MODULE
1
PRINCIPLES OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE PRACTICE 1
MLS 112
Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science
SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES
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MLS 112
PRINCIPLES OF
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE PRACTICE 1
(PMLS 1)
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the course module, you should be able to:
1. Describe the Profession of Medical Laboratory Science, the Profession’s historical foundation,
the Profession’s code of ethics in the national setting, and the Profession’s impact to the health
care industry and society.
2. Discuss the Medical Laboratory Science curriculum, the Philippine Medical Technology Board
Exam and relevant international licensure examinations for Medical Laboratory Scientists
3. Identify the national and international bodies overseeing the Profession of Medical Laboratory
Science and characterize their functional responsibilities
4. Describe the clinical laboratory both as a health care workplace and as a training site of the
Medical Technology Internship program
5. Characterize the Clinical Chemistry section, its historical development, and the services it offers.
6. Describe the Microbiology section and enumerate the routine tests carried out inside the
Microbiology section
7. Enumerate the various classes of medically important parasites and the role of the Parasitology
section for the detection of parasites in stool samples
8. Describe the performance of physical, chemical, and microscopic examination during routine
urinalysis
9. Describe the Hematology section and characterize the parameters tested in the Complete
Blood Count
10. Describe the Immunology-Serology section and enumerate common tests performed in the
Serology section
11. Characterize the Blood Bank section and the routine services it offers
12. Enumerate and define the steps of routine tissue processing in the Histopathology section
13. Discuss biohazard and biosafety principles
14. Enumerate and describe other hazards found inside the clinical laboratory
15. Describe prescribed policies and practices in healthcare waste management in the Philippines
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COURSE INTRODUCTION
Dear PMLS 1 Student,
PMLS 1 acquaints the students to the major disciplines relevant to the practice of Medical
Technology/ Medical Laboratory Science profession.
The preliminary term of the course focuses on the nature of the profession of Medical
Laboratory Science. It also introduces the students to the historical foundations of the
profession, the profession’s role in the health care industry, and the profession’s impacts
within the context of modern society.
The preliminary term of the course also discusses the required education and licensure that
leads to the practice of medical laboratory science in national and international settings.
The midterm coverage of the course elaborates the on the role of the clinical laboratory as
the primary workplace of modern medical laboratory science. Moreover, the midterm
coverage also describes the routine working sections of the clinical laboratory.
Furthermore, the final term of the course introduces the hazards that are inherent in the
clinical laboratory setting and the safety principles for management of the said hazards.
By the end of the course, the student should be able to characterize the nature of the
Profession of Medical Laboratory Science, describe the clinical laboratory, and understand
the principles of biosafety and occupational safety.
With these, may you have a very productive First Semester 2020 via distance education.
Happy learning!
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MODULE 1 – Introduction to the Profession of Medical Laboratory Science
The module will introduce the student to the profession of Medical Laboratory Science and
the Profession’s role in the health care industry and society.
The module also shows the organizational and political structure of the Profession within the
context of the national and international setting.
MODULE SELF MONITORING FORM
To help you keep track of your tasks for this module, you are provided in the below
with a self-monitoring form. Take the time to tick on the “Yes” box for each activity that you
finish and be reminded about pending activities that you are yet to do. Remember that your
success in achieving the module objectives depends entirely on how conscientious you are
of your own progress.
Schedule
2nd week
3rd week
Do
Activities
Unit 1: Engage
Unit 1: Explore
Unit 1: Explain
Unit 1: Elaborate
Unit 1: Evaluate
Completed
Yes
No
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Unit 2: Engage
Unit 2: Explore
Unit 2: Explain
Unit 2: Elaborate
Unit 2: Evaluate
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Read
Quiz
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Submit
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MODULE CONTENTS
Module Introduction: Introduction to the Profession of Medical Laboratory Science. . .. . 04
Module Self-Monitoring Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
04
Module Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
05
Module & Unit Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06
Unit 1: Medical Laboratory Science: Then and Now . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engage: Five Tasks
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Explore: Medical Technology Defined: R.A. 5527 . . . . . . . . . .
07
07
. . . . . . .
08
Explain: The Practice of Medical Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
08
Elaborate: History of the Medical Technology Profession . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Evaluate: Unit 1 Quiz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Unit 2: The Medical Technologist in the National and International Setting . . . . . . . . . 20
Engage: Personal Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Explore: PAMET & PAMET Logo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . 21
Explain: National Bodies Relevant to the Practice of Medical Technology. . . . . 21
Explain: International Bodies Relevant to the Practice of Medical Technology. .
25
Elaborate: Crossword Puzzle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Evaluate: Unit 2 Quiz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
30
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MODULE OBJECTIVES:
After the student is done reading and doing the tasks in this module, the student is expected
to be able to:
1. describe the Profession of Medical Laboratory Science and its role to the health
care industry and to the society;
2. discuss the Profession’s historical foundation, the Profession’s code of ethics in the
national setting, and the Profession’s role in the health care industry and its impact
to society; and
3. identify the national and international bodies overseeing the Profession of Medical
Laboratory Science and characterize their functional responsibilities.
