What does a clinical laboratory scientist do?
Clinical laboratory scientists and technicians use specialized procedures and equipment to determine the causes and cures of diseases. These experts use reagents, chemicals, and laboratory equipment to test body fluids and tissues. This is a very versatile degree, with many career opportunities and specializations. The evaluation of blood and tissue samples, and the precision and insight involved in diagnosing and analyzing medical findings, are vital to treating injury and disease. A few specialties in clinical laboratory science include: • Hematology – the study of blood and blood-producing organs, involving analysis of blood cells and plasma proteins for clues which may indicate disease. • Bacteriology – the medical study of bacteria. • Clinical chemistry (or clinical pathology) – the study of bodily fluids. • Chemistry – analysis of chemical constituents of body fluids. • Immunohematology – the study of antigens and antibodies associated with the transfusion of blood components. •
