Principles of Medical Technology Practice 1

(Introduction to Medical Technology, Laboratory Safety, and Waste Management)

be proficient in the use of technology. Patients were likewise

needed to be educated on the tests done on them.
HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY IN A GLOBAL CONCEPT
Technology took over face-to-face interaction between patients
★ Early medical diagnosis treated disease as a mystery. and physicians who relied more on technology as a basis for diagnostic
★ Disease was believed to be caused by the negative interaction assessments instead of patients' subjective description of symptoms.
between the environment and the body. - All these resulted in increased diagnostic accuracy at the
expense of closer doctor-patient relationship.
By around 300 BC to 180 AD, Hippocrates was considered
the "father of medicine" and author of the Hippocratic Oath. ★ The thermometer, stethoscope, microscope,
Galen, a Greek physician, and philosopher, instigated a ophthalmoscope, laryngoscope, and X-ray are some of the
rudimentary and qualitative assessment of disorder through breakthroughs in medical technology that allowed physicians to
measurement of body fluids (also called the four humors-blood, examine body parts used to be observed only in cadavers.
phlegm, yellow bile, black bile) with seasons.

HIPPOCRATES GALEN

- Urine underwent examination. - Described diabetes as "diarrhea

of urine" and established the
- Advocated the tasting of urine, relationship between fluid intake
listening to the lungs, and and urine volume.
observing outward appearances
in the diagnosis of disease.

- Appearance of bubbles, blood,

and pus in urine indicate kidney
disease and chronic illnesses.

In medieval Europe, diagnosis by "water casting" (uroscopy) was widely

practiced. Patients submitted their urine specimens in decorative flasks.
Physicians who failed to examine the urine were subjected to public
beatings.

★ By 900 AD, the first book detailing the characteristics of urine

(e.g., color, density, quality) was written. ★ In the mid-1800s, laboratories designed for analyzing medical
specimens were organized by chemical experts. Technical
Medicine and medical technology advanced because of the high mortality laboratories regulated by the Centers for Disease Control and
rate caused by plagues and other diseases. Prevention (CDC) began to be used for medical diagnostics in
the US by the mid-1900s.
★ In the early 11th century, medical practitioners were not allowed
to conduct physical examinations of the patient's body. Thus, ★ In the early 20th century, improvements in basic sciences and
they relied solely on the patient's description of symptoms and integration of scientific and technological discoveries (i.e.,
their observations. electrical measurement techniques, sensor development,
★ By the 18th century, mechanical techniques and cadaver nuclear medicine, and diagnostic ultrasound) marked the
dissection were used to provide a more objective and accurate advances in medical technology:
diagnosis and to understand the insides of the body. - Medical technologies also made impacts on various surgical
★ In the 19th century, physicians began using machines for procedures.
diagnosis or therapeutics.

Among these devices were John Hutchinson's spirometer for measuring

the vital capacity of the lungs, and
Jules Herisson's sphygmomanometer for measuring blood pressure.

★ Also, the use of chemistry was pivotal in the diagnosis of

diabetes, anemia, diphtheria, and syphilis during this period.

The onset of mechanical and chemical devices spurred the turn

from general practice to specialization. This turn was brought about by the
increasing number of patients and the increasing amount of medical
knowledge which generalists could no longer handle.
More complex machinery and equipment used in medical
practice required technical expertise, resulting in cooperative arrangement
among specialists in different fields. Consequently, medical service
became organized in hospitals.
With this setup, large amounts of data were required in the
diagnosis and treatment of patients. These volumes of patient data
prompted the need for information technology. The need for medical
technicians and data specialists also increased.