This module is divided into two units as follows:
Unit 1 – Medical Laboratory Science: Then and Now
Unit Objectives:
1. Characterize the nature of the Medical Laboratory Science profession
2. Enumerate historical events and figures that contributed to the development of
Medical Laboratory Science
3. Describe the modern profession of Medical Laboratory Science and the
profession’s impact to the health care industry and society
Unit 2 – The Medical Technologist in the National and International Setting
Unit Objectives:
1. Identify and characterize the national bodies that are relevant to the practice of
Medical Laboratory Science
2. Identify and characterize the international bodies overseeing the Profession of
Medical Laboratory Science
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UNIT 1: MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE: THEN AND NOW
ENGAGE
FIVE TASKS
Assume that you are currently watching the daily brief on COVID-19 related events on your
television set. The news coverage included a clip of a medical laboratory scientist collecting
a swab sample from a suspected COVID patient. Another clip showed a medical laboratory
scientist performing Reverse Transcriptase- Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test while
on a full-body, air-supplied positive pressure suit.
It is undeniable that the COVID-19 crisis has increased the awareness of the public to the
often-underrepresented profession of Medical Laboratory Science.
In the Philippines, the profession of Medical Laboratory Science is oftentimes referred to as
the practice of Medical Technology. In international settings, Medical Laboratory Science is
also referred to as Clinical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Laboratory Science and
Laboratory Medicine.
Based on your prior readings and personal understanding, enumerate at least five tasks that
you think are performed by a medical laboratory scientist/ medical technologist.
Class Code: ________
Class No: _______
Name (FN, GN): ___________________
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EXPLORE
In the Philippines, the practice of Medical Laboratory Science/ Medical Technology is
defined in Republic Act (R.A.) No. 5527, also known as the Philippine Medical Technology
Act of 1969. The said act defines the practice of medical technology as an auxiliary branch
of medicine which deals with examinations using various chemical, microscopic,
bacteriologic, and other medical laboratory procedures or techniques that will aid the
physician in diagnosis, study, and treatment of disease and in the promotion of health in
general.
EXPLAIN
The Practice of Medical Technology
Many definitions of Medical Technology have been published since its inception as a
mainstream practice in the healthcare industry. Some of the earlier published definitions of
the practice are presented below.
Fagelson (1961):
 Branch of medicine concerned with the performance of laboratory
determinations and analyses used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease
and the maintenance of health
Walters (1966):

The health profession concerned with performing laboratory analyses in
view of obtaining information necessary in the diagnosis and treatment of
diseases as well as in the maintenance of good health
Heinemann (1963):
 Application of the principles of natural, physical, and biological sciences in
laboratory procedures to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases
In the Philippines, the practice of Medical Technology is formally defined by Republic Act
(R.A.) No. 5527, also known as the Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969. R.A. 5527 is
an act requiring the registration of medical technologists, defining their practices, and other
purposes.
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Practice of Medical Technology. Section 2 of the Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969
states that a person shall be deemed to be in the practice of medical technology when for
a fee, salary or other compensation or reward paid or given directly or indirectly through
another any of the following professional services for the purpose of aiding the physician in
the diagnosis, study and treatment of diseases and in the promotion of health in general:
1. Examination of tissues, secretions and excretions of the human body and body fluids
by various electronic, chemical, microscopic, bacteriologic, hematologic, serologic,
immunologic, nuclear, and other laboratory procedures and techniques either
manual or automated;
2. Blood banking procedures and techniques;
3. Parasitologic, mycologic and microbiologic procedures and techniques;
4. Histopathologic and cytotechnology; provided that nothing in this paragraph shall
inhibit a duly registered medical laboratory technician from performing
histopathology techniques and procedures;
5. Clinical research involving patients or human beings requiring the use of and/or
application of medical technology knowledge and procedures;
6. Preparations and standardization of reagents, standards, stains, and others, provided
such reagents, standards, stains, and others are exclusively for the use of their
laboratory;
7. Clinical laboratory quality control;
8. Collection and preservation of specimens;
Conventionally, the profession of Medical Technology is practiced in a clinical laboratory,
inside a blood bank, or in an anatomic laboratory.
The traditional working sections of a clinical laboratory include clinical chemistry,
hematology, serology, microbiology, clinical microscopy and parasitology. On the other
hand, anatomic laboratories offer cytotechnology and histopathologic services.
Depending on the structural organization of the hospital, a blood bank may be considered
a section of the clinical laboratory or a separate department.
The advent of technological advancements has also incorporated additional areas of
discipline in the practice of Medical Technology. Advancements in the fields of biochemistry
and molecular biology have led to the incorporation of molecular biology laboratories in the
field of medical laboratory science. Molecular biology laboratories, which performs nucleic
acid amplification tests and DNA-based assays, are often used in the detection of infectious
diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and other disease-causing microorganisms.
