The Medical Technologist is responsible for the correctness of all the analytical data that is produced. An accurate identification and registration system of all specimens is used in every medical laboratory. This ensures that specimens are not misplaced or exchanged. The medical technologist must keep reports of the test results and ensure that these are available for reference. The work carried out in a Medical Laboratory may be divided into 4 categories, viz.
Diagnostic work forms the major part.
This means that the Medical Technologist provides analytical information to the medical profession, which enables them to make a diagnosis and treat patients accordingly. Using sophisticated computerized instruments, it is possible to perform hundreds of tests per day and a range of more than 40 different tests may be performed. The levels of cholesterol, glucose, magnesium, iron and various enzymes and hormones, etc. are determined. This is the study of blood. The size and haemoglobin content of each erythrocyte helps to determine whether a person is suffering from anaemia.