Biomedical Technologist
Job overview
Biomedical technologists provide analytical information and prepared tissue sections, to medical doctors or pathologists.
What do people do in this job?
Their work in a medical laboratory comes under four headings:-
Diagnostic work includes:-
Microbiology- the study of bacteria, fungi and viruses that can cause diseases Cytology - the analysis of cells that the body normally exfoliates.
Blood transfusion technology includes testing donated blood, identifying blood groups and antibodies, also testing blood for diseases like aids and hepatitis.
It is vital that specimens do not get misplaced or exchanged.
Therefore a rigorous classification and registration system is required in every medical laboratory.
Most medical laboratories are connected to hospitals in the bigger centres of the country.
Laboratories must conform to safety regulations at all times and every specimen be handled as if it is a source of serious infection.
Biomedical technologists usually have to be prepared to do after-hours emergency work.
What kinds of people are suitable for this job?
Biomedical technologists must be responsible, accurate, careful and methodical workers.
Negligence could endanger patients?' ?lives.
They must adhere strictly to the medical code of ethics.
What qualifications are needed?
Biomedical technologists will normally have tertiary certificates in science, with emphasis on biological science and will have completed specialist courses in haematology, chemical pathology etc.
