MODULE 1

PRINCIPLES OF MEDICAL LABORATORY

SCIENCE PRACTICE 1

MLS
112

Bachelor of Science in Medical

Laboratory Science

SCHOOL OF NATURAL
SCIENCES
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 MLS 112
PRINCIPLES OF
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE PRACTICE 1
(PMLS 1)

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course module, you should be able to:

1. Describe the Profession of Medical Laboratory Science, the Profession’s historical foundation,
the Profession’s code of ethics in the national setting, and the Profession’s impact to the health
care industry and society.
2. Discuss the Medical Laboratory Science curriculum, the Philippine Medical Technology Board
Exam and relevant international licensure examinations for Medical Laboratory Scientists
3. Identify the national and international bodies overseeing the Profession of Medical Laboratory
Science and characterize their functional responsibilities
4. Describe the clinical laboratory both as a health care workplace and as a training site of the
Medical Technology Internship program
5. Characterize the Clinical Chemistry section, its historical development, and the services it offers.
6. Describe the Microbiology section and enumerate the routine tests carried out inside the
Microbiology section
7. Enumerate the various classes of medically important parasites and the role of the Parasitology
section for the detection of parasites in stool samples
8. Describe the performance of physical, chemical, and microscopic examination during
routine urinalysis
9. Describe the Hematology section and characterize the parameters tested in the
Complete Blood Count
10.Describe the Immunology-Serology section and enumerate common tests performed in the
Serology section
11.Characterize the Blood Bank section and the routine services it offers
12.Enumerate and define the steps of routine tissue processing in the Histopathology section
13.Discuss biohazard and biosafety principles
14.Enumerate and describe other hazards found inside the clinical laboratory
15.Describe prescribed policies and practices in healthcare waste management in the Philippines

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 COURSE INTRODUCTION

Dear PMLS 1 Student,

PMLS 1 acquaints the students to the major disciplines relevant to the practice of
Medical Technology/ Medical Laboratory Science profession.
The preliminary term of the course focuses on the nature of the profession of Medical
Laboratory Science. It also introduces the students to the historical foundations of the
profession, the profession’s role in the health care industry, and the profession’s
impacts within the context of modern society.
The preliminary term of the course also discusses the required education and licensure that
leads to the practice of medical laboratory science in national and international
settings.
The midterm coverage of the course elaborates the on the role of the clinical laboratory
as the primary workplace of modern medical laboratory science. Moreover, the
midterm coverage also describes the routine working sections of the clinical laboratory.

Furthermore, the final term of the course introduces the hazards that are inherent in
the clinical laboratory setting and the safety principles for management of the said
hazards.
By the end of the course, the student should be able to characterize the nature of the
Profession of Medical Laboratory Science, describe the clinical laboratory, and
understand the principles of biosafety and occupational safety.
With these, may you have a very productive First Semester 2020 via distance
education. Happy learning!

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 MODULE 1 – Introduction to the Profession of Medical Laboratory Science
The module will introduce the student to the profession of Medical Laboratory Science
and the Profession’s role in the health care industry and society.
The module also shows the organizational and political structure of the Profession within the
context of the national and international setting.

MODULE SELF MONITORING FORM

To help you keep track of your tasks for this module, you are provided in the
below with a self-monitoring form. Take the time to tick on the “Yes” box for each activity
that you finish and be reminded about pending activities that you are yet to do. Remember
that your success in achieving the module objectives depends entirely on how conscientious
you are of your own progress.

Schedule Activities Completed

Yes No
Unit 1: Engage  
2nd week Unit 1: Explore  
Unit 1: Explain  
Unit 1: Elaborate  
Unit 1: Evaluate  
3rd week Unit 2: Engage  
Unit 2: Explore  
Unit 2: Explain  
Unit 2: Elaborate  
Unit 2: Evaluate  

Do Read Quiz Submit

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 MODULE CONTENTS

Module Introduction: Introduction to the Profession of Medical Laboratory Science 04

Module Self-Monitoring Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04

Module Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .05

Module & Unit Objectives..........................................................................06

Unit 1: Medical Laboratory Science: Then and Now.......................................07

Engage: Five Tasks.............................................................................................. 07

Explore: Medical Technology Defined: R.A. 5527...................................................08

Explain: The Practice of Medical Technology.........................................................08

Elaborate: History of the Medical Technology Profession.......................................13

Evaluate: Unit 1 Quiz........................................................................................... 19

Unit 2: The Medical Technologist in the National and International Setting.......20

Engage: Personal Opinion..................................................................................... 20

Explore: PAMET & PAMET Logo................................................................................21

Explain: National Bodies Relevant to the Practice of Medical Technology...............21

Explain: International Bodies Relevant to the Practice of Medical Technology.........25

Elaborate: Crossword Puzzle................................................................................28

Evaluate: Unit 2 Quiz............................................................................................. 29

References..............................................................................................30

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 MODULE OBJECTIVES:
After the student is done reading and doing the tasks in this module, the student is
expected to be able to:
1. describe the Profession of Medical Laboratory Science and its role to the
health care industry and to the society;
2. discuss the Profession’s historical foundation, the Profession’s code of ethics in
the national setting, and the Profession’s role in the health care industry and its
impact to society; and
3. identify the national and international bodies overseeing the Profession of
Medical Laboratory Science and characterize their functional responsibilities.