The Laboratory Workers
A. Medical Technologist
According to section 2 of R.A. 5527, a medical technologist is a person who engages
in the work of medical technology under the supervision of a pathologist or a licensed
physician authorized by the Department of Health in places where there is no
pathologist.
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A medical technologist should have a degree in Bachelor of Science in Medical
Technology (now known as Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science) or
Bachelor of Science in Hygiene (now known as Bachelor of Science in Public Health).
Moreover, he/ she should have passed the Board Examinations for Medical
Technologists.
B. Pathologist
Section 2 of R.A. 5527 defines a pathologist as a duly registered physician who is
specially trained in methods of laboratory medicine, or the gross and microscopic
study and interpretation of tissues, secretions, and excretions of the human body and
its functions in order to diagnose disease, follow its course, determine the effectivity
of treatment, ascertain cause of death and advance medicine by means of research
C. Medical Laboratory Technician
A laboratory technician is a person certified and registered with the Board of Medical
Technology as qualified to assist a medical technologist and/or qualified pathologist
in the practice of medical technology
D. Phlebotomist
A phlebotomist is an individual trained to draw blood either for laboratory tests or for
blood donations.
In the Philippines, a medical technologist is required to be skilled in phlebotomy.
Nowadays, phlebotomy is a skill confined not only to medical technologists but also
to other health care practitioners as well, provided that they were given certification
by a reputed certifying or training body.
E. Blood Bank Technologists
They are medical technologists who are specialized in the process of testing and
preparation of blood and blood products for transfusion.
F. Cytotechnologists
Laboratory practitioners specialized in the preparation of cell slides for microscopic
study and detection of cellular abnormalities
G. Histotechnologists
Histotechnologists are medical technologists who are specialized in preparation of
solid tissue samples for examination under the microscope
Roles of Medical Technology in Health Care
A. Laboratory Diagnosis of Medical Conditions
The laboratory procedures carried out by medical technologists involve examination of
bodily fluids and samples that were collected from the patients. The findings from the
laboratory examinations are oftentimes used by clinicians to evaluate the health status
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of patients. The laboratory findings are indispensable tools used by physicians for either
confirming or ruling out diagnosis of a suspected clinical condition.
B. Monitoring of Treatments
There are many laboratory examinations that are used for evaluating a treatment
regimen. Laboratory values are often used by physicians to have an educated
assessment on whether the treatment plan is helpful to the patient or not.
Moreover, values are used to gauge if a treatment plan is efficient enough. Therefore,
the laboratory findings are important in the establishment of the patient’s prognosis or
the patient’s likelihood of surviving or recovering from a clinical condition.
C. Prevention and Control of Diseases and Infection
As mentioned earlier, medical technologists play an indispensable role in the detection
of clinical conditions including infectious diseases. Detection and identification of
infectious cases will significantly help in the isolation procedures which, in case, will
prevent further spread of the disease in the community.
D. Preparation of Safe Blood and Blood products
Medical technologists, specifically blood bank technologists, are primarily responsible for
the preparation of blood and blood products that are safe for transfusion.
The technologists make sure that the products for transfusion are free from infectious
diseases that can be transmitted via transfusion. Furthermore, they are also responsible
for ensuring that the blood product to be transfused is compatible with the patient.
E. Biological and Medical Research
Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology, as an interdisciplinary profession,
can carry collaborative research projects to detect problems and provide solutions,
particularly in the fields of health care and public health.
Examples of the impacts of the profession’s active role in research include discovering
the growing resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics and the utilization of molecularbased technology for clinical applications.
Professional Attitude of Medical Technologists
Medical technologists are held to a high level of standard when it comes to their professional
etiquette. Medical technologists are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is
appropriate to the dignity of the health care profession.
In the Philippines, a licensed medical technologist’s professional conduct is governed by
the Medical Technology Code of Ethics.
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Medical Technology Code of Ethics
As I enter into the practice of Medical Technology, I shall accept the responsibilities inherent
to being a professional; I shall uphold the law and shall not engage in illegal work nor
cooperate with anyone so engaged; I shall avoid associating or being identified with any
enterprise of questionable character;
I shall work and act in a strict spirit of fairness to employer, clients, contractors, employees
and in a spirit of personal helpfulness and fraternity toward other members of the profession;
I shall use only honorable means of competition for professional employment or services and
shall refrain from unfairly injuring, directly or indirectly, the professional reputation, projects or
business of a fellow medical technologist; I shall accept employment from more than one
employer only when there is no conflict of interest;
I shall perform professional work in a manner that merits full confidence and trust carried out
with absolute reliability, accuracy, fairness and honesty; I shall review the professional work
of other medical technologists, when requested, fairly and in confidence whether they are
subordinates or employees, authors of proposals for grants or contracts, authors of technical
papers or other publications or involved in litigation;
I shall advance the profession by exchanging general information and experience with
fellow medical technologists and other professionals and by contributing to the work of
professional organizations;
I shall restrict my praises, criticisms, views and opinions within constructive limits and shall not
use the knowledge I know for selfish ends; I shall treat any information I acquired about
individuals in the course of my work as strictly confidential, and may be divulged only to
authorized persons or entities or with consent of the individual when necessary;
I shall report any infractions of these principles of professional conduct to the authorities
responsible of enforcement of applicable laws or regulations, or to the Ethics Committee of
the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists as may be appropriate.
