Laboratory Automation
Medical scientist graduates are a declining. Medical Technologists (MT) require a bachelor’s degree and Medical Technologist (MLT) require an associate’s degree to sit for the board registry to become certified. The number of schools that offer these programs has declined over the years because the expense of the program is high and finding externships can be difficult. Therefore, the number of students able to sign up for these classes has decreased. MTs and MLTs are critical to providing laboratory results to aid in the treatment and care of patients. According to the article, “Laboratory Automation: Important Considerations”, “Up to an estimated 70% of medical decisions are based on laboratory test results. Yet, while diagnostic testing is a critically important step toward improving health-care outcomes, many labs remain constrained by tight budgets and limited resources.” (Hickey, 2012) As seen in the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of medical laboratory technologists and technicians is projected to grow 22 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations.” (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014) In order to fill this increasing need, hospital laboratories and clinics have started investing into technology to help manage the workload and fill in the gaps. The hospital that I work for has also adopted the “Lean” concept to help manage time wastage, which allows for a more productive workflow.
Automation in the laboratory setting has greatly improved over the last twenty years and smaller, more efficient instruments are being developed all the time. “As existing responsibilities are reconfigured due to automated work flows, lab directors must reevaluate where to rep...
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...ty laboratories with limited resources by implementing ‘lean concepts’ and automation into their working environment. The long-term outlook of this profession has changed from just being a scientist to having the ability to run and maintain complex instrumentation in a fast paced, critical environment.
References:
Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2014, January 8). Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians. Retrieved January 26, 2014, from Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-and-clinical-laboratory-technologists-and-technicians.htm
Hickey, D. (2012, March 28). Laboratory Automation: Important Considerations. Retrieved January 26, 2014, from American Laboratory: http://www.americanlaboratory.com/913-Technical-Articles/39230-Laboratory-Automation-Important-ConsiderationsLaboratory-Automation-Important-Considerations/
Thus, reducing administrative work gives an opportunity to clinicians to spend more time with their patients. Through health informatics, some medical procedures can be automated, saving money for the health care budget. Research by Blumenthal and Tavenner (2010) states that, “The widespread use of electronic health records (EHRs) in the United States is inevitable. EHRs will improve caregivers' decisions and patients' outcomes. Once patients experience the benefits of this technology, they will demand nothing less from their providers.
Jones, W. P., Loe, S. A., Krach, S. K., Rager, R. Y., & Jones, H. M. (2008). Automated Neu
"Phlebotomy Technicians." Exploring Health Care Careers. 3rd ed. Vol. 2. New York: Furgeson, 2006. 712-18. Print.
Does it really determine a person competency or is it just another standardized test to make a person earn to just be part of an organization, or is it just a test to create revenue for big organizations . Many states doesn't require certifications; is it because MLT show enough competence to do the task at hand but just could be bad at standardized test? We know that many states doesn't require it and they still have plenty of MLT's that demonstrate competency without being certified. These people may not understand everything in a standardized test to be certified, but they have enough hands on competency to deliver the tasks at hand. So why take this tough examination to determine something that can be done without certification? This questions lies with the American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP). The pros of being certified is that it make you more appealing to prospective employers. Being a part of the (ASCP) makes you more valuable than a person who is not certified. Being a part of this organization tell people that you have demonstrated certain standards, that meet there criteria and that you is knowledgeable when it comes to laboratory standards. It also create a higher salary for those that is certified, while the personnel uncertified receive lower salaries. It also make you more valuable within your colleagues, that isn't certified when it comes to
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