This module is divided into two units as follows:

Unit 1 – Medical Laboratory Science: Then and Now

Unit Objectives:
1. Characterize the nature of the Medical Laboratory Science profession
2. Enumerate historical events and figures that contributed to the development
of Medical Laboratory Science
3. Describe the modern profession of Medical Laboratory Science and the
profession’s impact to the health care industry and society

Unit 2 – The Medical Technologist in the National and International Setting

Unit Objectives:
1. Identify and characterize the national bodies that are relevant to the practice
of Medical Laboratory Science
2. Identify and characterize the international bodies overseeing the Profession of
Medical Laboratory Science

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 UNIT 1: MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE: THEN AND

NOW ENGAGE FIVE TASKS

Assume that you are currently watching the daily brief on COVID-19 related events on your
television set. The news coverage included a clip of a medical laboratory scientist collecting
a swab sample from a suspected COVID patient. Another clip showed a medical laboratory
scientist performing Reverse Transcriptase- Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test while
on a full-body, air-supplied positive pressure suit.
It is undeniable that the COVID-19 crisis has increased the awareness of the public to
the often-underrepresented profession of Medical Laboratory Science.

In the Philippines, the profession of Medical Laboratory Science is oftentimes

referred to as the practice of Medical Technology. In international settings, Medical
Laboratory Science is also referred to as Clinical Laboratory Science, Biomedical
Laboratory Science and Laboratory Medicine.
Based on your prior readings and personal understanding, enumerate at least five tasks
that you think are performed by a medical laboratory scientist/ medical technologist.

Class Code: Class No: Name (FN, GN):

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 EXPLORE

In the Philippines, the practice of Medical Laboratory Science/ Medical Technology is

defined in Republic Act (R.A.) No. 5527, also known as the Philippine Medical
Technology Act of 1969. The said act defines the practice of medical technology as an
auxiliary branch of medicine which deals with examinations using various chemical,
microscopic, bacteriologic, and other medical laboratory procedures or techniques that
will aid the physician in diagnosis, study, and treatment of disease and in the
promotion of health in general.

EXPLAIN

The Practice of Medical Technology

Many definitions of Medical Technology have been published since its inception as a
mainstream practice in the healthcare industry. Some of the earlier published definitions of
the practice are presented below.

Fagelson (1961):
 Branch of medicine concerned with the performance of laboratory
determinations and analyses used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease
and the maintenance of health

Walters (1966):
 The health profession concerned with performing laboratory analyses in
view of obtaining information necessary in the diagnosis and treatment of
diseases as well as in the maintenance of good health

Heinemann (1963):
 Application of the principles of natural, physical, and biological sciences in
laboratory procedures to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases

In the Philippines, the practice of Medical Technology is formally defined by Republic

Act (R.A.) No. 5527, also known as the Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969. R.A.
5527 is an act requiring the registration of medical technologists, defining their practices,
and other purposes.

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 Practice of Medical Technology. Section 2 of the Philippine Medical Technology Act of
1969 states that a person shall be deemed to be in the practice of medical technology
when for a fee, salary or other compensation or reward paid or given directly or
indirectly through another any of the following professional services for the purpose of
aiding the physician in the diagnosis, study and treatment of diseases and in the promotion
of health in general:
1. Examination of tissues, secretions and excretions of the human body and body fluids
by various electronic, chemical, microscopic, bacteriologic, hematologic,
serologic, immunologic, nuclear, and other laboratory procedures and
techniques either manual or automated;
2. Blood banking procedures and techniques;
3. Parasitologic, mycologic and microbiologic procedures and techniques;
4. Histopathologic and cytotechnology; provided that nothing in this paragraph
shall inhibit a duly registered medical laboratory technician from performing
histopathology techniques and procedures;
5. Clinical research involving patients or human beings requiring the use of and/or
application of medical technology knowledge and procedures;
6. Preparations and standardization of reagents, standards, stains, and others, provided
such reagents, standards, stains, and others are exclusively for the use of their
laboratory;
7. Clinical laboratory quality control;
8. Collection and preservation of specimens;

Conventionally, the profession of Medical Technology is practiced in a clinical

laboratory, inside a blood bank, or in an anatomic laboratory.

The traditional working sections of a clinical laboratory include clinical chemistry,

hematology, serology, microbiology, clinical microscopy and parasitology. On the other
hand, anatomic laboratories offer cytotechnology and histopathologic services.
Depending on the structural organization of the hospital, a blood bank may be
considered a section of the clinical laboratory or a separate department.