To these principles, I hereby subscribe and pledge to conduct myself at all times in a manner
befitting the dignity of my profession.
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ELABORATE
HISTORY OF THE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION
Early Beginnings
Vivian Herrick traces the beginning of medical technology to as early as 1550 BC when
the first documented records of parasites and parasitic infections were made.
a. Ebers papyrus (1500 BC)
 The oldest preserved Egyptian compilation of medical texts.
 Contains the first accounted records of intestinal parasitic infection caused by
Ascaris lumbricoides and Taenia species
b. Sushruta (600 BC)
 A Hindu physician who described diabetes as characterized by passage of
large amount of urine. He further noted that the madhumeha (‘honey urine’)
from diabetes patients is sweet in taste and can attract black ants.
c. Hippocrates (300 BC)
 A Greek physician considered as the “father of medicine” and author of the
Hippocratic oath
 Described four humors (body fluids) in the human body
 He associated the four humors to certain human behaviours and further
concluded that all diseases were due to imbalance of these four
humors.
 Four humors:
 Blood (sanguis)
o Sanguine: Courageous, hopeful, playful, carefree
 Yellow bile (khole)
o Choleric: Ambitious, leader-like, restless, easily angered
 Black bile (melaina khole)
o Melancholic: Despondent, quiet, analytical, serious
 Phlegm (phlegma)
o Phlegmatic: Calm, thoughtful, patient, peaceful
 Concluded that the appearance of bubbles, blood, and pus in urine indicated
kidney disease and chronic illnesses
 Adopted a triad of drugs, surgery, and bloodletting in treating diseases and
infection
d. Galen (180 AD)
 Described diabetes as “diarrhea of urine” and established the relationship
between fluid intake and urine volume
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Ruth Williams believe that medical technology began from the medieval period.
e. Medieval Period (1098-1438)
 Diagnosis by ‘water casting’ (uroscopy) was widely practiced.
 Urinalysis became commonplace and was a practice that was followed with
exaggerated zeal. Patients submitted their urine specimen in decorative flasks.
 Physicians who failed to examine the urine samples were subjected to public
beatings.
Anna Fagelson prefers to date the beginnings of the profession in the 14th century.
f. Alessandra Gillani (14th century)
 Was hired at the University of Bologna by Mondino de’ Liuzzi, an Italian doctor,
to perform some tests and other tasks in the laboratory.
 Unfortunately, Gillani died from a laboratory-acquired disease in 1326
Onset of Modern Medical Technology
a. Marcello Malphigi
 Described as the ‘greatest’ of the early microscopists
 Became renowned for his exploration of embryology and physiology of the
glands and the viscera.
 Regarded as the founding father of modern anatomic pathology
b. Rudolf Virchow
 Recognized as the father of microscopic pathology and is credited to have
established the world’s first pathology laboratory
 Was the first scientist/ physician of the time who emphasized the study of the
manifestation of diseases and infections, which are visible at the cellular level
by means of a microscope.
c. Von Ziemssen (1886)
 Established the first hospital-attached clinical laboratory in Munich, Germany
 The clinical laboratory he established was described to be well-conceived with
a chemical, a physical, and a bacteriological department, a working library,
and rooms for practical courses and the examination of patients.
Medical Technology in its Modern Onset in the United States
It is crucial for us to understand the onset of medical technology in the United States as it is
the Americans who brought the profession to the Philippines.
a. Massachusetts General Hospital (MassGen, Training hospital of Harvard Medical
School)
 1847: Established the position of “Chemist-Microscopist” whose duties included
assisting at autopsies
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

1854: John Bacon Jr. was employed as the Chemist- Microscopist. However, he
later suggested to separate the duties of the hospital microscopist and the
hospital chemist.
1855: Dr. Calvin Ellis became the hospital microscopist. He is the first in the
hospital to significantly utilize the microscope in examination of specimens
leading to a diagnosis.
b. Dr. William Welch
 1878: Opened a teaching laboratory at Bellevue Medical College (New York
University Medical School) after studying several German laboratories.
 He gave the first laboratory course in pathology offered in an American
Medical School
 Became the first physician recruited to be a professor at the Johns Hopkins
University in 1886
c. William Pepper Laboratory of Clinical Medicine (1895)
 Established by the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
 Considered by many as the first legitimate clinical science laboratory in the
United States
d. University of Michigan Hospital
 Opened the first well-equipped chemical laboratory related to medicine,
where Dr. Douglas (unspecified) was the first to give laboratory instructions.