★ In 1969, in fact, 80 percent of medical professionals were

non-physicians. This growth impelled the need for technicians to

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 Principles of Medical Technology Practice 1
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Further integration of technology with science ushered in new

medical advancements such as the electron microscope, new medical HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES
imaging technologies, and prosthetic devices.
The Spanish Empire established Manila as their capital in
★ The electron microscope gave way to the visualization of small late 16th century. The first hospital the Spaniards established in 1565,
cells including tumor cells. Hospital Real in Cebu, was moved to Manila to cater to military
patients. Members of religious orders who came to the country
★ The adaption of computers in medical research led to the alongside the occupiers established health institutions for the poor
development of tomography and magnetic resonance imaging and educational institutions for the elite.
(MRI).
★ In 1578, the Franciscans built the San Lazaro Hospital for the
★ Prosthesis such as artificial heart valves, artificial blood vessels, poor and lepers.
functional electromechanical limbs, and reconstructive skeletal
joints were also developed as a result of these innovations. ★ In 1596, the Hospital de San Juan de Dios was founded for poor
Spaniards.
Medical technology breakthroughs persist through roboties,
keyhole surgery procedures, genetic engineering, and telemedicine ★ In 1641, the Hospital de San Jose was founded in Cavite.
(information technology).
★ The Dominicans founded the University of Santo Tomas in 1611,
which in 1871 established the first faculties of pharmacy and
HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE UNITED STATES medicine.

With the establishment of both health and educational

In the United States, the establishment of the first clinical institutions, journals of science and medicine were also published including
laboratories and the development of laboratory practice marked the the Boletin de Medicina de Manila (1886), the Revista Farmaceutica de
growth of the medical technology field. Filipinas (1893), and Cronicas de Ciencias Medicas (1895) (Anderson,
2006).
★ In 1895, the University of Pennsylvania's William Pepper
Laboratory of Clinical Medicine was opened to highlight the ★ The central board of vaccination which started producing and
service role of clinical laboratories. distributing vaccine lymph in 1806 had 122 regular vaccinators
(vacunadores) in Manila and other major towns by 1898
★ In 1918, John Kolmer called for the development of a method (Anderson, 2007; Planta, 2017; Tiglao, 1998).
that would certify medical technologists on a national scale.
★ In 1876, provincial medical officers were appointed to provide
Kolmer published The Demand for and Training of Laboratory health care services throughout the country.
Technicians that included a description of the first formal training course in
Medical Technology. ★ This was followed by the establishment of the Board of Health
It was also in the same year when the state legislature of and Charity in 1883 which was later expanded in 1886.
Pennsylvania enacted a law requiring all hospitals and institutions to have
a fully-equipped laboratory fit for routine testing and to employ a full time ★ The Laboratorio Municipal de Manila was established by the
laboratory technician. Spanish authorities in 1887 for laboratory examinations of food,
water, and clinical samples although the laboratory was not
★ In 1920, the administrative units of clinical laboratories in large adequately used in the study of outbreaks (Anderson, 2007;
hospitals were directed by a chief physician. During this time, Cardona et al., 2015).
clinical laboratories consisted of 4 to 5 divisions including clinical
pathology, bacteriology, microbiology, serology, and radiology. Philippine war hero, General Antonio Luna, was employed
as a chemical expert in this laboratory and pioneered water testing,
★ In 1922, the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) forensics, and environmental studies (Nakpil, 2008; Vallejo, 2010). At
was founded with the objective of encouraging the cooperation the end of the Spanish rule, structures of health care and public
between physicians and clinical pathologists as well as health were flourishing in major cities of the country.
maintaining the status of clinical pathologists.
★ By the end of the 19th century, the Spaniards who were
★ ASCP also established the code of ethics for technicians and considered to be authorities in medicine, started exploring the
technologists stating that these allied health professionals microbial causes of diseases.
should work under the supervision of a physician and refrain
from making oral or written diagnosis and advising physicians on However, advancements in medicine and health care during the
how patients should be treated. Spanish colonial rule broke down because of the Philippine-American war
which lasted from 1899 to 1902.
The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (formerly In replacement of the Spanish health system, the Americans
the American Society for Medical Technologists), established public health institutions modeled after military health care
was originally formed as a subgroup of ASCP, helped in the systems.
recognition of non physician clinical laboratory scientists as autonomous After the fall of Manila, the Spanish Military hospital was
professionals. converted into the First Reserve Hospital in 1898 by Lt. Col. Henry
Lipincott who was a chief surgeon of the Division of the Pacific and Eighth
★ In the 1950s, medical technologists in the United States sought Army Corps.
professional recognition from the government of their - This hospital had a diagnostic laboratory but was not fully
educational qualifications through licensure laws. maximized when it first became operational due to its director
contracting typhoid fever. Richard P. Strong, the successor,
utilized the laboratory to perform autopsies and to examine
blood, feces, and urine along with other laboratory services
(Anderson, 2006; Planta, 2017).

