Medical Lab Science is an Allied Health Profession who can be described as health care detectives working behind the scenes. They deal with the diagnostic analysis of various biological specimens using state of the art techniques and expertice. The test requests are done by a physician and the results are then reported back for any action required. Critical medical decisions that are life-changing are based on laboratory results. The MLS is required to have an extensive knowledge of physiology, correlation of lab data with specific diseases, knowledge on instrumentation and techniques and also test principles and methodologies. An MLS must be professionally certified with the CPCM to be able to work in a diagnostic lab.
The profession branches out in varous specialisations and skills:
- Bacteriology
- Blood Transfusion including Blood Banking
- Clinical Chemistry
- Coagulation
- Cytogenetics
- Cytology
- Enviornmental / Public Health
- Haematology
- Histology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Immunology
- Lab Management
- Molecular Diagnostics for Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Genetics and Oncology
- Mortuary and Anatomic Pathology
- Mycology
- Parasitology
- Pre-Analytical
- Procurements
- Toxicology
- Virology
- The profession is also responsible for:
- Teaching of University and MCAST students following the Applied Biomedical Science course and MCAST related courses.
- Job shadowing
- Phlebotomy Services
Locally the MLS performs duties in various settings:
- Mater Dei Hospital – Pathology Department
- National Blood Transfusion Service
- Gozo General Hospital
- Public Health Lab
Phlebotomy service is offered throughout the Maltese territory at all major health institutions in- and out-patients; health centres/bereg and also in the community care.