Competency profiles have been developed in the following fields of practice:
Clinical Chemistry
Clinical Chemistry involves the analysis of components in blood, urine, and other body fluids. Practice in Clinical Chemistry includes knowledge of principles and application of analytical techniques including light measurement, electrochemistry, chromatography, mass spectrometry, electrophoresis, immunoassay, and biochemical analysis. A combination of automated, manual, and microscopic techniques is used. Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) require the skills to produce and assess the validity of results from tests such as urinalysis, blood gas analysis, electrolyte measurement, carbohydrate testing, as well as renal, cardiac, liver, pancreatic, toxicology, metabolic, and osmometry testing. These skills are essential for assisting in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases.
Hematology
Hematology focuses on the principles and analysis of cellular and non-cellular components of blood and hemostasis (clot formation and dissolution) to diagnose or monitor treatment. Practice in Hematology includes the knowledge of principles and application of analytical techniques such as slide preparation, staining, examination of peripheral blood films, use of a compound microscope, manual and automated cell counting, flow cytometry and manual or automated coagulation tests. A combination of automated, manual, and microscopic techniques is used. MLTs require the skill to produce and assess the validity of results of complete blood count (CBC), peripheral blood smear evaluation, and hemostasis testing.
Transfusion Medicine (Science)
Transfusion Medicine (Science), also known as Blood Bank, focuses on the principles and skills required for ABO and Rh inheritance, antigens, antibodies, as well as storage and preparation of blood and blood products. Transfusion Science includes the knowledge and application to assess, perform and resolve ABO and Rh grouping, identify blood group system antibodies, hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN), and selection of compatible products for transfusion. A combination of automated and manual techniques is used. MLTs must apply their knowledge of blood group systems, inheritance, inventory management, issuing of blood and blood products, and investigate adverse effects of transfusion.
Clinical Microbiology
Clinical Microbiology focuses on the principles and skills required to prepare, culture, incubate, and stain clinical microbiology specimens to identify the cause of infection. Practice in Clinical Microbiology includes the knowledge and application to identify and perform susceptibility testing of clinically significant microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. A combination of automated, manual, molecular, and microscopic techniques are used. MLTs must apply their knowledge of clinically significant microorganisms for various body systems to produce valid results to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Histology
Histology focuses on the principles and skills to prepare clinical specimens for histological examination. Practice in Histology includes the knowledge and application of fixation, processing, embedding, cutting, and staining techniques to demonstrate cellular and non- cellular elements that are reviewed by pathologists. MLTs must apply their knowledge to differentiate the micro-anatomical structure of the body’s major organs including functional cells and tissue arrangements to ensure the pathologist is able to produce valid results.
Cytology
- Gynecologic Cytology examines cellular samples from the female reproductive system using conventional smears and liquid-based platforms. Cytotechnologists interpret cellular specimens to identify morphologic abnormalities through the application of their skill, knowledge, and judgement in the female reproductive anatomy (macro and micro anatomy), cellular morphology, and the standardized Bethesda System for reporting. Cytotechnologists will report all negative (normal) results and work with cytopathologists (pathologists) in the diagnosis of abnormal findings including cervical cancer, HPV, or uterine cancer.
- Non-Gynecologic Cytology involves the examination of cellular specimens from all types of tissues, organs, and body fluids. Cytotechnologists interpret cellular specimens to identify morphologic abnormalities through the application of their skill, knowledge, and judgement of the tissues, organs, body fluids, anatomy (macro and micro anatomy), cellular morphology and the accepted standardized reporting systems. Cytotechnologists work closely with cytopathologists in the diagnosis of abnormal findings.
Cytogenetics
Cytogenetics involves the examination of chromosomes, using techniques such as karyotyping, FISH, and chromosomal microarray analysis using advanced microscopes with imaging systems. Cytogenetic technologists identify chromosomal abnormalities and correlate findings with clinical data through the application of knowledge of chromosomal structure, genetic syndromes, and the principles of molecular genetics. The results of these tests are used to diagnose conditions such as Down Syndrome, Leukemia, and chromosome defects, plan a treatment, or evaluate a treatment.
Molecular Diagnostics
Molecular Diagnostics involves the analysis of DNA and RNA in a variety of specimens using techniques such as PCR, DNA sequencing, and other molecular methods, utilizing instruments such as real-time PCR machines and DNA sequencers. MLTs examine molecular assays and interpret results to diagnose conditions or monitor treatment efficacy involving genetics/genomics, proteomics, infectious disease, such as COVID-19, Cystic fibrosis, and gene mutations in various types of cancer.