★ By 1901, the US government, through the Philippine

Commission, established a Bureau of Government Laboratories

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under the Philippine Commission Act No. 156 (Anderson, 2006; ★ On December 8, 1941, Japan attacked the whole of Manila
Planta, 2017). through aerial assault and deployment of troops just ten hours
- The Bureau which was located in Calle Herran (Pedro Gil), after bombing Pearl Harbor.
Ermita, Manila had a science library, chemical section, and
serum laboratory for the production of vaccines. It was the beginning of the Second World War that resulted in
- The biology laboratory was designed to address and develop massive casualties. Amid this turmoil, the Medical Laboratory unit of the
methods in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of human US Army provided medical services with the available laboratory supplies,
and animal diseases. supplemental laboratory examinations, and epidemiological and sanitary
- In the chemical laboratory, food, plant composition, and investigations.
minerals were investigated. It was also tasked to perform routine water analyses,
examination of food supplies, distribution of special reagents and solutions,
Paul Freer, the bureau's first director, ensured that the culture media, and investigation of epidemics and epizootics. The unit also
biological laboratory would be equipped with adequate supplies and performed special serological, bacteriological, pathological, and chemical
equipment such as incubators, sterilizers, microscopes, microtomes, examinations, post-mortem examinations, and preservation of pathological
stains, glassware, and chemicals. specimens of value to the US Army Medical Department (WW2 US
Medical Research Centre, 2018).
- The main laboratory was composed of two stories and divided
into two wings with rooms in the biological wing having ★ On June 18, 1942, the 3d Medical Laboratory was the first
microscope tables by the windows. The rooms had enough laboratory unit to be assigned in the South West Pacific Area
space for general laboratory work and processes such as (SWPA).
filtering, distilling, and heating. Each biological room had a
chemical worktable with gas, water, and vacuums. The opposite ★ Then in 1944, when the US forces landed in Leyte, the
wall had a hood with a flue extended to the attic. The biological laboratories including the 3rd, 5th and 8th Medical Laboratories
wing's floors all had incubators heated by Bunsen burners and and the 19th Medical General Laboratory were relocated to the
refrigerating boxes (Anderson, 2006; Freer, 1902). West Pacific Area. Added to the list were the 26th and 27th
Medical Laboratories and the 363rd Medical Composite
Unfortunately, the building was destroyed during World War Detachment.
II. Presently, the National Institutes of Health of University of the
Philippines-Manila occupies the area. These medical units were not merged but deployed separately
as small detachments or mobile laboratory sections to military bases in
different islands. The 19th Medical General Laboratory, 3rd Medical
Laboratory, and the 363rd Medical Composite Detachment operated in
With the reorganization of the Bureau of Government Leyte.
Laboratories 1905, the Bureau of Science was established for medical The 27th Medical Laboratory operated in Tacloban and the 26th
officers who sought a career in laboratory research (Anderson 2006; Medical Laboratory operated in Lingayen Gulf (the only laboratory unit in
Planta, 2017). Luzon for six months following the US invasion on January 9, 1945).

★ The Bureau worked with the Army Board for the Study of the The first clinical laboratory in the Philippines was
Tropical Diseases until the latter was disbanded in 1914. established during World War II by the 6th Infantry Division of the US
army at Quiricada St., Sta. Cruz, Manila. It is now known as the Manila
The Bureau also focused on pathology while the board was Public Health Laboratory (Cardona et al., 2015; Moraleta, 2012; Rabor,
intent on studying white foreigners' physiology in tropical climates. 2016; Suba & Milanez, 2017).

- Worked closely with the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and the When the US army left in June of 1945, the laboratory was
University of the Philippines. endorsed to the National Department of Health and was
non-operational until it was reopened in October of the same year by
It then became an active center for scientific research and instruction in the Dr. Pio de Roda with the help of then Manila City Health Officer Dr.
country. The biological laboratory of the Bureau diligently studied samples Mariano Icasiano.
coming from across the country.

