JOURNAL:
History of Medical Technology
Medical Laboratory Science deals with applying principles of natural, physical, and
biological sciences to the performance of laboratory procedures that aid in diagnosing and treating
diseases. The Branch of medicine is concerned with the performance of laboratory determinations
and analysis used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and maintenance of health. An
auxiliary branch of laboratory medicine examines various chemical, microscopic, bacteriologic,
and other medical procedures. This technique will aid the physician in diagnosing, studying, and
treating disease and promoting health in general.
Early medical diagnosis treated disease as a mystery. The disease was believed to be caused
by the negative interaction between the environment and the body. From around 300 BC to 180
A.D., Hippocrates was considered the "father of medicine" and author of the Hippocratic Oath,
and Galen, a Greek physician, and philosopher instigated a rudimentary and qualitative assessment
of disorder through measurement of body fluids (also called the four humors blood, phlegm,
yellow bile, black bile) concerning seasons. The work of these ancient Greek physicians was
intended to increase the quality of life of patients.
Urine was one of the body fluids that underwent examination. Hippocrates advocated the tasting
of urine, listening to the lungs, and observing outward appearances in disease diagnosis. He
concluded that the formation of bubbles, blood, and pus in urine indicated kidney disease and
chronic illnesses. Galen described diabetes as "diarrhea of the urine" and established the
relationship between fluid intake and urine volume. In medieval Europe, diagnosis by "water
casting" (uroscopy) was widely practiced. Patients submitted their urine specimens in decorative
flasks. Physicians who failed to examine the urine were subjected to public beatings. By 900 AD,
the first book detailing the characteristics of urine (e.g., color, density, quality) was written. From
these early documented works, medicine and medical technology advanced because of the high
mortality rate caused by plagues and other diseases.
In the early 11th century, medical practitioners were not allowed to examine the patient's body
physically. Thus, they relied solely on the patient's description of symptoms and their observations.
By the 18th century, mechanical techniques and cadaver dissection were used to provide a more
objective and accurate diagnosis and understand the body's insides. In the 19th century, physicians
began using machines for diagnosis or therapeutics. Among these devices were John Hutchinson's
spirometer for measuring the vital capacity of the lungs and Jules Herisson's sphygmomanometer
for measuring blood pressure. Also, the use of chemistry was pivotal in diagnosing diabetes,
anemia, diphtheria, and syphilis during this period.
The onset of mechanical and chemical devices spurred the turn from general practice to
specialization. The increasing number of patients brought about this turn, and the increasing
amount of medical knowledge generalists could no longer handle. More complex machinery and
equipment in medical practice required technical expertise, resulting in cooperative arrangements
among specialists in different fields. Consequently, medical services became organized in
hospitals. With this setup, large amounts of data were required in the diagnosis and treatment of
patients. These volumes of patient data prompted the need for information technology. The
demand for medical technicians and data specialists also increased. In 1969, 80 percent of medical
professionals were nonphysicians. This growth propelled the need for technicians to be proficient
in the use of technology. Patients were likewise needed to be educated on the tests done on them.
Technology took over face-to-face interaction between patients and physicians who relied more
on technology as the basis for diagnostic assessments instead of patient's subjective descriptions
of symptoms. All these resulted in increased diagnostic accuracy at the expense of a closer doctorpatient relationship. The thermometer, stethoscope, microscope, ophthalmoscope, laryngoscope,
and X-ray are some breakthroughs in medical technology that allowed physicians to examine body
parts that used to be observed only in cadavers.
In the mid-1800s, laboratories designed for analyzing medical specimens were organized
by chemical experts. Specialized laboratories regulated by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) began to be used for medical diagnostics in the US by the mid-1900s.
In the early 20th century, improvements in basic sciences and integration of scientific and
technological discoveries (i.e., electrical measurement techniques, sensor developments, nuclear
medicine, and diagnostic ultrasound) marked the advances in medical technology; medical
technologies also impacted various surgical procedures.