*Note: Cardona et al. (2015) reports this laboratory as the first clinical
laboratory set-up in the U.S.
e. Johns Hopkins Hospital
 Opened its clinical laboratory in 1896
 1898: Dr. William Osler, a Canadian physician and professor, established ward
laboratories at the Johns Hopkins Hospital where routine tests were performed
by attending physicians.
f.
Rockefeller Institute (1903)
 Located in New York; Established its own clinical laboratory headed by Dr.
Simon Flexner
g. James Campbell Todd (1908)
 Wrote a book entitled Clinical Diagnosis: A Manual of Laboratory Methods,
which described the techniques and procedures of the laboratory tests
available then
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h. John Bernard Henry
 Edited the book authored by Todd. The said book was later named as Henry’s
Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. This book then
became the fundamental source in the practice of laboratory medicine.
i.
Pennsylvania State Legislature (1915)
 Passed a law requiring all hospitals and institutions to have complete
laboratory facilities with full-time technicians, which gave laboratory services a
chance to be fully recognized and widely utilized.
j.
World War I (1914-1918)
 Produced a great demand for technicians
 Physicians with knowledge on laboratory works began to teach their assistants
to do some tests for them
 Faced with reductions in medical staff because of America’s entry into World
War I, hospitals started hiring and training women to become laboratory
technicians.
k. John Kolmer (1918)
 Called for the development of a method that would certify medical
technologists on a national scale
 Published The Demand for and Training of Laboratory Technicians that
included a description of the first formal training course in Medical Technology
Despite the training of many technicians by the Army during the war and the laboratory
courses offered by several medical schools, the demand for reliable, well-trained
technicians greatly exceeded their availability.
l.
R.B.H Gradwohl (1920)
 Proposed the establishment of schools for the proper training of laboratory
technicians and for the organization of a laboratory examining board to pass
on their qualifications for employment
m. American Society for Clinical Pathology
 Founded in 1922 with the objective of encouraging the maintenance of status
of clinical pathologists
 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 diagnosis and advising
physicians on how patients should be treated.
 American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science: Originally formed as a
subgroup of ASCP, helped in the recognition of non-physician clinical
laboratory scientists as autonomous professionals.
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16
n. University of Minnesota
 Was the first to offer a degree program on medical technology in 1923
o. 1950’s
 Medical technologists in the United States sought professional recognition from
the government of their educational qualifications through licensure laws
Medical Technology in the Philippines
a. 1944



During the onslaught of World War II, U.S. bases were set up in Leyte
Members of the U.S. healthcare team were brought to the country to serve
their wounded soldiers and civilians.
26th Medical Laboratory of the 6th Infantry of the US Army
 The first clinical laboratory in the Philippines; Established on Quiricada
Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila
 Now known as Manila Public Health Laboratory
 By February 1944, it provided a one-year training program to high school
graduates to work as laboratory technicians
b. June 1945
 Staff of the 6th US Army left the facility after endorsing the newly established
clinical laboratory to the National Department of Health. However, the
laboratory facilities were not fully utilized and was later non-operational.
c. Dr. Pio de Roda
 Filipino doctor who was a former staff of the 26th Medical Laboratory and a
well-known bacteriologist
 Preserved the remains of the laboratory with the help of Dr. Mariano Icasiano,
who was the first City Health Officer of Manila
 October 1, 1945: Dr. de Roda, with the help of Dr. Prudencio Sta. Ana, formally
re-established the laboratory
 1947: Dr. de Roda and Dr. Sta. Ana offered a training program to high school
and paramedical graduates who were interested in working as medical
technicians
 The training program was initially unsuccessful because no certificates
were issued to the trainees and the duration of the training was not set.
 Dr. de Roda recognized the problems and instructed Dr. Sta. Ana to
prepare a formal syllabus
d. Dr. de Roda, Dr. Sta. Ana, and Dr. Tirso Briones (1954)
 Conducted a six-month training course with certification. (However, the
project did not last long since formal education began in the same year)
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17
Formal Medical Technology Education in the Philippines
a. Philippine Union College (now the Adventist University of the Philippines) and Manila
Sanitarium Hospital (now the Manila Adventist Medical Center)
 1954: Offered the first four-year Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology
program in the Philippines
 Founders credited for development of the first Medical Technology program
include:
 Dr. Willa Hilgert Hedrick:
 “Founder of medical technology education in the Philippines”
 With the help of Mrs. Antoinette McKelvey, prepared the course
curriculum and established the first complete laboratory in
microbiology, parasitology, and histopathology at the Manila
Sanitarium Hospital
 Dr. Reuben Magsaysay: The then president of the Philippine Union
College
 Rev. Warren: President of the North Philippine Mission of Seventh Day
Adventist and director of the Bureau of Education
 Dr. Jesse Umali
 First student to graduate Medical Technology from the Philippine Union
College in 1956
 Later pursued a career in medicine (OB-Gyne)
b. University of Santo Tomas
 1957: Started offering medical technology as an elective subject to pharmacy
students
 1961: Medical technology was recognized as an official program in UST with
the first three years as a three-year academic course and the fourth year as
an internship program
c. Centro Escolar University
 1960: Began offering the Medical technology program, which was later
granted a recognition permit by the Bureau of Education
d. Far Eastern University
 1961: Started its School of Medical Technology, which was later formally
approved by the Bureau of Education
e. Saint Louis University
 1966: SLU started offering Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology
 1970: The Imelda R. Marcos Clinical Laboratory (now SLU Clinical Laboratories
opened to offer training for SLU medical technology interns
 1971: BSMT was recognized and approved by MECS (Ministry of Education,
Culture, and Sports)
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18
EVALUATE
MODULE 1 UNIT 1 QUIZ
For CBL students: Refer to the Preliminary Term Summative Assessment Module and
answer Module 1 Unit 1 Quiz.