Every day, scientists would study more than a hundred samples TIMELINE AFTER THE US ARMY LEFT IN JUNE 1945
of body fluids to identify the racial bases of diseases through a map of the
archipelago's pathological terrain. After instituting the public health Laboratory in Manila, Dr. Pio
de Roda along with Dr. Prudencia Sta. Ana, conducted a training
★ In 1909, the laboratory received over 7000 fecal specimens, 900 program for aspiring laboratory workers.
urine specimens, and 700 blood specimens. The Bureau's
medical research and laboratory investigations were mainly Later on, Dr. Sta Ana was asked to prepare a six-month
focused on microbiology in connection with the onslaught of formal syllabus for the training program with certificates for the trainees
different diseases such as cholera, malaria, leprosy, upon completion.
tuberculosis, and dysentery.
Dr. Tirso Briones joined the two later on (Moraleta, 2012).
★ At the end of the Philippine-American War, the civilian Board of The training program ended in 1954 when the Bureau of Private
Health established by the Americans was changed into the Education approved a four-year course in Bachelor of Science in
Bureau of Health (Planta, 2017). Medical Technology.
★ In 1915, it was reorganized into the Philippine Health Service but In the same year, the Manila Sanitarium and Hospital (MSH)
later on reverted to the Bureau of Health by 1933. The University opened the first School of Medical Technology in the Philippines under
of the Philippines College of Public Health formally opened its the leadership of Mrs. Willa Hedrick, wife of Dr. Elvin Hedrick.
Certificate in Public Health program in June of 1927 with the aim
to provide proper training to the Philippine Health Service's Soon after, MSH started its medical internship and residency
medical officers. training program which was affiliated with Loma Linda University in
California.

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In the same year, the Manila Sanitarium and Hospital (MSH)

opened the first School of Medical Technology in the Philippines under NATURE OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
the leadership of Mrs. Willa Hedrick, wife of Dr. Elvin Hedrick.
The medical technology profession continues to develop
over the years. Nowadays, the science of medical technology has
Soon after, MSH started its medical internship and residency evolved tremendously because of the development of modern
training program which was affiliated with Loma Linda University in equipment and new procedures aimed at helping in the diagnosis and
California. treatment of diseases.

In 1954, the Philippine Union College (PUC) in Baesa, In understanding the nature of medical technology, it is important to
Caloocan City (now Adventist University of the Philippines) absorbed understand the connection between science and technology.
MSH's School of Medical Technology. What was left with MSH was the
facility for its clinical division. Dr. Jesse Umali was the first graduate of ★ Science is primarily concerned with the study of the natural
the medical technology program. He later graduated as a Doctor of world and the interrelationship among the biological,
Medicine at the Far Eastern University (FEU) and became a successful psychological, and even the social world.
OB-gynecologist in the US (Puno, 2014; Rabor, 2016).
Disciplines in the sciences constantly evolve to adapt to the
University of Santo Tomas initially offered the Medical changing needs of human beings.
Technology course as an elective for. pharmacy students in 1957. It Many principles of medical technology are highly dependent on
was only in 1961 that Medical Technology was recognized as an official developments in the scientific disciplines and areas such as chemistry,
program in UST (Cardona et al., 2015). electronics, optics and mechanics, among others, in order to develop a
utilizable biotechnology that will aid in the diagnosis of diseases.

★ Technology, on the other hand, is the application of science in

ways that are considered beneficial to society.
★ Technology can be defined in three ways: first, as a physical
artefact, machine, or instrument; second, as an activity or a
means to accomplish a goal; and third, as knowledge (Howell,
1996).

Rogers (1983) asserts that "technology is a design for

instrumental action that reduces the uncertainty in the cause-effect
relationships involved in achieving a desired outcome."

- Technology also consists of physical elements such as equipment,

materials, or products, and intangible elements, such as knowledge, skills,
procedures, principles, or information base required to successfully
implement the technology.
- To sum up, technology is an avenue for humans to alter or modify the
environment in order to extend their abilities to create, invent, discover, or
innovate to make the world a better place to live in.