The advent of technological advancements has also incorporated additional areas

of discipline in the practice of Medical Technology. Advancements in the fields of
biochemistry and molecular biology have led to the incorporation of molecular
biology laboratories in the field of medical laboratory science. Molecular biology
laboratories, which performs nucleic acid amplification tests and DNA-based assays, are
often used in the detection of infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and other
disease-causing microorganisms.

The Laboratory Workers

A. Medical Technologist
According to section 2 of R.A. 5527, a medical technologist is a person who
engages in the work of medical technology under the supervision of a
pathologist or a licensed physician authorized by the Department of Health in
places where there is no pathologist.

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 A medical technologist should have a degree in Bachelor of Science in
Medical Technology (now known as Bachelor of Science in Medical
Laboratory Science) or Bachelor of Science in Hygiene (now known as Bachelor of
Science in Public Health). Moreover, he/ she should have passed the Board
Examinations for Medical Technologists.

B. Pathologist
Section 2 of R.A. 5527 defines a pathologist as a duly registered physician who is
specially trained in methods of laboratory medicine, or the gross and
microscopic study and interpretation of tissues, secretions, and excretions of the
human body and its functions in order to diagnose disease, follow its course,
determine the effectivity of treatment, ascertain cause of death and advance
medicine by means of research

C. Medical Laboratory Technician

A laboratory technician is a person certified and registered with the Board of Medical
Technology as qualified to assist a medical technologist and/or qualified
pathologist in the practice of medical technology

D. Phlebotomist
A phlebotomist is an individual trained to draw blood either for laboratory tests or
for blood donations.
In the Philippines, a medical technologist is required to be skilled in phlebotomy.
Nowadays, phlebotomy is a skill confined not only to medical technologists but
also to other health care practitioners as well, provided that they were given
certification by a reputed certifying or training body.

E. Blood Bank Technologists

They are medical technologists who are specialized in the process of testing and
preparation of blood and blood products for transfusion.

F. Cytotechnologists
Laboratory practitioners specialized in the preparation of cell slides for
microscopic study and detection of cellular abnormalities

G. Histotechnologists
Histotechnologists are medical technologists who are specialized in preparation
of solid tissue samples for examination under the microscope

Roles of Medical Technology in Health Care

A. Laboratory Diagnosis of Medical Conditions
The laboratory procedures carried out by medical technologists involve examination of
bodily fluids and samples that were collected from the patients. The findings from
the laboratory examinations are oftentimes used by clinicians to evaluate the health
status

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 of patients. The laboratory findings are indispensable tools used by physicians for either
confirming or ruling out diagnosis of a suspected clinical condition.

B. Monitoring of Treatments
There are many laboratory examinations that are used for evaluating a treatment
regimen. Laboratory values are often used by physicians to have an educated
assessment on whether the treatment plan is helpful to the patient or not.
Moreover, values are used to gauge if a treatment plan is efficient enough.
Therefore, the laboratory findings are important in the establishment of the patient’s
prognosis or the patient’s likelihood of surviving or recovering from a clinical
condition.

C. Prevention and Control of Diseases and Infection

As mentioned earlier, medical technologists play an indispensable role in the detection
of clinical conditions including infectious diseases. Detection and identification of
infectious cases will significantly help in the isolation procedures which, in case, will
prevent further spread of the disease in the community.

D. Preparation of Safe Blood and Blood products

Medical technologists, specifically blood bank technologists, are primarily responsible
for the preparation of blood and blood products that are safe for transfusion.
The technologists make sure that the products for transfusion are free from
infectious diseases that can be transmitted via transfusion. Furthermore, they are also
responsible for ensuring that the blood product to be transfused is compatible with
the patient.

E. Biological and Medical Research

Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology, as an interdisciplinary
profession, can carry collaborative research projects to detect problems and
provide solutions, particularly in the fields of health care and public health.
Examples of the impacts of the profession’s active role in research include
discovering the growing resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics and the utilization
of molecular- based technology for clinical applications.

Professional Attitude of Medical Technologists

Medical technologists are held to a high level of standard when it comes to their
professional etiquette. Medical technologists are expected to conduct themselves in a
manner that is appropriate to the dignity of the health care profession.

In the Philippines, a licensed medical technologist’s professional conduct is governed by

the Medical Technology Code of Ethics.

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 Medical Technology Code of Ethics

As I enter into the practice of Medical Technology, I shall accept the responsibilities inherent
to being a professional; I shall uphold the law and shall not engage in illegal work nor
cooperate with anyone so engaged; I shall avoid associating or being identified with
any enterprise of questionable character;

I shall work and act in a strict spirit of fairness to employer, clients, contractors, employees
and in a spirit of personal helpfulness and fraternity toward other members of the
profession;

I shall use only honorable means of competition for professional employment or services
and shall refrain from unfairly injuring, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, projects
or business of a fellow medical technologist; I shall accept employment from more than
one employer only when there is no conflict of interest;