For OBL students: Wait for the instructions of the class instructor.
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means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of SLU, is strictly prohibited.
19
UNIT 2: THE MEDICAL
INTERNATIONAL SETTING
ENGAGE
TECHNOLOGIST
IN
THE
NATIONAL
AND
PERSONAL OPINION
The Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) is the only accredited
professional organization (APO) for Filipino medical technologists.
As the only APO for Filipino medical technologists, the organization is expected to champion
all medical laboratory scientists and voice out their concerns and issues to appropriate
figures of authority. The PAMET is also expected to promote the Profession of Medical
Technology and increase the public’s awareness of the practice.
In your opinion, do you think that PAMET is adequately promoting the practice of Medical
Technology to increase the awareness of the public to the profession? Why or why not?
Do you think that PAMET is doing enough to advocate for a fair monetary compensation for
Filipino Medical Technologists? Why or why not?
Class Code: ________
Class No: _______
Name (FN, GN): _________________
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EXPLORE
As mentioned earlier, the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET) is the only
accredited professional organization for Medical Technologists in the Philippines. PAMET
utilizes an official logo that distinguishes the association from any other professional
organizations.
The PAMET official logo has the following elements:
i.
Circle
The circle represents to the continuous involvement where
practice and education must always be integrated
ii.
Triangle
The triangle refers to the trilogy of love, respect, and integrity.
The trilogy should always be manifested by Filipino medical
technologists in the performance of their work.
iii.
Green Color
The green color represents health.
iv.
Microscope and Snake
These represent the science and profession of Medical
Technology.
v.
1964
This was the year when the first PAMET election was held.
EXPLAIN
National Bodies Relevant to the Practice of Medical Technology
1. Philippine Association of Medical Technologists (PAMET)
- The only accredited professional organization for Filipino Medical
Technologists
-
Historical Notes:
o Crisanto G. Almario
 “Father of PAMET”
 Graduated from Manila College of Pharmacy, now called the
Manila Central University
 Licensed pharmacist who worked as a laboratory technician at
the San Lazaro Hospital where he felt the need to uplift the
profession to a more dignified level & standardize the laboratory
practice
o
Birth of PAMET: 10:00 A.M. on September 15, 1963 at the Manila Public
Health Laboratory in Sta. Cruz, Manila
Note: During the same period, Mrs. Belen Siasco-Jose planned to
establish a similar organization but failed.
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21
o
Term
1963-1967
1967-1970
First national convention and election of officers were held on
September 20, 1964 in Far Eastern University wherein Charlemagne
Tamondong became the first president.
-
PAMET Core Values:
o Excellence: Adherence to high standards of practice
o Professionalism: Moral standards and responsibility
o Commitment: Commitment to selflessness, dedication, initiativeness,
creativity, and resourcefulness
o Unity: Linkages and support among other professional organizations
advocating the achievement of a common goal
-
PAMET Presidents:
President
Charlemagne T.
Tamondong
Nardito D. Moraleta
Legacy
“Emergence of the
Profession”
“Professional
Recognition”
Highlights
Public acceptance and
recognition of PAMET
Approval of R.A. 5527
**Currently, SB 2722
(Medical Technology Act of 2011)
by Senator Edgardo Angara is
being worked out as potential
eplacement
SEC registration of PAMET
1970-1971,
1973-1977
1971-1973
1973 (JanSep)
Felix E. Asprer
Bernardo T. Tabaosares
Angelina R. Jose
“Legislative Agenda”
“Celebration of the
Practice”
‘Career Advocacy”
1st Board of Examiners and First MT
Board Exam
Approval of PD 498 (first
amendment to RA 5527 during
martial law)
PAMET was recognized by PRC as
official accredited professional
organization
Amendments to the Teves Law
(salaries of medical professionals)
Third week of September as the
Philippine Medical Technology
Week
Upgrading of the Medical
Technology profession ( back
then, she pushed the professional
code from number 20 to number
3)
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1977-1982
Venerable C.V. Oca
“Educational
Enhancement”
Monthly seminars for the
continuing professional
education of medical
technologists
Monthly medical missions offering
free laboratory services to the
poor and less fortunate
Monthly quiz contests
participated in by different MT
schools
1982-1992
Carmencita P.
