Update on our Day on the Hill activities

Let's celebrate National Medical Laboratory Week!
April 18 – 24, 2010

Medical Laboratory Professionals
The Diagnostic Engine of Canada’s Health Care System

Prenatal Test • Biopsy • Blood Test

Medical laboratory professionals
provide vital information about your health.

Up to 85% of decisions about your diagnosis and treatment are based on laboratory test results. Both you and your doctor depend upon the accuracy of these results.

Medical laboratory professionals are on the frontline of our public health system, protecting you and your family from emerging infectious diseases and antibiotic resistant bacteria, such as
C. difficile.

The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) certifies medical laboratory professionals in Canada. National certification ensures that the person who performs your laboratory tests has the necessary knowledge, skills and expertise to produce accurate results. This is essential to your health, and the health of your family.

Medical laboratory professionals
Keeping your health on track through accurate laboratory testing

Medical laboratory professionals work in many settings including hospitals, community laboratories, research facilities, public health laboratories, veterinary clinics, colleges, universities and private industry.

Medical laboratory technologists work in laboratories and conduct medical tests on blood, body fluids and body tissue; they also interpret the results. Medical laboratory technologists are graduates of accredited education programs at the college or university level. The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is the national certifying body for medical laboratory technologists across Canada.

Medical laboratory assistants work on the front lines, collecting blood and other samples from patients, processing specimens and preparing special chemicals called reagents for use in testing. Many medical laboratory assistants are graduates of private and community colleges, and may obtain national certification through CSMLS.

Medical laboratory scientists work in both medical and research laboratories, with the goal of advancing medical knowledge in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease. They are graduates of university level science programs, usually at the post-graduate level, and may be certified by CSMLS.


Areas of specialization

Here are some specialty areas in which medical laboratory professionals work:

  • Clinical chemistry: Measurement of chemical components including hormones and drugs in blood and body fluids. Common test: Blood glucose (blood sugar) test to diagnose and monitor diabetes.
  • Clinical genetics: Study of chromosomes, DNA and RNA from cells of body fluids and tissues to diagnose genetic diseases. Common test: Amniocentesis and other forms of prenatal testing.
  • Clinical microbiology: Study of bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites that invade the body. Common test: Throat swab to detect strep throat.
  • Diagnostic cytology: Study of cells for the detection of cancer. Common test: Pap test to detect cervical cancer.
  • Hematology: Study of diseases of blood cells and clotting mechanisms of blood. Common test: Hemoglobin test to detect anemia.
  • Histology/Pathology: Preparation and study of body tissue for the detection of disease. Common test: Biopsy of a breast lump.
  • Transfusion science: Determination of blood types. Common test: Cross-matching for blood transfusions.

Other specialty areas include immunology, electron microscopy, virology, parasitology and flow cytometry.

You play a role in the accuracy of your tests!

Did you know that something as simple as chewing a piece of gum can interfere with certain blood tests? Medications, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, food intake and exercise can affect your laboratory test results. Check with your doctor or medical laboratory professional for instructions before your next lab test. Click here to view the Lab Test Checklist.

Helpful information about medical laboratory testing is only a click away!

Lab Tests Online is the premiere Internet-based resource for up-to-date information on medical laboratory testing. It includes detailed test descriptions and in-depth articles on such topics as home testing and test reliability. CSMLS is a proud sponsor of Lab Tests Online.

A message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health


Messages from Provincial Health Ministers

Last Updated (Thursday, 13 May 2010 17:00)