I shall perform professional work in a manner that merits full confidence and trust carried
out with absolute reliability, accuracy, fairness and honesty; I shall review the professional
work of other medical technologists, when requested, fairly and in confidence whether
they are subordinates or employees, authors of proposals for grants or contracts, authors of
technical papers or other publications or involved in litigation;

I shall advance the profession by exchanging general information and experience with
fellow medical technologists and other professionals and by contributing to the work of
professional organizations;

I shall restrict my praises, criticisms, views and opinions within constructive limits and shall not
use the knowledge I know for selfish ends; I shall treat any information I acquired about
individuals in the course of my work as strictly confidential, and may be divulged only
to authorized persons or entities or with consent of the individual when necessary;

I shall report any infractions of these principles of professional conduct to the

authorities responsible of enforcement of applicable laws or regulations, or to the Ethics
Committee of the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists as may be
appropriate.

To these principles, I hereby subscribe and pledge to conduct myself at all times in a
manner befitting the dignity of my profession.

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 ELABORATE

HISTORY OF THE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

PROFESSION
Early Beginnings

Vivian Herrick traces the beginning of medical technology to as early as 1550 BC when
the first documented records of parasites and parasitic infections were made.

a. Ebers papyrus (1500 BC)

 The oldest preserved Egyptian compilation of medical texts.
 Contains the first accounted records of intestinal parasitic infection caused by
Ascaris lumbricoides and Taenia species

b. Sushruta (600 BC)

 A Hindu physician who described diabetes as characterized by passage of
large amount of urine. He further noted that the madhumeha (‘honey
urine’) from diabetes patients is sweet in taste and can attract black ants.

c. Hippocrates (300 BC)

 A Greek physician considered as the “father of medicine” and author of
the Hippocratic oath
 Described four humors (body fluids) in the human body
 He associated the four humors to certain human behaviours and
further concluded that all diseases were due to imbalance of these
four humors.
 Four humors:
 Blood (sanguis)
o Sanguine: Courageous, hopeful, playful, carefree
 Yellow bile (khole)
o Choleric: Ambitious, leader-like, restless, easily angered
 Black bile (melaina khole)
o Melancholic: Despondent, quiet, analytical, serious
 Phlegm (phlegma)
o Phlegmatic: Calm, thoughtful, patient, peaceful
 Concluded that the appearance of bubbles, blood, and pus in urine
indicated kidney disease and chronic illnesses
 Adopted a triad of drugs, surgery, and bloodletting in treating diseases
and infection

d. Galen (180 AD)

 Described diabetes as “diarrhea of urine” and established the relationship
between fluid intake and urine volume

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 Ruth Williams believe that medical technology began from the medieval period.
e. Medieval Period (1098-1438)
 Diagnosis by ‘water casting’ (uroscopy) was widely practiced.
 Urinalysis became commonplace and was a practice that was followed
with exaggerated zeal. Patients submitted their urine specimen in decorative
flasks.
 Physicians who failed to examine the urine samples were subjected to
public beatings.

Anna Fagelson prefers to date the beginnings of the profession in the 14th century.
f. Alessandra Gillani (14th century)
 Was hired at the University of Bologna by Mondino de’ Liuzzi, an Italian
doctor, to perform some tests and other tasks in the laboratory.
 Unfortunately, Gillani died from a laboratory-acquired disease in 1326

Onset of Modern Medical Technology

a. Marcello Malphigi
 Described as the ‘greatest’ of the early microscopists
 Became renowned for his exploration of embryology and physiology of the
glands and the viscera.
 Regarded as the founding father of modern anatomic pathology

b. Rudolf Virchow
 Recognized as the father of microscopic pathology and is credited to have
established the world’s first pathology laboratory
 Was the first scientist/ physician of the time who emphasized the study of the
manifestation of diseases and infections, which are visible at the cellular level
by means of a microscope.

c. Von Ziemssen (1886)

 Established the first hospital-attached clinical laboratory in Munich, Germany
 The clinical laboratory he established was described to be well-conceived with
a chemical, a physical, and a bacteriological department, a working
library, and rooms for practical courses and the examination of patients.

Medical Technology in its Modern Onset in the United States

It is crucial for us to understand the onset of medical technology in the United States as it is
the Americans who brought the profession to the Philippines.

a. Massachusetts General Hospital (MassGen, Training hospital of Harvard Medical

School)
 1847: Established the position of “Chemist-Microscopist” whose duties
included assisting at autopsies

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  1854: John Bacon Jr. was employed as the Chemist- Microscopist. However, he
later suggested to separate the duties of the hospital microscopist and the
hospital chemist.
 1855: Dr. Calvin Ellis became the hospital microscopist. He is the first in
the hospital to significantly utilize the microscope in examination of
specimens leading to a diagnosis.

b. Dr. William Welch

 1878: Opened a teaching laboratory at Bellevue Medical College (New
York University Medical School) after studying several German laboratories.
 He gave the first laboratory course in pathology offered in an American
Medical School
 Became the first physician recruited to be a professor at the Johns
Hopkins University in 1886

c. William Pepper Laboratory of Clinical Medicine (1895)

