The Molecular Pathology Technologist
Medicine’s most exciting new frontier is at the molecular level, where
the fast-growing field of molecular pathology is breaking ground in our understanding
of human health. Research has discovered that many disease states, including
cancer, have their origins at the molecular or genetic level. Technologists in
molecular pathology (MP) are helping to diagnose and even predict such diseases
in the laboratory, often before any other symptoms present themselves. In addition,
molecular examination can help to identify and isolate diseasecausing microorganisms
by their genetic material, enabling more effective design of new drugs and treatments.
As we learn more about the human genome, the role of the technologist in molecular
pathology will only grow in importance.
The Forensic Scientist
Forensic science is one of the most intriguing—and today, one of the most
popular arenas of laboratory medicine. While the current images in movies and
television may not accurately reflect the real day-to-day routine of the forensic
scientist, it is still true that forensic investigation can offer a rewarding
career that calls on the full array of skills acquired and developed in clinical
laboratory science programs. Studies in chemistry, histology, hematology, immunology,
microbiology, cytology, and toxicology may all be involved in the investigation
of a case, depending on the type of evidence detected at and recovered from a
scene. Forensic science makes a contribution that is vital to our criminal and
civil justice system…and a daily challenge to the laboratory specialist.
The Specialist in Blood Banking
The blood bank is an essential resource in the modern health care system, and
its daily operation falls under the responsibilities of the Specialist in Blood
Banking (SBB). The specialist helps to ensure the safety and ready availability
of the blood supply used in surgical, trauma, and disease treatment. Donor
supplies are collected and tested, processed and catalogued, stored and retrieved,
all under the supervision of the specialist. In addition, the specialist is
responsible for continuing education to ensure that all technologists and technicians
in the blood bank know and use the most current techniques for the safety of
both blood donors and blood recipients.
Laboratory Informatics
Today’s medical laboratory depends on digital technology, making laboratory
informatics an ideal way to combine an interest in computers with an interest
in laboratory science. The informatics specialist is a laboratory technologist
or technician who specializes in working with critical clinical systems, managing
hardware and software installations, supervising the security and integrity of
patient record databases, helping to interface patient laboratory test results
with hospital mainframe systems, and administering disaster recovery procedures.
Additional Areas of Specialty:
- Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Virology
- Laboratory Safety, Laboratory Management
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