Medical technology is designed to improve the detection,

diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases. As such, it has
linkages with many other disciplines for specific diagnostic or
therapeutic purposes (Evans et al., 2003). Its nature is contextual,
interdisciplinary, interdependent, and systems-based. It is dependent
on the application, purpose, environment, and setting in which it is
applied. -

★ Clinical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the detection,

diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. Clinical laboratory
scientists who perform most of these laboratory tests are
involved in the examination and analysis of body fluids, tissues,
and cells.

★ Laboratory scientists usually look for the presencé of bacteria,

parasites; and other microorganisms in the body.

- They analyze the chemical contents of fluids, match blood for

transfusions, and test for drug levels in the blood to show a patient's
response to a specific treatment. They also prepare specimens for
examination, to count cells, and look for abnormal cells in the blood and
other body fluids.
KEY POINTS
- They use microscopes, cell counters, and other sophisticated laboratory
- The history of medical technology can be traced back to ancient times. equipment. They also use automated equipment and computerized
- In the United States, the establishment of the first clinical laboratories and instruments capable of performing a number of tests simultaneously. After
the development of the laboratory practice marked the growth of the testing and examining a specimen, laboratory scientists analyze the results
medical technology field. and relay them to physicians.
• The history of medical technology in the Philippines can be traced back to
the establishment of the country's first clinical laboratory by the 6th infantry With increasing automation and innovations in computer
Division of the US army. technology, the work of technologists and technicians has become less
hands-on and more analytical. The complexity of tests performed, the level

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 Principles of Medical Technology Practice 1
(Introduction to Medical Technology, Laboratory Safety, and Waste Management)

of judgment needed, and the amount of responsibility assumed by the The following are the original and revised versions of the
laboratory personnel are grounded on extensive education and medical technology code of ethics.
experience.
Original version (by Dr. Nardito Moraleta)
Upon entering into the practice of medical technology let it be known that:
I accept the responsibilities associated with my duties.
I shall uphold the ideals of my profession.
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PRACTICE DEFINED I am aware that since the physician relies upon my work in the diagnosis and treatment of discases,
any error may affect the health or even the life of the patient. Every procedure and observation
therefore must be carried out with absolute reliability, accuracy, fairness, and honesty.
In the Philippines the medical technology profession and its I am aware of the need for mutual understanding and cooperation among my fellow workers in the
practice is governed and defined in section two (2) of R.A. 5527, also medical and paramedical field in the pursuance of a worthy cause.
I shall strive to preserve the integrity of myself and the professionals from whom we expect the
known as the Medical Technology Act of 1969. Section 2 of the same.
Republic Act, as amended by R.A. 6132; P.D. 498, and P.D. 1534, I shall strive to develop necessary virtues needed in my work and shall place my service above any
defines the practice of medical technology: other considerations.
I shall restrict my phrases, criticisms, values, and opinions, within constructive limits and I shall not
use the knowledge I know as a tool for my selfish personal ends.
★ Section 2. a. Practice of Medical Technology - A person shall I realize that the knowledge I acquired about any individual in the course of my work must be
be deemed to be in the practice of medical technology within the treated as confidential. And since the physician has the ultimate responsibility in the diagnosis and
treatment, my result must be known only by him. I shall neither make diagnosis nor interpretations
meaning of this Act, who shall for a fec, salary or other other than this in the report made by me nor shall I advice the physician or others on how to treat
compensation or reward paid or given directly or indirectly diseases.
through another, renders any of the following professional I shall believe in full and equal opportunities in the pursuance of our ideals within the context of the
principles of human rights.
services for the purpose of aiding the physician in the diagnosis, To these principles, I hereby subscribe, promising to conduct myself at all times in a manner
study and treatment of diseases and in the promotion of health appropriate to the dignity of my profession.
in general:
Revised version (by Prof. Rodolfo Rabor)
1. Examination of tissues, secretions and excrétions of the human body 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
and body fluids by various electronic, chemical, microscopic, bacteriologic, anyone so engaged; I shall avoid associating or being identified with any enterprise of questionable
hematologic, serologic, immunologic, nuclear, and other laboratory character;
procedures and techniques either manual or automated; 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
2. Blood banking procedures and techniques;. 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;
3. Parasitologic, mycologic and microbiologic procedures and techniques; I shall perform professional work in a manner that merits full confidence and trust carried out with
absolute reliability, accuracy, fairness, and honesty;
4. Histopathologic and cytotechnology; provided that nothing in this 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
paragraph shall inhibit a duly registered medical laboratory technician from contracts, authors of technical papers or other publications or involved in litigation;
performing histopathologic techniques and procedures; 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;
5. Clinical research involving patients or human beings requiring the use of I shall restrict my praises, criticisms, views, and opinions within constructive limits and shall not use
and/or application of medical technology knowledge and procedures; 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;
6. Preparations and standardization of reagents, standards, stains and I shall report any infractions of these principles of professional conduct to the authorities responsible
others, provided such reagents, standards, stains and others are for the enforcement of applicable laws or regulations, or to the Ethics Committee of the Philippine
exclusively for the use of their laboratory; 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.
7. Clinical laboratory quality control;