 Established by the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
 Considered by many as the first legitimate clinical science laboratory
in the United States

d. University of Michigan Hospital

 Opened the first well-equipped chemical laboratory related to medicine,
where Dr. Douglas (unspecified) was the first to give laboratory instructions.
*Note: Cardona et al. (2015) reports this laboratory as the first clinical
laboratory set-up in the U.S.

e. Johns Hopkins Hospital

 Opened its clinical laboratory in 1896
 1898: Dr. William Osler, a Canadian physician and professor, established ward
laboratories at the Johns Hopkins Hospital where routine tests were performed
by attending physicians.

f. Rockefeller Institute (1903)

 Located in New York; Established its own clinical laboratory headed by Dr.
Simon Flexner

g. James Campbell Todd (1908)

 Wrote a book entitled Clinical Diagnosis: A Manual of Laboratory Methods,
which described the techniques and procedures of the laboratory tests
available then

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 h. John Bernard Henry
 Edited the book authored by Todd. The said book was later named as Henry’s
Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. This book
then became the fundamental source in the practice of laboratory
medicine.

i. Pennsylvania State Legislature (1915)

 Passed a law requiring all hospitals and institutions to have complete
laboratory facilities with full-time technicians, which gave laboratory services
a chance to be fully recognized and widely utilized.

j. World War I (1914-1918)

 Produced a great demand for technicians
 Physicians with knowledge on laboratory works began to teach their assistants
to do some tests for them
 Faced with reductions in medical staff because of America’s entry into
World War I, hospitals started hiring and training women to become
laboratory technicians.

k. John Kolmer (1918)

 Called for the development of a method that would certify medical
technologists on a national scale
 Published The Demand for and Training of Laboratory Technicians that
included a description of the first formal training course in Medical Technology

Despite the training of many technicians by the Army during the war and the laboratory
courses offered by several medical schools, the demand for reliable, well-trained
technicians greatly exceeded their availability.

l. R.B.H Gradwohl (1920)

 Proposed the establishment of schools for the proper training of
laboratory technicians and for the organization of a laboratory
examining board to pass on their qualifications for employment

m. American Society for Clinical Pathology

 Founded in 1922 with the objective of encouraging the maintenance of status
of clinical pathologists
 Also established the code of ethics for technicians and technologists
stating that these allied health professionals should work under the
supervision of a physician and refrain from making oral or written
diagnosis and advising physicians on how patients should be treated.
 American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science: Originally formed as a
subgroup of ASCP, helped in the recognition of non-physician clinical
laboratory scientists as autonomous professionals.

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 n. University of Minnesota
 Was the first to offer a degree program on medical technology in 1923

o. 1950’s
 Medical technologists in the United States sought professional recognition
from the government of their educational qualifications through licensure
laws

Medical Technology in the Philippines

a. 1944
 During the onslaught of World War II, U.S. bases were set up in Leyte
 Members of the U.S. healthcare team were brought to the country to serve
their wounded soldiers and civilians.
 26th Medical Laboratory of the 6th Infantry of the US Army
 The first clinical laboratory in the Philippines; Established on Quiricada
Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila
 Now known as Manila Public Health Laboratory
 By February 1944, it provided a one-year training program to high
school graduates to work as laboratory technicians

b. June 1945
 Staff of the 6th US Army left the facility after endorsing the newly
established clinical laboratory to the National Department of Health.
However, the laboratory facilities were not fully utilized and was later non-
operational.

c. Dr. Pio de Roda

 Filipino doctor who was a former staff of the 26th Medical Laboratory and a
well-known bacteriologist
 Preserved the remains of the laboratory with the help of Dr. Mariano Icasiano,
who was the first City Health Officer of Manila
 October 1, 1945: Dr. de Roda, with the help of Dr. Prudencio Sta. Ana, formally
re-established the laboratory
 1947: Dr. de Roda and Dr. Sta. Ana offered a training program to high school
and paramedical graduates who were interested in working as medical
technicians
 The training program was initially unsuccessful because no certificates
were issued to the trainees and the duration of the training was not
set.
 Dr. de Roda recognized the problems and instructed Dr. Sta. Ana to
prepare a formal syllabus

d. Dr. de Roda, Dr. Sta. Ana, and Dr. Tirso Briones (1954)
 Conducted a six-month training course with certification. (However, the
project did not last long since formal education began in the same year)