Acedera
“Image Building”
Awards to deserving chapters
and members
Standardization of salary grade
13 to 22
Hazard pay equivalent to 25%
Aggressive and relevant CPE for
competence sustenance with
corresponding units
Sportsfest and inter-collegiate
quiz show in the Medical
Technology Week celebration
1992-1996
1997-2001
Marilyn R. Atienza
Norma N. Chang
“Proactivism”
“International
Leadership”
Closer coordination between
PAMET and PASMETH
Approval of the PAMET
constitution and by-laws (1992)
1997 Code of Ethics of the
Medical Technology Profession
Registration of the Philippine
Journal of Medical Technology in
the International Library of
Congress with a corresponding
ISSN number
Philippine Council for Quality
Assurance in Clinical Laboratories
(PCQACL)
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2001-2002;
2005-2006
Agnes B Medenilla
“Organizational
Dynamism”
Job fairs for newly registered MT
PAMET as recipient of the Most
Outstanding Professional
Organization by CHAp in 2001
2002-2005
Shirley I. Fabian
Cruzada
“Interdisciplinary
Networking”
“Alagang Safeguard, Alagang
Nanay’ ad campaign with
Procter & Gamble
“Dagdag Karunungan,
Kinabukasan Thesis/ Dissertation
Grant”
Collaborative activities: PAMET
website
2006-2013
Leila M. Florento
“Beyond Expectations”
Research fund for PAMET
members; Student research forum
during the Medical Technology
Week celebration
CPE for MT
Collaboration with P&G: “Limang
Hakbang Tungo sa Kalusugan” –
a joint effort by PAMET and PNRC
2013-2015
Romeo Joseph J.
Ignacio
2015Present
Ronaldo E. Puno
“Golden Celebration”
“Soar Higher through
V.O.I.C.E.”
“Empowerment”
Research-related activities
V.O.I.C.E.: Visibility, Oneness,
Integrity, Commitment, &
Excellence
Empowering Medical
Technologists towards Global
Advancement
2. Philippine Association of Schools of Medical Technology and Public Health
(PASMETH)
- National organization of all registered schools of medical technology in the
Philippines
- Aim: Maintain the highest standards of medical technology/ public health
education and to foster closer relations among these schools
- Historical notes
o May 13, 1970: Director Narciso Albarracin appointed Dr. Serafin J Juliano
(FEU) and Dr. Gustavo U. Reyes to organize an association of deans/
heads of schools of MT and hygiene
o June 22, 1970: First organizational meeting of PASMETH at UST
o October 6, 1989: Registration with the SEC
- Current PASMETH president: Dean Bernard Ebuen
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-
Accomplishments of PASMETH (Highlights):
o Continuing professional education programs for MT faculty members
o Standard curriculum for the B.S. Medical Technology program
o Standard course syllabi for professional subjects in medical technology
o Annual PASMETH-PAMET quiz show
3. Philippine Society of Medical Technology Students (PHISMETS)
- Organized in 2002 during the term of Dean Zenaida Cajucom
- First advisers: Prof. Marilyn Bala, Prof. Nova Aida Cajucom, Prof. Zennie B.
Aceron
- Reorganized on November 25, 2006 under the umbrella of the PASMETH
- Primary aim: Establish camaraderie among students via activities centered on
social and cultural developments, community outreach programs, and
leadership training/ seminars
INTERNATIONAL BODIES RELEVANT TO THE PRACTICE OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
1. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)
- Formerly known as NCCLS (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory
Standards)
- A not-for-profit membership organization with the primary aim for fostering
excellence in laboratory medicine
- Develops CLINICAL LABORATORY TESTING STANDARDS & GUIDELINES based on
input from and consensus among industry, government, and health care
professionals.
- Vision: Quality Practices for better health
- Mission: Develop clinical and laboratory practices and promote their use
worldwide
- Common publications utilized by clinical laboratories in the performance of
tests:
o M100: Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
o GP41: Collection of Diagnostic Venous Blood Specimens
o GP48: Essential Elements of a Phlebotomy Training Program
o QMS01: A Quality Management System Model for Laboratory Services
2. American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
- A professional association based in Chicago, Illinois encompassing
pathologists and laboratory professionals; Advocates for the recognition of
pathologists and medical laboratory personnel
- ASCP Board of Certification
o Provides global certification for generalist and specialist medical laboratory
professionals
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3. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- One of the oldest physical science laboratories; Currently under the US
Department of Commerce
- Promotes innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing
measurement science, standards, and technology
- Contributions/roles in clinical laboratory testing:
o Specifying Class A tolerances for laboratory glass wares such as serological
pipettes, beakers, biurets, graduated cylinders, etc.