8. Collection and preservation of specimens;

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEDTECH PROFESSIONALS
★ Provided, That any person who has passed the corresponding
board examination for the practice of a profession already ★ Medical Technology is indeed a rapidly advancing discipline and
regulated by existing law, shall not be subject to the provisions of profession. The role of medical technology professionals in the
the last four preceding paragraphs if the performance of such diagnosis and treatment of diseases is very crucial in health care
acts or services is merely incidental to his profession (Section 2, practice.
a.).
In the Philippines, R.A. 5527 or the Medical Technology Act
All aforementioned are commonly observed in a clinical laboratory of 1969, defines the scope of work of the different medical technology
(Cardona et al., 2015). professionals. There is no doubt that the role of the medical
However, some of these may not be exclusive to medical technologist is to collaborate with other health care practitioners to
technologists. provide humane and dignified health service. The following are the
★ Microbiologists, biologists, chemists, and even sanitary tasks of medical technology professionals in the practice of
engineers may be involved in some activities usually done by laboratory science.
medical technologists.
Perform Clinical Laboratory Testing
A medical technologist must first become licensed before A medical technologist must be capable of performing the most
he or she is permitted to practice the profession. basic to the most advanced laboratory tests.
A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Medical
Practicing as a medical technologist without a license is Technology/Medical Laboratory Science is expected to show competency
punishable by law. in performing routine laboratory tests including urinalysis and stool
examination.
It should also be considered that the medical technology He or she should be capable of performing hematologic,
practice should be bound by the accepted pledge of oath in microbiologic, serologic, chemical, and other procedures in the different
accordance with the Code of Ethics of Medical Technology which areas of laboratory science. In turn, it is expected that the clinical
states that the Medical Technology professional should accept the laboratory will be equipped with the resources necessary for performing
responsibilities inherent to being a professional and shall not engage such procedures or any kind of laboratory testing.
in any illegal activities.

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Collaboration is the act of working together in order to achieve a