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 Formal Medical Technology Education in the Philippines

a. Philippine Union College (now the Adventist University of the Philippines) and Manila
Sanitarium Hospital (now the Manila Adventist Medical Center)
 1954: Offered the first four-year Bachelor of Science in Medical
Technology program in the Philippines
 Founders credited for development of the first Medical Technology
program include:
 Dr. Willa Hilgert Hedrick:
 “Founder of medical technology education in the Philippines”
 With the help of Mrs. Antoinette McKelvey, prepared the
course curriculum and established the first complete
laboratory in microbiology, parasitology, and histopathology
at the Manila Sanitarium Hospital
 Dr. Reuben Magsaysay: The then president of the Philippine Union
College
 Rev. Warren: President of the North Philippine Mission of Seventh Day
Adventist and director of the Bureau of Education
 Dr. Jesse Umali
 First student to graduate Medical Technology from the Philippine Union
College in 1956
 Later pursued a career in medicine (OB-Gyne)

b. University of Santo Tomas

 1957: Started offering medical technology as an elective subject to pharmacy
students
 1961: Medical technology was recognized as an official program in UST
with the first three years as a three-year academic course and the fourth
year as an internship program

c. Centro Escolar University

 1960: Began offering the Medical technology program, which was later
granted a recognition permit by the Bureau of Education

d. Far Eastern University

 1961: Started its School of Medical Technology, which was later formally
approved by the Bureau of Education

e. Saint Louis University

 1966: SLU started offering Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology
 1970: The Imelda R. Marcos Clinical Laboratory (now SLU Clinical Laboratories
opened to offer training for SLU medical technology interns
 1971: BSMT was recognized and approved by MECS (Ministry of Education,
Culture, and Sports)

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 EVALUATE MODULE 1 UNIT 1 QUIZ

For CBL students: Refer to the Preliminary Term Summative Assessment Module and
answer Module 1 Unit 1 Quiz.

For OBL students: Wait for the instructions of the class instructor.

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 UNIT 2: THE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST IN THE NATIONAL
AND INTERNATIONAL SETTING

ENGAGE PERSONAL OPINION

The Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) is the only accredited

professional organization (APO) for Filipino medical technologists.

As the only APO for Filipino medical technologists, the organization is expected to
champion all medical laboratory scientists and voice out their concerns and issues to
appropriate figures of authority. The PAMET is also expected to promote the Profession
of Medical Technology and increase the public’s awareness of the practice.
In your opinion, do you think that PAMET is adequately promoting the practice of
Medical Technology to increase the awareness of the public to the profession? Why or
why not?

Do you think that PAMET is doing enough to advocate for a fair monetary compensation for
Filipino Medical Technologists? Why or why not?

Class Code: Class No: Name (FN, GN):

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 EXPLORE
As mentioned earlier, the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) is the
only accredited professional organization for Medical Technologists in the Philippines.
PAMET utilizes an official logo that distinguishes the association from any other
professional organizations.
The PAMET official logo has the following elements:
i. Circle
The circle represents to the continuous involvement
where practice and education must always be integrated
ii. Triangle
The triangle refers to the trilogy of love, respect, and
integrity. The trilogy should always be manifested by
Filipino medical technologists in the performance of their
work.
iii. Green Color
The green color represents health.
iv. Microscope and Snake
These represent the science and profession of Medical
Technology.
v. 1964
This was the year when the first PAMET election was held.

EXPLAIN

National Bodies Relevant to the Practice of Medical Technology

1. Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET)
- The only accredited professional organization for Filipino Medical
Technologists

- Historical Notes:
o Crisanto G. Almario
 “Father of PAMET”
 Graduated from Manila College of Pharmacy, now called the
Manila Central University
 Licensed pharmacist who worked as a laboratory technician
at the San Lazaro Hospital where he felt the need to uplift the
profession to a more dignified level & standardize the laboratory
practice

o Birth of PAMET: 10:00 A.M. on September 15, 1963 at the Manila Public
Health Laboratory in Sta. Cruz, Manila
Note: During the same period, Mrs. Belen Siasco-Jose planned to
establish a similar organization but failed.

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 o First national convention and election of officers were held on
September 20, 1964 in Far Eastern University wherein Charlemagne
Tamondong became the first president.

- PAMET Core Values:

o Excellence: Adherence to high standards of practice
o Professionalism: Moral standards and responsibility
o Commitment: Commitment to selflessness, dedication, initiativeness,
creativity, and resourcefulness
o Unity: Linkages and support among other professional organizations
advocating the achievement of a common goal

- PAMET Presidents:

Term President Legacy Highlights

1963-1967 Charlemagne T. “Emergence of the Public acceptance and
Tamondong Profession” recognition of PAMET
1967-1970 Nardito D. Moraleta “Professional Approval of R.A. 5527
Recognition” **Currently, SB 2722
(Medical Technology Act of 2011)
by Senator Edgardo Angara is
being worked out as potential
eplacement

SEC registration of PAMET

1st Board of Examiners and First MT

Board Exam
1970-1971, Felix E. Asprer “Legislative Agenda” Approval of PD 498 (first
1973-1977 amendment to RA 5527 during
martial law)

PAMET was recognized by PRC as

official accredited professional
organization
1971-1973 Bernardo T. Tabaosares “Celebration of the Amendments to the Teves Law
Practice” (salaries of medical
professionals)

Third week of September as the

Philippine Medical
Technology Week
1973 (Jan- Angelina R. Jose ‘Career Advocacy” Upgrading of the Medical
Sep) Technology profession ( back
then, she pushed the professional
code from number 20 to number
3)

