Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS), also known as Medical Technologists (MT), analyze human blood, tissues, and body fluids.  They supervise the performance of thousands of medical laboratory tests, which are conducted manually or by using the latest in complex biomedical instruments.  They are responsible for the accuracy of test results and reporting of laboratory findings to physicians.  The CLS are problem solvers and use independent judgment in their work, which includes showing the relationship between results from different tests, and interpret the findings.  Physicians depend on these professionals to produce reliable and valid results that may be used in determining the presence, extent, and possible cause of disease.

Areas of Specialization
Clinical Laboratory Scientists may specialize in clinical chemistry (chemical analysis of body fluids), immunohematology (blood banking), hematology (study of blood), microbiology (isolation and identification of bacteria and viruses), immunology/serology (study of the body's defense system), urinalysis, toxicology, and molecular pathology.  Other CLS are involved in research, teaching or administration.

Work Environment
Most of these professionals work in hospital laboratories.  Others work in independent laboratories, reference laboratories, clinics, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), public health agencies, pharmaceutical firms, research institutions, scientific equipment companies, blood donor centers, physician offices, and as teachers in college clinical laboratory science programs.

Advancement
Experienced CLS may advance to supervisory positions as chief medical technologists or laboratory managers in large hospitals and other laboratory settings.  Opportunities for faculty positions in medical laboratory science programs are open to those with graduate degrees.