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Field Description
Clinical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease in patients. Across the world, laboratory tests help determine the presence, extent, or absence of disease and monitor the effectiveness of treatment. An estimated 60 percent to 70 percent of all decisions regarding a patient's diagnosis and treatment, hospital admission and discharge are based on laboratory test results.
Clinical laboratory scientists (also referred to as clinical laboratory technologists or medical technologists) and clinical laboratory technicians (also known as medical technicians or medical laboratory technicians) perform most laboratory tests.
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More About Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Clinical laboratory personnel microscopically examine and analyze blood, body fluids (e.g., urine, peritoneal fluid, cerebrospinal fluid), tissues and cells. They look for bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms, analyze the chemical content of fluids, match blood for transfusions, and test how a patient is responding to treatment.
Laboratory workers make cultures of body fluid and tissue samples to determine the presence of bacteria, fungi, parasites or other microorganisms. They analyze samples for chemical content or reaction and determine blood glucose and cholesterol levels. They also type and crossmatch blood samples for transfusions.
Laboratory technologists and technicians also prepare specimens for examination, count cells, and look for abnormal cells. They use sophisticated equipment and instruments which can perform a number of tests simultaneously, as well as microscopes, cell counters, and other high-precision laboratory equipment. Then, they analyze the results and relay them to physicians. With increasing automation and computer technology, the work of technologists and technicians is analytical in nature. The complexity of tests performed and the amount of responsibility laboratory technologists assume depends largely upon their level of education and experience.
Clinical laboratory scientists, who include medical and clinical laboratory technologists, generally have a bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science, medical technology or a life science, or they have a combination of formal training and work experience. They perform complex chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic and bacteriological tests, requiring significant analytical and independent judgment.
Clinical laboratory scientists evaluate test results, develop and modify procedures, and establish and monitor programs to ensure the accuracy of tests. Some clinical laboratory scientists supervise medical and clinical laboratory technicians. Laboratory scientists in small labs perform many types of tests, whereas those in large labs generally specialize.
Their training also qualifies them to work in industry, and many laboratory personnel choose to work in the research and development branch of a commercial laboratory or in the marketing and sales of laboratory equipment and products.
Clinical laboratory scientists with computer science training or experience are uniquely qualified to work with laboratory computer systems. As laboratory computer liaisons, they bridge the communication gap between medical and computer scientists and analyze, design and implement laboratory information systems.
Clinical laboratory technicians generally have an associate's degree and may work in all areas of the laboratory including chemistry, microbiology, transfusion medicine, immunology, hematology and genetics, or they may specialize and develop one expertise such as virology, molecular genetics or cytogenetics. They are supervised by technologists. Laboratory technicians may work in a hospital laboratory or an outpatient clinic as well as a reference laboratory.
Career Opportunities
The placement outlook for clinical laboratory workers is excellent and will grow rapidly through the year 2010 as the continual advancement in medical knowledge hastens new testing methods and procedures.
Advancements in bioengineering have created numerous career opportunities in commercial, biotechnology, industrial and pharmaceutical companies. Laboratory scientists/technicians with computer experience and/or training are eligible for jobs with their company's computer systems support groups or with information technology companies.
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians held approximately 295,000 jobs in 2000. About half worked in hospitals. Most of the others worked in medical laboratories or offices and clinics of physicians. A small number were in blood banks, research and testing laboratories, at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and U.S. Public Health Service facilities.
Earning Potential
According to 2007 data, medical and clinical laboratory technologists (bachelor's degree holders) at Mayo Clinic in Rochester earn between $45,101 and $67,651. The salary range for clinical laboratory technicians (associate's degree holders) is between $36,916 and $54,643. Research shows that Mayo Clinic leads the way regionally and nationally in offering competitive salaries to medical and clinical laboratory technicians and technologists.
Professional Organizations
Visit the following Web sites to learn more about clinical laboratory science:
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