What is the Process of Microscopy in Regard to a Medical Technologist?

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Through the Eyes of a Scientist

Although they handle the technical instruments of a clinical setting, and must take courses in microbiology, chemistry, mathematics, biology and statistics, a technician’s training is a two-year program, while the medical technologist must hold a bachelor’s degree or better in medical technology or medical science. Medical technologists perform more advanced procedures than technicians and must be familiar with such techniques as clinical chemistry, immunohematology, genetics, electron microscopy and genetics.

With an eye often bent over a microscope, the medical technologist is a true scientist. By examining cellular structure, bacterial cultures and chemical reactions, they work with the medical profession in detecting, diagnosing and treating diseases.

Fields of Microscopy

Medical technologists often choose a specialized field in microscopy in research or new treatment technologies. With that keen scientific mind, you may want to choose a career as a cytologist, studying abnormalities that may be cancerous growths, malignant tumors or infections.

They may choose to become a pathologist, studying samples of the spread of diseases or infections. Pathologists might do preventive studies, such as cholesterol tests, to determine if there is a significant health risk.

Other specialized fields include immunohematology, in which they collect, type and prepare blood for transfusion, histology (the study of plants and animals to determine how cells function), and embryology (the study of embryos, how they develop and the problems that might occur at different stages). Some embryologists work in artificial insemination, fertilizing the egg outside the uterus, to be planted later on. As the result of the tiny size of the embryo, microscopes are constantly needed.

Microscopy and the Medical Technologist

Microscopy is part of the everyday work of any medical technologist. They are examining life at its most basic, cellular level in their mission to provide quality patient care. The most commonly used microscope is the optical or light microscope. Light is passed through the machine and the specimen being viewed in order to magnify it. Sometimes these machines use specialized cameras or digital imaging to create a clear view.

Electron microscopy uses beams of electrons instead of light to create an image. Electron microscopes are often used to create a visual image of objects, which are too small to be seen through optical microscopes, such as microorganisms or crystal structures.

One of the newest methods for examination is virtual microscopy. The imaging uses computerized techniques to convert images on glass slides into electronic data. The resolution is similar to that of an optical microscope. The advantage is that this technique enables electronic transport and storage of data from slides. This allows the slides to be viewed remotely. While the medical technologist uses microscopy as a necessary part of his or her job definition, creating amazing new break through in medical treatments, the sophistication of microscopic instruments continue to become just as amazing.

This is a fascinating career field and one that can work for you, as you train for an exciting career in medicine. Contact your school of choice to upgrade your lifestyle through higher educational qualifications.