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 1977-1982 Venerable C.V. Oca “Educational Monthly seminars for the
Enhancement” continuing professional
education of medical
technologists

Monthly medical missions offering

free laboratory services to the
poor and less fortunate

Monthly quiz contests

participated in by different MT
schools

1982-1992 Carmencita P. “Image Building” Awards to deserving chapters

Acedera and members

Standardization of salary grade

13 to 22

Hazard pay equivalent to 25%

Aggressive and relevant CPE for

competence sustenance with
corresponding units

Sportsfest and inter-collegiate

quiz show in the Medical
Technology Week
celebration
1992-1996 Marilyn R. Atienza “Proactivism” Closer coordination between
PAMET and PASMETH

Approval of the PAMET

constitution and by-laws (1992)
1997-2001 Norma N. Chang “International 1997 Code of Ethics of the
Leadership” Medical Technology Profession

Registration of the Philippine

Journal of Medical Technology in
the International Library of
Congress with a corresponding
ISSN number

Philippine Council for Quality

Assurance in Clinical Laboratories
(PCQACL)

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 2001-2002; Agnes B Medenilla “Organizational Job fairs for newly registered MT
2005-2006 Dynamism”
PAMET as recipient of the Most
Outstanding Professional
Organization by CHAp in 2001

“Alagang Safeguard, Alagang

Nanay’ ad campaign with
Procter & Gamble
2002-2005 Shirley I. Fabian “Interdisciplinary “Dagdag Karunungan,
Cruzada Networking” Kinabukasan Thesis/ Dissertation
Grant”

Collaborative activities: PAMET

website

Research fund for PAMET

members; Student research forum
during the Medical Technology
Week celebration
2006-2013 Leila M. Florento “Beyond Expectations” CPE for MT

Collaboration with P&G: “Limang

Hakbang Tungo sa Kalusugan”
– a joint effort by PAMET and
PNRC

Research-related activities
2013-2015 Romeo Joseph J. “Golden Celebration” V.O.I.C.E.: Visibility, Oneness,
Ignacio “Soar Higher Integrity, Commitment, &
through V.O.I.C.E.” Excellence
2015- Ronaldo E. Puno “Empowerment” Empowering Medical
Present Technologists towards Global
Advancement

2. Philippine Association of Schools of Medical Technology and Public

Health (PASMETH)
- National organization of all registered schools of medical technology in the
Philippines
- Aim: Maintain the highest standards of medical technology/ public health
education and to foster closer relations among these schools
- Historical notes
o May 13, 1970: Director Narciso Albarracin appointed Dr. Serafin J Juliano
(FEU) and Dr. Gustavo U. Reyes to organize an association of deans/
heads of schools of MT and hygiene
o June 22, 1970: First organizational meeting of PASMETH at UST
o October 6, 1989: Registration with the SEC
- Current PASMETH president: Dean Bernard Ebuen

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 - Accomplishments of PASMETH (Highlights):
o Continuing professional education programs for MT faculty members
o Standard curriculum for the B.S. Medical Technology program
o Standard course syllabi for professional subjects in medical technology
o Annual PASMETH-PAMET quiz show

3. Philippine Society of Medical Technology Students (PHISMETS)

- Organized in 2002 during the term of Dean Zenaida Cajucom
- First advisers: Prof. Marilyn Bala, Prof. Nova Aida Cajucom, Prof. Zennie B.
Aceron
- Reorganized on November 25, 2006 under the umbrella of the PASMETH
- Primary aim: Establish camaraderie among students via activities centered on
social and cultural developments, community outreach programs, and
leadership training/ seminars

INTERNATIONAL BODIES RELEVANT TO THE PRACTICE OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

1. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)

- Formerly known as NCCLS (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory
Standards)
- A not-for-profit membership organization with the primary aim for
fostering excellence in laboratory medicine
- Develops CLINICAL LABORATORY TESTING STANDARDS & GUIDELINES
based on input from and consensus among industry, government, and
health care professionals.
- Vision: Quality Practices for better health
- Mission: Develop clinical and laboratory practices and promote their use
worldwide
- Common publications utilized by clinical laboratories in the performance
of tests:
o M100: Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
o GP41: Collection of Diagnostic Venous Blood Specimens
o GP48: Essential Elements of a Phlebotomy Training Program
o QMS01: A Quality Management System Model for Laboratory Services

2. American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

- A professional association based in Chicago, Illinois encompassing
pathologists and laboratory professionals; Advocates for the recognition of
pathologists and medical laboratory personnel
- ASCP Board of Certification
o Provides global certification for generalist and specialist medical laboratory
professionals