Further integration of technology with science ushered in new medical advancements such as the
electron microscope, new medical imaging technologies, and prosthetic devices. The electron
microscope gave way to the visualization of small cells, including tumor cells. The adaption of
computers in medical researchers led to the development of tomography and magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI). Prosthesis such as artificial heart valves, artificial blood vessels, functional
electromechanical limbs, and reconstructive skeletal joints was also developed due to these
innovations.
Medical technology breakthroughs persist through robotics, keyhole surgery procedures, genetic
engineering, and telemedicine (information technology). Medical technology has improved quality
of life and increased life expectancy. However, this progress resulted in the reevaluation of
traditional definitions of life and death.
In the United States, the establishment of the first clinical laboratory development of
laboratory practice marked the growth of the medical techno 1895. The University of
Pennsylvania's William Pepper Laboratory of Clinical man opened to highlight the service role of
clinical laboratories. In 1918, John Kolme developed a method that would certify medical
technologists on a national Kolmer published The Demand for and Training of Laboratory
Technicians that included a description of the first formal training course in Medical Technology.
In the same year, the state legislature of Pennsylvania enacted a law requiring all hospitals and
institutions to have a fully-equipped laboratory fit for routine testing and to employ a full-time
laboratory technician. In 1920, the administrative units of clinical laboratories in large hospitals
were directed by a chief physician. During this time, clinical laboratories consisted of 4 to 5
divisions, including clinical pathology, bacteriology, microbiology, serology, and radiology. As
clinical laboratories held more prominence in the delivery of laboratory tests, the need for
technicians and technologists that would assist physicians became greater.
In 1922, the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) was founded with the objective of
encouraging the cooperation between physicians and clinical pathologists as well as maintaining
the status of clinical pathologists. ASCP also established the code of ethics for technicians and
technologists, stating that these allied health professionals should work under the supervision of a
physician and refrain from making oral or written diagnoses and advising physicians on how
patients should be treated. The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (formerly the
American Society for Medical Technologists), which was initially formed as a subgroup of ASCP,
helped recognize nonphysician clinical laboratory scientists as autonomous professionals. In the
1950s, medical technologists in the United States sought professional recognition from the
government for their educational qualifications through licensure laws.
On January 9, 1945, 850 US ships of the 6th US Army began a round-about to Lingayen Gulf,
attempting to mislead the Japanese. Manila was taken, and Corregidor was liberated. Finally, real
medical facilities were made available to the Philippines, which include the 26th Medical
Laboratory of the 6th US Army.
The said laboratory was located at 208 Quiricada Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila, but now known
as the Public Health Laboratory; a division of the Manila Health Department. As early as February
of that year, training of civilians to become members of the healthcare team was already being
done. The 6th US army left the laboratory in June 1945.
The National Department of Health endorsed the laboratory, but the department didn't seem
to be interested in pursuing the objectives of the laboratory. The 2nd World War ended in
September 1945, and barely a month later, the laboratory was formally reorganized by Dr. Pio de
Roda and assisted by Dr. Mariano Icasiano. He was then the Manila City Health Officer. The
laboratory was later named Manila Public Health Laboratory. A training program for individuals
aspiring to become laboratory workers was offered in 1947 by Dr. Pio de Roda in collaboration
with Dra. Prudencia Sta.
Ana. Trainees mainly were high school graduates and paramedical graduates. The training proved
to be ineffective because the trainees were never motivated and there was no program that was
supposed to last for a set period of time, and no certificates were issued to the trainees. Realizing
this, Dr. Pio de Roda instructed Dra. Sta. Ana to prepare a formal syllabus of the training program.
