnologists
Histotechnologists
Phlebotomists
Molecular Biologists
Pathologists' Assistants
Clinical Chemists
Technologist in Cytogenetics

What is Pathology?

Pathology is the study of disease using body tissue and cells. Pathologists examine tissues with the naked eye, examine stained cells with a microscope, or analyze the cellular or chemical composition of body fluids. Pathologists work with the medical laboratory team, as well as the clinical care team, to provide diagnoses, which determine treatment plans and care options.

Resources

Follow the links below for information about careers in laboratory medicine.