CLINICAL LAB SCIENEC

CHAPTER 1: HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE 21
Technologists use microscopes, a variety of laboratory analyzers, computers,
and various pieces of complex equipment for certain procedures in the course of
their duties. MTs and CLSs may also prepare and study body tissues and fluids,
although there is a category of worker, either a histologist or cytologist, who is
responsible for preparing and testing surgical specimens and some cellular preparations
as a separate professional category. Laboratory professionals test for
the presence of bacteria, therapeutic drugs, and drugs of abuse and for diseases,
such as leukemia, diabetes, cancer, and HIV/AIDS. They possess the theoretical
and scientific background necessary to understand the reasons for performing
specific tests and the significance of the results. Laboratory professionals who
have a bachelor’s degree often choose specialty areas such as microbiology, clinical
chemistry, immunohematology (blood banking), immunology, drug testing,
therapeutic drug monitoring, and biogenetics, among others. These professionals
work in a variety of settings, often as supervisors of technician-level workers.
Certain professional levels of education and training for specialization are available
for the technologist. These specialty programs often require a master’s or
doctoral level of education for special procedures.
Scope of Practice
What is meant by the term “scope of practice?” The term is used by state licensing
boards and by certifying agencies, such as those who “register” medical laboratory
workers, for various professions to define the procedures, actions, and
processes that are permitted for the licensed individual (American Society for
Clinical Laboratory Science, 2001).
The scope of practice is limited to what the law allows for a person with
specific education and experience and specific demonstrated competency. Professionals
are expected to perform only those tasks for which they have been
trained and for which they are responsible. Otherwise, there may be legal ramifications
if a professional is operating outside his or her specific scope of practice.
Each state has laws, licensing bodies, and regulations that describe its requirements
for education and training, but not all states have the same limitations or
scope of practice for certain professions. Governing, licensing, and law enforcement
bodies are generally at the state level. In some cases, federal guidelines or
regulations exist.
Why Differentiate between CLS/MT and CLT/MLT?
Not all employers attempt to differentiate between the various levels of laboratory
professionals (National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences,
2008). Depending on the certification of the laboratory worker, different
nomenclature for job titles is used. A laboratory worker with an MT designation
is equal to the worker who is called a CLS. Requirements for these two categories
are essentially the same. Laboratory professionals called CLTs or MLTs are
likewise equal in status. In some medical facilities, a CLS/MT and a CLT/MLT
have essentially the same duties and perform essentially the same functions.
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