In 1954, the training began using a syllabus, and it was to last six months. The training program
offered by Dr. Pio de Roda did not last long because, during that same year, the formal education
of Medical Technology in the Philippines began. History of Medical Technology in the Philippines
During World War II, the Philippines was seriously affected. Japan invaded Pearl Harbor on
December 7, 1941. Three days later, Japan conquered the entire Philippines, causing the wrath of
the United States to flare up. Illnesses and death were very evident. The Board of Medical
Technology was created in 1970 according to Republic Act 5527, also known as the "Philippine
Medical Technology Act of 1969." The law recognized medical technology as a profession and
defined the practice of medical technology, subject to the registration and regulation policies of
the government. The first Board was composed of Dr. Arturo D. Tolentino, Jr. as Chairman and
Mr. Felix E. Asprer and Ms. Azucena S. J. Vizconde as Members. The Board administered the
first examination for Medical Technology in September 1970, where only twenty-five percent of
the examinees passed. In order to upgrade the quality of graduates, the Board established mutual
relations with the Philippine Association of Schools of Medical Technology and Hygiene
(PASMETH) in developing and updating the course syllabi to improve the performance of schools
in the licensure examinations. The Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology/ Medical
Technology offers a four-year program consisting of general education and professional courses.
The fourth-year level is the one-year internship program in a Commission on Higher Education
(CHED)-accredited training laboratory, with rotational duties in different sections, such as Clinical
Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Immunohematology (Blood Banking), Immunology and
Serology,
Urinalysis
and
other
Body
Fluids
(Clinical
Microscopy),
Parasitology,
Histopathologic/Cytological Techniques, and other emergent technologies. Through the years, the
Board has ensured that medical technologists are able to perform the responsibility of aiding
physicians in the diagnosis, study, and treatment of diseases and in the promotion of health in
general.
On the other hand, the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc., otherwise
known as the PAMET, is the national organization of all registered Medical Technologists /
Medical Laboratory Scientists in the Philippines. It is a non-stock, non-profit organization. The
association was organized by Mr. Crisanto Almario (recognized as the Father of PAMET), who
felt the need to standardize the profession and sought to improve and upgrade the practice. PAMET
was born on September 15, 1963, at the Public Health Laboratory at 208 Quiricada Street, Sta,
from the initial pre-organizational planning and conceptualization. Cruz, Manila. The first national
convention was held at the Conference Hall of the Far Eastern University Hospital on September
20, 1964, where Mr. Charlemagne Tamondong became the first President. Initially, with a handful
of intrepid visionaries, the association steadily grew. Undaunted by the seemingly impossible
difficulties, the membership of PAMET worked toward the passage of Republic Act 005527,
known as "The Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969". The law defined the practice of
Medical Technology. The law further recognized Medical Technology as a profession, subject to
registration and regulation by the government. It was enacted into law on June 21, 1969. It was
incorporated and registered with Reg at the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 14,
1969. No 39570 during the presidency of Mr. Nardito Moraleta. A few days before the declaration
of Martial Law on September 21, 1972, President Ferdinand Marcos declared the 3rd week of
September as a celebration of the Medical Technology profession. On June 22, 1973, PD 223 was
approved, creating the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). PAMET was officially
recognized as the only Accredited Organization (APO) of registered Medical Technologists in the
Philippines. In the last decade, the focus of PAMET was to widen membership and establish
chapters.