 All laboratory utensils should be Class A whenever possible to
maximize accuracy and precision
 All NIST-certified Class A glass wares (such as Class A pipets) do not
need to be recalibrated by the clinical laboratory
o Production of standards used for calibration of laboratory instruments
 E.g. NIST Class S Weights that are used for calibrating analytical
balances
4. Laboratory Accrediting Bodies
a. International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
- An independent, non-governmental international organization with a
membership of 164 national standard bodies
- Develops and provides common standards between nations in food safety,
agriculture, and healthcare
- Provides internationally-recognized accreditation of workplaces and industries
based on standards
- Standards applicable in the clinical laboratory setting:
o ISO 9001 “Quality Management Systems-Requirements”
o ISO 15189
“Medical Laboratories- Requirements for Quality and
Competence”
 It provides standards for technical competence that are unique to
medical laboratories
 It also provides quality management system similar to that of ISO 9001
but within the context of the medical laboratory setting.
b. The Joint Commission
- Formerly JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations)
and previous to that, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals (JCAH)
- Independent, not-for-profit organization that certifies health care organizations
and programs across the US
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c. College of American Pathologists (CAP)
- Member-based physician organization composed exclusively of pathologists
certified by the American Board of Pathology
- Offers accreditation services to help laboratories earn accreditation under ISO
15189 Medical Laboratories
- Laboratory Accreditation Program: Peer-based inspection model
o Uses teams of practicing professionals qualified through a CAP training
which will perform on-site inspections every two years using CAP
ACCREDITATION CHECKLISTS
o CAP ACCREDITATION CHECKLISTS
 All Common Checklist (COM): Contains a core set of
requirements that apply to all areas performing laboratory tests
and procedures
 Discipline-specific checklist: Designed for a specific working area
in the laboratory
5. American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)
- Global leader in standards development, accreditation and implementation of
quality systems IN TRANSFUSION MEDICINE AND CELLULAR THERAPIES
- Has the primary vision of making transfusion medicine and cellular therapies safe,
available, and effective worldwide.
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- A public health institute under the US Department of Health and Human Services
which has the primary aim of protecting the public from health, safety, and
security threats
- Provides the standard guidance for biosafety and biosecurity practices in
laboratories across the US (and has been widely adopted by many countries)
- Provides standards that help laboratories manage the presence of biohazards
o Co-authors the manual Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical
Laboratories (now in its 5th Edition) in partnership with the National Institutes of
Health
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ELABORATE
Class Code: ________
Class No: _______
Name (FN, GN): _________________
Instructions: The Crossword Puzzle below will test your understanding of concepts and terms
based on what you've studied in this module unit. Complete the crossword by filling in a word
that fits each clue.
Across
2.
4.
5.
Organization that is primarily responsible for providing the continuing professional
education of faculty members teaching Medical Laboratory Science
A body that is responsible for providing standard guidelines for the performance of
clinical laboratory assays
Containment principles, technologies, and practices that are implemented to prevent
exposure to pathogens or toxins
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7. Laboratory wares characterized with the highest degree of accuracy and precision
9. The only accredited professional organization for Filipino Medical Technologists
10. A core value in the practice of Medical Technology characterized by the
interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of health care workers.
11. Provides quality management system for clinical laboratory setting
12. Nearness of a measured value to the 'true' value
Down
1.
2.
3.
PAMET president who served the longest term
The profession of the individual who is responsible for the inception of PAMET
A core value of PAMET characterized by strict conformity to standard operating
procedures
5. The protection, control, and accountability for valuable biological materials within the
laboratories, in order to prevent their unauthorized access or intentional release
6. Governing body responsible for providing guidelines that will prevent transfusion
reactions
8. Month when the Medical Technology Week is celebrated
13. PAMET logo element that stresses the important relationship of theoretical knowledge
and practical application in the practice of Medical Technology
EVALUATE
MODULE 1 UNIT 2 QUIZ
For CBL students: Refer to the Preliminary Term Summative Assessment Module and
answer Module 1 Unit 2 Quiz.
For OBL students: Wait for the instructions from the class instructor.
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means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of SLU, is strictly prohibited. 29
REFERENCES
Suba, S., & Florida, J. (2014). Introduction to Medical Technology with Science, Technology,
and Society. Pasig: Cengage Learnng Asia Pte Ltd
Cardona, C., Garcia-Meim, R., & Martin, G. (2015). Introduction to Medical Technology
Practice in the Philippine Setting. Quezon City: C&E Publishing, Inc.
Benitez, P., Dumaoal, O., Estrella, F., & Mortel, F., Nava, M.R. (2019). Principles of Medical
Laboratory Science 1. Quezon City: C&E Publishing, Inc.
Sunderman Sr., F.W. (1993). Evolution of Clinical Science: An Overview. Annals of Clinical and
Laboratory Science, 23(4), pp. 231-248
Turgeon, M. (2020). Linne & Ringsrud’s Clinical Laboratory Science. St. Louis: Elsevier
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means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise of any part of this document, without the prior written permission of SLU, is strictly prohibited. 30