Perform Special Procedures desired outcome. Success in the health care setting is achieved not
Medical technologists are also expected to perform special because of the availability of highly sophisticated hospital or laboratory
procedures in diagnosing diseases. These may include the operation of equipment, but because of teamwork.
advanced diagnostic equipment. A highly-trained physician will only be able to efficiently treat his
Special procedures can also include molecular and nuclear or her patient if laboratory testing, monitoring, drug prescription and
diagnostics. dosage, and more are properly rendered and administered by other health
care professionals.
Ensure Accuracy and Precision of Results These protocols cannot be done by the physician alone. Having
In performing different procedures to diagnose diseases, a one non-collaborative and incompetent member in the team alone can
medical technologist should always be conscious of the accuracy and result in potentially dire repercussions.
precision of both the testing process and its results.
Accuracy and precision impacts the interpretation of results by Conduct Research
the physician to provide proper medication in the treatment of diseases. Practicing medical technologists must also be engaged in
research activities to update their skills.
Be Honest in Practice Research work, whether experimental or descriptive, can
A practicing medical technologist, like any other professional, is contribute significantly to the discovery of new knowledge in the field of
expected to be honest in the practice of his or her work. medical technology and in assessing and revisiting already known ones. It
It is important that a medical technologist values honesty, can greatly help in the further development of the field and may be used as
particularly in conveying or reporting the results of any laboratory future reference for patient care.
procedure. He or she should act according to the Medical Technology
profession's Code of Ethics and his or her pledged oath of practice. Involvement in Health Promotion Programs
A medical technologist must be honest at all times in the conduct Medical technologists should not be confined only to the four
of test procedures to come up with accurate and precise results. corners of their clinical laboratories. Medical technology is a
multi-disciplinary field which consistently ventures into other areas of
Ensure Timely Delivery of Results health care including health promotion.
In collaborating with other health care practitioners, a medical A medical technology professional must be actively involved in
technologist must be aware of the urgency of delivering results on time reaching out to the community. There are many ways by which the medical
especially in cases that require urgent treatment. technology profession can help improve the lives of people. Other health
There are times when physicians will request laboratory tests care professionals such as nurses and physicians are easily seen in
which require immediate action. One should take notations on "STAT" or community outreach programs because of the nature of their professions.
even observe the source of the requests (e.g., from the emergency room
[ER] or operating room [OR]). Medical technologists, as valuable health care professionals, are
It is important for a medical technologist to be alert to fully also expected to do the same. The following are some ways that medical
address the needs of the patient. Since some laboratory procedures are technology professionals can help the community:
time bound, it is important that a medical technologist is able to perform
the duties required of him or her, as soon as possible. 1: Cooperate with other health care professionals in health promotion
campaigns such as promoting the ideal attitudes on hygiene, community
Demonstrate Professionalism sanitation, waste segregation, and disease prevention.
A medical technologist must be able to perform his or her
functions according to the professional Code of Ethics for medical 2. Implement pre-planned programs of health promotion campaigns.
technology professionals.
He or she should be aware of the laws and regulations 3. Offer free laboratory testing such as blood typing, urinalysis, fecalysis,
governing the practice of medical technology and should not exploit its blood sugar testing, cholesterol testing, and other tests beneficial to the
function beyond its boundaries: entire community.
In the Philippines, the practice of medical technology profession
is governed by R.A. 5527 or the Philippine Medical Technology Act of 4. Collaborate with other health care professionals once diagnoses are
1969. done.
Other governing regulations are supplemented by the Clinical
Laboratory Act of 1966 (R.A. 4688) and the Blood Banking Acts of 1956
(R.A. 1517) and 1995 (R.A. 7719).
National organizations such as the Philippine Association of DEFINING THE PRACTICE OF OTHER LABORATORY PERSONNEL
Medical Technologists, Inc. (PAMET) and the Philippine Association of
Schools of Medical Technology and Public Health, Inc. (PASMETH) also The following is a list of other valuable laboratory personnel with
have their own constitutions and by-laws in accordance with the governing various roles in the health care delivery system, specifically in the area of
laws and code of ethics. laboratory medicine.
Uphold Confidentiality It is important to note that medical technologists work
Ensuring confidentiality of patient's information is one of the core closely with these laboratory personnel in order to provide accurate
duties within the medical practice (De Bord et al.). Confidentiality requires and precise laboratory results. The different roles of different
health care providers to keep a patient's personal health information laboratory personnel are interconnected. It is important that all
private unless the patient consents to release the information. should work in harmony in order to provide the best patient care.
Patient records are expected to be kept in confidence by the
medical technologist. Pathologist
It is expected that these records containing very important As defined in R.A. 5527:
information are protected and made available only when necessary. A A pathologist is a duly registered physician who is specially
medical technologist must be aware at all times of the value of trained in methods of laboratory medicine, or the gross and
confidentiality and the entirety of the ethical codes of their profession. microscopic study and interpretation of tissues, secretions and
excretions of the human body and its functions in order to diagnose
Collaborate with Other Health Care Professionals disease, follow its course, determine the effectivity of treatment,
A medical technology professional is required to collaborate with other ascertain cause of death, and advance medicine by means of
health care practitioners in order to build a well-functioning team. Most research (Section 2, b.).
often, projects fail because people fail to cooperate with others.