The LAB NEWS, which was later changed to PAMETLINK, its official publications had
its inaugural issue. PAMET is a national body with forty-six (46) provincial chapters nationwide
divided into four (4) regions such as North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao Region
and three international affiliates PAMET Singapore, Eastern Region the Middle East, and Western
Region Middle East. PAMET collaborates with other local professional associations, namely,
Council of Professional Health Associations (COPHA), Philippine Federation of Professional
Association (PFPA), Council of Health Agencies of the Philippines (CHAP), Philippine Council
for Quality Assurance in Clinical Laboratories (PCQACL), and Philippine Association of Schools
of Medical Technology and Public Health and Hygiene (PASMETH). It is also linked with other
government agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH) and the Commission on Higher
Education (CHED). In the nineties, PAMET took great strides in its campaign for national
recognition. It sought to break its isolation from an organization that has primarily worked in the
narrow confines of its internal borders. PAMET engaged in federal programs in cooperation with
other institutions and actively pursued its membership in international organizations. PAMET
became involved with different projects of the Department of Health, the Wash Hand Campaign,
and Scholarship Programs for Medical Technology students with Procter & Gamble, Phils, and
with the Japan International Medical Technology Foundation (JIMTEF), where it sends scholars
to Japan for study grants and transfer of technologies in the field of Microbiology, Immunology,
and Leadership. Continuing Professional Education has been undertaken throughout the years,
even before the PRC mandated the renewal of licenses. It speaks of the commitment to encourage
its members to learn new technologies and update knowledge. Internationally, PAMET is a
member of the ASEAN Association of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (AACLS), Asia Association
of Medical Laboratory Scientists (AAMLS). PAMET became a member of the Asia-Pacific
Federation of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory.
For 50 years, the PAMET has gone through the difficulties of being a neophyte and has
emerged as a robust and stable organization prepared to immerse itself in national and local interest
issues. It is going into the next millennium, intending to provide improved benefits for its
membership and strengthen the image of the Medical Technology professional.
To further the development of the course, PASMETH, also known as the Philippine Association
of Schools of Medical Technology and Public Health, was formed. It is the national organization
of all recognized schools of Medical Technology in the Philippines. On May 13, 1970, Director
Narciso Albarracin appointed Dr. Serafin Juliano and Dr. Gustavo U. Reyes to organize
Deans/Heads of Schools of Medical Technology and Hygiene Association. The first organizational
meeting was held at the University of Santo Tomas on June 22, 1970. The first sets of officers
were:

President - Dr. Gustavo Reyes

Vice-President - Dr. Serafin Juliano

Secretary/Treasurer - Dr. Velia Trinidad

Press Relations Officer - Dr. Faustino Sunico.
It was formed in 1970 in the hopes of maintaining the highest standards of Medical
Technology/Public Health education and fostering closer relations among these schools.
With the impending liberalization of trade in services, the Board actively participates in
the Consultative Meetings of PRC regarding the ASEAN Negotiations on Services and Mutual
Recognition Agreement. It coordinates with the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists
(PAMET) and other CPE providers to improve professionals' professional skills and values
systems and adopt the latest technological developments in their field. Today, medical
technologists serve in hospital and free-standing laboratories, clinics, pharmaceutical companies,
schools, food and cosmetic industries here and abroad.
Since then, the country has been molding medical technologists for the world health
industry who are scientifically and technologically competent to deliver the full spectrum of
Medical Technology services required in modern health care.
References:
History
of
Medical
Technology
in
the
Philippines.
(2017,
May
21).
Retrieved
from https://graduateway.com/history-of-medical-technology-in-the-philippines/
Misamis University. (n.d). History and Development of Medical Technology. Retrieved
September 20, 2021 from MT-LAW-1.pdf - 1 MT Laws Bioethics#1 \u2013 REVISED
REVIEWER#1 HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY MEDICAL
TECHNOLOGY 1 Ruth Heinemann the | Course Hero
Professional Regulation Commission. (n.d.). Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969.
Retrieved September 20, 2021 from Medical Technology | Professional Regulation Commission
(prc.gov.ph)
Florento, L. (n.d.). PAMET Brief History of The Philippine Association of Medical Technologists.
Retrieved from IFCC histories_Philippines.pdf
Reyes, G. (2013, June 18). StudyMode Research. Journal of the History of PASMETH. 1(1-2).
Retrieved September 19, 2021 from Journal on University and Dr. Gustavo Reyes Bartleby
Research. (n.d). Medical Technology in the Philippines. Retrieved September 19, 2021 from
Medical Technology in the Philippines - 1863 Words | Bartleby