WHAT IS CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE?
Clinical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. 85% of all medical diagnostic and treatment decisions are based on laboratory test results. Clinical laboratory technologist - also referred to as clinical laboratory scientists or medical technologist - perform these tests. Clinical Laboratory Scientists often find themselves working to solve the riddle of what body malfunction or infectious organisms are making a patient ill. Clinical Laboratory Scientists use their strong scientific background in chemistry, biology, and human physiology to solve medical mysteries and ultimately help patients regain their health.
Clinical Laboratory Scientists examine and analyze body fluids, and cells. They look for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms; analyze the chemical content of fluids; match blood for transfusions; and test for drug levels in the blood that show how a patient is responding to treatment. Scientists also prepare specimens for examination, count cells, and look for abnormal cells in blood and body fluids. They use microscopes, cell counters, and other sophisticated laboratory equipment. They also use automated equipment and computerized instruments capable of performing a number of tests simultaneously. After testing and examining a specimen, they analyze the results and relay them to physicians.
With increasing automation and the use of computer technology, the work of Clinical Laboratory Scientists has become less mechanical hands-on and more analytical. The complexity of tests performed, the level of judgment needed, and the amount of responsibility workers assume depend largely on the amount of education and experience they have.
Clinical Laboratory Scientists perform complex chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic, and bacteriological tests. Scientists microscopically examine blood and other body fluids. They make cultures of body fluid and tissue samples, to determine the presence of bacteria, fungi, parasites, or other microorganisms. They analyze samples for chemical content or a chemical reaction and determine concentrations of compounds such as blood glucose and cholesterol levels. They also type and cross match blood samples for transfusions.
Clinical Laboratory Scientists evaluate test results, develop and modify procedures, and establish and monitor programs, to ensure the accuracy of tests. Some CLS personnel supervise other laboratory personnel with less educational qualifications or less work experience.
Clinical Laboratory Scientists in small laboratories perform many types of tests, whereas those in large laboratories generally specialize. Clinical chemistry lab scientists, for example, prepare specimens and analyze the chemical and hormonal contents of body fluids. Microbiology lab scientists examine and identify bacteria and other microorganisms. Blood bank lab scientists (immunohematology) lab scientists collect, type, and prepare blood and its components for transfusions. Immunology lab scientists examine elements of the human immune system and its response to foreign bodies. Molecular biology lab scientists perform complex protein and nucleic acid testing on cell samples.
Presentations
View our Power Point Presentations on Clinical Laboratory Sciences - who we are - what you can do with this degree/minor/certificate.
- Is a career in Clinical Laboratory Sciences for you by Sharon L. Rogers (.ppt)
- Clinical Laboratory Sciences at UNLV by Janice M. Conway-Klaassen (.ppt) (4MB)
Enrollment Options in CLS at UNLV
Enrollment in the math-science-intensive curriculum of the Clinical Laboratory Sciences program can lead to several options for the undergraduate or post-baccalaureate student: a B.S degree in CLS, a minor in CLS or one of the CLS categories to accompany another B.S. degree major at UNLV, a certificate in Specimen Collection and Handling (Phlebotomy) or a post-baccalaureate certificate in CLS or CLS category for those students who already have a B.S. degree in a basic science. An M.S. degree program option is available in CLS through a joint program with the Chemistry Department.
Please select the CLS enrollment option on the left menu for additional information.
UNLV's Clinical Laboratory Sciences Program (degree, minors, or certificates) is accredited by the:
National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS)
8410 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue Suite 670
Chicago, IL 60631
773.714.8880
773.714.8886 (FAX)
info@naacls.org
http://www.naacls.org