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 3. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- One of the oldest physical science laboratories; Currently under the US
Department of Commerce
- Promotes innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing
measurement science, standards, and technology
- Contributions/roles in clinical laboratory testing:
o Specifying Class A tolerances for laboratory glass wares such as
serological pipettes, beakers, biurets, graduated cylinders, etc.
 All laboratory utensils should be Class A whenever possible to
maximize accuracy and precision
 All NIST-certified Class A glass wares (such as Class A pipets) do not
need to be recalibrated by the clinical laboratory
o Production of standards used for calibration of laboratory instruments
 E.g. NIST Class S Weights that are used for calibrating analytical
balances

4. Laboratory Accrediting Bodies

a. International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

- An independent, non-governmental international organization with a
membership of 164 national standard bodies
- Develops and provides common standards between nations in food safety,
agriculture, and healthcare
- Provides internationally-recognized accreditation of workplaces and industries
based on standards
- Standards applicable in the clinical laboratory setting:
o ISO 9001 “Quality Management Systems-Requirements”
o ISO 15189 “Medical Laboratories- Requirements
for Quality and Competence”
 It provides standards for technical competence that are unique to
medical laboratories
 It also provides quality management system similar to that of ISO 9001
but within the context of the medical laboratory setting.

b. The Joint Commission

- Formerly JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations)
and previous to that, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAH)
- Independent, not-for-profit organization that certifies health care organizations
and programs across the US

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 c. College of American Pathologists (CAP)
- Member-based physician organization composed exclusively of
pathologists certified by the American Board of Pathology
- Offers accreditation services to help laboratories earn accreditation under ISO
15189 Medical Laboratories
- Laboratory Accreditation Program: Peer-based inspection model
o Uses teams of practicing professionals qualified through a CAP training
which will perform on-site inspections every two years using CAP
ACCREDITATION CHECKLISTS
o CAP ACCREDITATION CHECKLISTS
 All Common Checklist (COM): Contains a core set of
requirements that apply to all areas performing laboratory tests
and procedures
 Discipline-specific checklist: Designed for a specific working area
in the laboratory

5. American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)

- Global leader in standards development, accreditation and implementation of
quality systems IN TRANSFUSION MEDICINE AND CELLULAR THERAPIES
- Has the primary vision of making transfusion medicine and cellular therapies
safe, available, and effective worldwide.

6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

- A public health institute under the US Department of Health and Human Services
which has the primary aim of protecting the public from health, safety, and
security threats
- Provides the standard guidance for biosafety and biosecurity practices
in laboratories across the US (and has been widely adopted by many
countries)
- Provides standards that help laboratories manage the presence of biohazards
o Co-authors the manual Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical
Laboratories (now in its 5th Edition) in partnership with the National Institutes
of Health

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 ELABORATE

Class Code: Class No: Name (FN, GN):

Instructions: The Crossword Puzzle below will test your understanding of concepts and
terms based on what you've studied in this module unit. Complete the crossword by filling
in a word that fits each clue.

Across

2. Organization that is primarily responsible for providing the continuing professional

education of faculty members teaching Medical Laboratory Science
4. A body that is responsible for providing standard guidelines for the performance of
clinical laboratory assays
5. Containment principles, technologies, and practices that are implemented to
prevent exposure to pathogens or toxins

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 7. Laboratory wares characterized with the highest degree of accuracy and precision
9. The only accredited professional organization for Filipino Medical Technologists
10. A core value in the practice of Medical Technology characterized by the
interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of health care workers.
11. Provides quality management system for clinical laboratory setting
12. Nearness of a measured value to the 'true' value

Down

1. PAMET president who served the longest term

2. The profession of the individual who is responsible for the inception of PAMET
3. A core value of PAMET characterized by strict conformity to standard operating
procedures
5. The protection, control, and accountability for valuable biological materials within
the laboratories, in order to prevent their unauthorized access or intentional release
6. Governing body responsible for providing guidelines that will prevent transfusion
reactions
8. Month when the Medical Technology Week is celebrated
13. PAMET logo element that stresses the important relationship of theoretical knowledge
and practical application in the practice of Medical Technology

EVALUATE MODULE 1 UNIT 2 QUIZ

For CBL students: Refer to the Preliminary Term Summative Assessment Module and
answer Module 1 Unit 2 Quiz.

For OBL students: Wait for the instructions from the class instructor.

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 REFERENCES
Suba, S., & Florida, J. (2014). Introduction to Medical Technology with Science, Technology,
and Society. Pasig: Cengage Learnng Asia Pte Ltd

Cardona, C., Garcia-Meim, R., & Martin, G. (2015). Introduction to Medical Technology
Practice in the Philippine Setting. Quezon City: C&E Publishing, Inc.

Benitez, P., Dumaoal, O., Estrella, F., & Mortel, F., Nava, M.R. (2019). Principles of Medical Laboratory
Science 1. Quezon City: C&E Publishing, Inc.

Sunderman Sr., F.W. (1993). Evolution of Clinical Science: An Overview. Annals of Clinical and
Laboratory Science, 23(4), pp. 231-248

Turgeon, M. (2020). Linne & Ringsrud’s Clinical Laboratory Science. St. Louis: Elsevier

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