Medical laboratory science (MLS) is a health profession that analyzes samples to help diagnose and treat diseases. Medical laboratory scientists, also known as medical technologists or clinical laboratory scientists, work in clinical laboratories.
Responsibilities
Perform diagnostic tests on blood, tissues, and bodily fluids
Ensure the quality of test results
Report results to physicians
Assist healthcare providers with test selection and specimen collection
Deliver critical lab results to physicians Applications
Identifying and treating cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and other medical conditions
Detecting abnormal cells that cause leukemia
Analyzing cardiac enzyme activity released during a heart attack
Identifying the type of bacteria causing an infection
Detecting DNA markers for genetic diseases Education
Medical laboratory science programs include courses in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, and immunology
Students also learn laboratory techniques for sample collection, handling, and analysis Certification
After graduation, students can take the national certification examination administered by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists
Certification is often a requirement for continued employment
