Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) are healthcare professionals who perform complex medical laboratory tests to help physicians diagnose, treat, and prevent disease. MLTs play a critical role in Canada’s healthcare system, providing accurate and reliable laboratory results that inform medical decisions.
MLTs work across various specialized fields of practice:
- Clinical Chemistry: Analyzing components in blood, urine, and other body fluids using techniques such as light measurement, electrochemistry, and immunoassay
- Hematology: Examining cellular and non-cellular components of blood and hemostasis to diagnose conditions and monitor treatment
- Clinical Microbiology: Identifying clinically significant microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses to determine causes of infection
- Transfusion Medicine (Science): Managing blood typing, antibody identification, and the safe preparation of blood products for transfusion
- Histology: Preparing clinical specimens through fixation, processing, and staining to demonstrate cellular structures for pathological examination
- Cytology: Examining cellular samples to identify morphologic abnormalities in gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimens
- Cytogenetics: Analyzing chromosomes to identify abnormalities related to genetic syndromes and conditions
- Molecular Diagnostics: Analyzing DNA and RNA using techniques such as PCR and DNA sequencing to diagnose genetic conditions and infectious diseases
Click here to learn more about each field of practice.
The work of MLTs encompasses everything from routine testing to complex analysis using automated systems, manual techniques, and microscopic examination. Their contributions to healthcare include diagnosing diseases, monitoring treatment effectiveness, preventing misdiagnoses, supporting epidemic control, and providing crucial information for patient care decisions. This work demands a high level of competence, professionalism, and accountability to support patient safety and quality care.