Clinical Microbiology

Includes the identification of disease causing (pathogenic) organisms and the susceptibility of certain organisms (primarily bacteria) to antimicrobial agents. Pathogenic microbes include bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses.

Body Fluids

The study of body fluids includes the analysis of the physical, chemical, and microscopic parameters of urine and other body fluids. The medical technologist uses knowledge regarding these fluids to identity the appropriate specimen, select the appropriate laboratory methods, perform the analysis, and advise regarding the need for further testing.

Clinical Parasitology

Clinical parasitology includes the study of medically significant protozoan and helminthic parasites and their vectors. The medical technologist uses knowledge regarding parasites to identify the appropriate specimen, select the laboratory methods to detect and identify these organisms, and advise regarding epidemiology and treatment of the parasite.

Principles of Clinical Administration and Education

The medical technologist is responsible for administration of the laboratory and education of students and new employees.

Hematology

Clinical hematology is the study of blood and blood forming organs with an emphasis on the laboratory examination. Medical technologists identify appropriate specimens, perform analysis, describe findings as related to hematological processes and make recommendations regarding further testing.

Coagulation

Coagulation is the study of hemostasis in humans. Medical technologists identify appropriate specimens, perform analysis, describe findings, and make recommendations regarding further testing.

Immunodiagnostics

Immunodiagnostics in an applied area within the science of immunology. This discipline requires a basic understanding of the theory of cellular and humoral immunity systems, specific and nonspecific immunity, antigens, antibodies, receptors, cytokines and the major histocompatibility complex. This knowledge is applied to the diagnosis of diseases using five major categories of assays including agglutination, precipitation, neutralization, complement fixation and tagged assays. Immunodiagnostic tests are used to detect infections with bacteria, viruses, fungi and other agents. Additionally, these tests are used to quantitate various molecules from human body fluids. Included in the study of immunodiagnostics are the immunological diseases including hypersensitivity, autoimmunity, immunodeficiencies, and hyperproliferative disorders.

Immunohematology

Immunohematology is the sudy of the immunology of the blood and blood forming organs. It includes the study of the genetics, biochemistry, antigens, and cell surface receptors found on red cells, white cells and platelets. Immunohematology is a large component of Transfusion and transplantation medicine. Transfusion medicine includes the study of blood donors, the preparation and use of blood components, blood storage, the characteristics of organs for transplant, blood typing and compatibility testing for red cells, white cells, and platelets, Additionally, there are three diagnostic areas for
Transfusion Medicine: Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn, Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemias, and Transfusion Reactions. Transfusion medicine is the one lab area in which direct treatment of the patient occurs, while diagnostic testing is a small part of the specialty clinical chemisty.

Clinical chemistry includes qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of blood, urine, cereborspinal fluid and other body fluids. Pathophysiological and analyte measurement form the basis of the specialty.