6
 Principles of Medical Technology Practice 1
(Introduction to Medical Technology, Laboratory Safety, and Waste Management)

A pathologist is always considered to head a clinical laboratory In the United States, one can complete a histotechnician
and monitor all laboratory results. A laboratory result without the signature program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical
of a pathologist may not be considered valid. Laboratory Science (NAACLS). This program usually takes a year to
complete and covers courses in chemistry, histology, immunology,
Medical Laboratory Technicians biochemistry, and medical ethics. Aspiring histotechnologists can also
As defined in R.A. 5527: complete an associate degree program in a reputable health facility chat
A medical laboratory technician is a person certified by and includes supervised histology training to gain an associate degree in
registered with the Board of Medical Technology and qualified to Applied Science (AAS) major in Histology:
assist a medical technologist and/or qualified pathologist in the
practice of medical technology as defined in the aforementioned act Nuclear Medical Technologist
(Section 2, d.). A nuclear medical technologist is a healthcare professional
who works alongside nuclear physicians.
There are certain qualifications other than what is stated above Nuclear medical technologists apply their knowledge of radiation
to become a medical technician provided that he or she satisfies the physics and safety regulations to limit radiation exposure, prepare and
qualifications such that he or she: administer radiopharmaceuticals, and use radiation detection devices and
other kinds of laboratory equipment that measure the quantity and
a. Failed to pass the medical technology licensure examination distribution of radionuclides deposited in the patient or in the patient's
given by the Board of Medical Technology but obtained a general rating of specimen.
at least 70% and provided finally that a registered medical laboratory
technician when employed in the government shall have the equivalent Toxicologist
civil service eligibility not lower than the second grade; A toxicologist studies the effects of toxic substances on the
physiological functions of human beings, animals, and plants to
b. Passed the civil service examination for medical technicians develop data for use in consumer protection and industrial safety
given on March 21, 1969; or programs.
He or she also designs and conducts studies to determine
c. Finished a two-year college course and has at least one (1) physiological effects of various substances on laboratory animals, plants,
year experience of working as a medical laboratory technician; provided and human tissue, using biological and biochemical techniques.
that for every year of experience in college, two (2) years of work
experience may be substituted; and provided further, that the applicant has
at least ten (10) years of experience as medical laboratory technician as of KEY POINTS
the date of approval of this decree.
• Medical laboratory science is one of the most important fields
Phlebotomist in the health care delivery system. It plays an important role in the
A phlebotomist is an individual trained to draw blood either diagnosis, treatment, and management of disease.
for laboratory tests or for blood donations. When only small • Medical technology is designed to improve the detection,
quantities of blood are needed, a phlebotomist can draw blood by diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of diseases.
simply puncturing the skin but when larger volumes of blood are • R.A. 5527 or the Medical Technology Act of 1969 defines the
needed, venipuncture or even arterial puncture is done. nature and scope of the Medical Technology profession in the Philippines.
Arterial collection can only be performed by a specially trained
phlebotomist. Nowadays, phlebotomy is a skill confined not only to medical
technologists but to other health care practitioners as well, provided that
they were given certification by a reputed certifying or training body.
In the Philippines, a medical technologist is required to be skilled
in phlebotomy. Although, in other countries, phlebotomists need not get a
degree (Cardona et al., 2015).
They are trained on the job and go through phlebotomy
programs sponsored by community colleges which take as little time as
two months. After completing the program, they may take a examination
for them to be recognized as a certified phiebotomist by the American
Society or Clinical Pathology (ASCP), American Medical Technologist
(AMT), and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Cytotechnologist
A cytotechnologist is a laboratory personnel who works
with the pathologist to detect changes in body cells which may be
important in the early diagnosis of diseases.
This is primarily done by examining microscopic slides of body
cells for abnormalities or anomalies i structures, indicating either benign or
malignant conditions. A cytotechnologist selects and ections minute
particles of human tissue for microscopic study, using microtomes and
other equipment and employs stain techniques to make cell structures
visible or to differentiate its parts. The Papanicolaou (Pap) test and the
H&E are the most commonly employed staining echniques.

Histotechnologist
A histotechnologist, also referred to as histotechnican, is a
laboratory personnel responsible for the routine preparation,
processing, and staining of biopsies and tissue specimens for
microscopic examination by a pathologist (Cardona, 2015).
Although there is no formal training for histotechnologists in the
Philippines, being a histotechnologist is perceived to be a decent
paramedical profession abroad.