MT111
Principles of Medical Laboratory Science Practice 1 (Intro to
Med Lab Science, Lab Safety and Waste Management
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to introduce students to the major disciplines (Hematology, Histopathology,
Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry, Blood Banking etc.) in the Medical Technology profession. In
addition, students are introduced to the structure of clinical laboratory and pathology services and an
examination of the roles and functions of Medical Technologists. Students are acquainted with
Professional Practice issues including ethical practices in medical technology and laboratory-based
research and an introduction to environmental and occupational health and safety issues affecting
laboratory practices. The course includes discussion on the historical foundations of the Profession,
its impact to society and its contribution to other medical sciences.
COURSE CREDIT: 3 UNITS
COURSE OBJECTIVES
At the end of the course, the students should be able to :
1. Identify the specific duties a Medical Technologist performs in a clinical laboratory as well as other
fields
2. Describe the organization, function and nature of the working environment of Medical Technologists
3. Realize the role of Medical Technologists in the diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases and
the impact of the profession to the society in general
4. Recognize the importance of the Medical Technology profession in the delivery of health care services
5. Integrate the scientific ethics and humanistic values when dealing with application of concept of the
course in everyday life
6. Manifest the values of: honesty, critical thinking, empathy and value for Life.
WHAT IS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY?
➢ application of science to develop
solutions to health problems or issues
such as the prevention or delay of onset
of diseases or the promotion and
monitoring of good health.”
➢ is the health profession that provides
laboratory information and services
needed for the diagnosis and treatment
of disease.
OBJECTIVES: THE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION AIMS TO:
1. Develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills in the performance of clinical laboratory procedures
needed to help the physician in the proper diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention of
diseases;
2. Develop skills in critical and analytical thinking to advance knowledge in Medical
Technology/Clinical Laboratory Science and contribute to the challenges of the profession;
3. Develop leadership skills and to promote competence and excellence and;
4. Uphold moral and ethical values in the service of society and in the practice of the profession.
EXTRACTED FROM RA 5527
MODULE 1: HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION
History of Medical Technology in a Global Context
300 BC-180 AD GALEN
➢ instigated a
rudimentary and
qualitative assessment of
disorder through
measurement of body
HIPPOCRATES
fluids
➢ “Father of Medicine”
➢ author of the Hippocratic Oath,
Hippocratic Oath
I swear by Apollo the physician, and Asclepius, and Hygieia and Panacea and
all the gods and goddesses as my witnesses, that, according to my ability and
judgement, I will keep this Oath and this contract:
To hold him who taught me this art equally dear to me as my parents, to be a
partner in life with him, and to fulfill his needs when required; to look upon his
offspring as equals to my own siblings, and to teach them this art, if they shall
wish to learn it, without fee or contract; and that by the set rules, lectures,
and every other mode of instruction, I will impart a knowledge of the art to my
own sons, and those of my teachers, and to students bound by this contract
and having sworn this Oath to the law of medicine, but to no others.
I will use those dietary regimens which will benefit my patients according to
my greatest ability and judgement, and I will do no harm or injustice to them.
I will not give a lethal drug to anyone if I am asked, nor will I advise such a
plan; and similarly I will not give a woman a pessary to cause an abortion.
In purity and according to divine law will I carry out my life and my art.
I will not use the knife, even upon those suffering from stones, but I will leave
this to those who are trained in this craft.
Into whatever homes I go, I will enter them for the benefit of the sick,
avoiding any voluntary act of impropriety or corruption, including the seduction
of women or men, whether they are free men or slaves.
Whatever I see or hear in the lives of my patients, whether in connection with
my professional practice or not, which ought not to be spoken of outside, I will
keep secret, as considering all such things to be private.
So long as I maintain this Oath faithfully and without corruption, may it be
granted to me to partake of life fully and the practice of my art, gaining the
respect of all men for all time. However, should I transgress this Oath and
violate it, may the opposite be my fate.
Translated by Michael North, National Library of Medicine, 2002.
MODULE 1: HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION
History of Medical Technology in a Global Context
MEDIEVAL PERIOD 900 AD
➢ diagnosis by "water ➢ first book detailing the
casting' (uroscopy) characteristics of urine (e.g, color,
density, quality) was written.
MODULE 1: HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION
History of Medical Technology in a Global Context
11th Century 18th century
➢ mechanical techniques and
➢ medical practitioners were
cadaver dissection were used to
not allowed to conduct
provide a more objective and
physical examination of the
accurate diagnosis and to
patient’s body.
understand the insides of the
body.
MODULE 1: HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION
History of Medical Technology in a Global Context
19th century
➢ physicians began using
machines for diagnosis or
therapeutics.
➢ use of chemistry was pivotal
in the diagnosis of diabetes,
anemia, diphtheria, and
syphilis during this period.
MODULE 1: HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION
History of Medical Technology in a Global Context
19th century
John Hutchinson's
spirometer
➢ for measuring the vital
capacity of the lungs
MODULE 1: HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION
History of Medical Technology in a Global Context
MODULE 1: HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION
History of Medical Technology in a Global Context
19th century
Jules Herisson's
sphygmomanometer
➢ for measuring blood
pressure.
MODULE 1: HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION
History of Medical Technology in a Global Context
The thermometer, stethoscope,
microscope, ophthalmoscope,
laryngoscope, and X-ray are some of
the breakthroughs in medical
technology that allowed physicians to
examine body parts used to be
observed only in cadavers.
MODULE 1: HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION
History of Medical Technology in a Global Context
MODULE 1: HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION
History of Medical
Technology in a Global
Context
MODULE 1: HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION
MODULE 1: HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION
History of Medical Technology in the United States
1895 1918
➢ University of Pennsylvania's
➢ John Kolmer called for the
William Pepper Laboratory of
development of a method that
Clinical Medicine was opened to
would certify medical
highlight the service role of
technologists on a national scale.
clinical laboratories.
MODULE 1: HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION
History of Medical Technology in the United States
1920
➢ the administrative units of 1950
clinical laboratories in large
➢ Medical technologists sought
hospitals were directed by a
professional recognition from the
chief physician.
government of their educational
qualifications through licensure laws.
1922
➢ American Society for Clinical
Pathology (ASCP) was founded
