1.

Achievement/success stories of the Tertiary Laboratory (Reasons for choosing the facility as the site to
visit)

a. Extensive service capabilities of each section of the laboratory with automation

b. Competent and efficient laboratory personnel
c. Considered as a referral laboratory within the locality and nearby provinces attested by numerous
Memorandum of Agreement with referring laboratories
d. Great support by the management in achieving laboratory goals

2. Constraints/barriers that the tertiary laboratory is facing and hinder its success.
a. There is increasing trend of resignation of laboratory personnel brought about by not only increasing
opportunities working overseas but also the opportunities of going to Doctor of Medicine. Hence,
there is a need to trained new staff which takes time.
b. There is also fast-paced turnover of technology and keeping it up to date is sometimes difficult
because of agreements with suppliers.
c. The needs of the laboratory in implementing additional capabilities are based on priority of the
management.

3. Number of Personnel:
___2__ Total Number of Consultant Pathologists
___0__ Total Number of Resident Pathologists
__34__ Total Number of Medical Technologists
___0__ Total Number of Medical Laboratory Technicians Total Number of Laboratory Aides
___0__ Total Number of Medical Technology Interns
__34__ Total Number of Medical Technologists

4. Identify the different jobs/works from a tertiary laboratory. Give a general description of each as well as
their responsibilities in the hospital.

a. Chief Pathologist
The Chief Pathologist is responsible for the overall operation and administration of the laboratory,
including the employment of personnel who are competent to perform test procedures, record and
report test results promptly, accurately, and proficiently and for assuring compliance with the
applicable regulations. Some responsibilities may be reapportioned to the Associate Pathologist
and/or Chief Medical Technologist/Laboratory Manager; however, the Pathologist remains
responsible for assuring that all duties are properly performed.
b. Associate Pathologist
The Associate Pathologist assumes the responsibilities of Chief Pathologist in his/her absence and
represents the Chief Pathologist in certain functions.
c. Chief Medical Technologist
The Chief Medical Technologist serves as the facilitator of the Department to the institution.
Provides supervisory and technical services for overall operation, quality assurance, methodology
and its processes in the clinical laboratory.

d. Assistant Chief Medical Technologist

 The Assistant Chief Medical Technologist provides technical laboratory service, advice, and
contributes to quality assurance program through the development, implementation, monitoring
of standards and evaluation of services.

e. Section Head
 The Section Head for Microbiology Section provides technical laboratory service, advice,
and helps in the detection and diagnosis of diseases and infections through appropriate
laboratory analyses. He/she performs wide range of bacteriological tests to provide
information on the causes and progress of diseases. Ensures sufficient cleanliness,
maintenance and safety of the Section. Make certain in adhering to mandated National
External Quality Assurance Program by the National Reference Laboratories (NRLs). He/she
collaborates with all members of the healthcare team to provide quality services to our
clients.
 The Section Head for Immunoserology Section performs routine calibration and preventive
maintenance of serological testing equipment and instrumentation; ensures sufficient
cleanliness, maintenance and safety of the Section. Make certain in adhering to mandated
National External Quality Assurance Program by the National Reference Laboratories
(NRLs). He/she collaborates with all members of the healthcare team to provide quality
services to our clients.
 The Section Head for Clinical Chemistry Section supervises both qualitative and
quantitative analysis of various blood chemistry; performs routine calibration and preventive
maintenance of testing equipment and instrumentation; ensures sufficient cleanliness,
maintenance and safety of the Section. Make certain in adhering to mandated National
External Quality Assurance Program by the National Reference Laboratories (NRLs). He/she
collaborates with all members of the healthcare team to provide quality services to our
clients.
 The Section Head for Histopathology Section provides medical laboratory (anatomical)
services and contribute to patient care through good histopathological practice and
adherence to quality assurance program. Performs routine preventive maintenance of
histopathological testing equipment and instrumentation; ensures sufficient cleanliness,
maintenance and safety of the Section. He/she collaborates with all members of the
healthcare team to provide quality services to our clients.
 The Section Head for Hematology Section provides medical laboratory (hematological)
services and contribute to patient care through good laboratory practice and adherence
to quality assurance program. Performs routine calibration and preventive maintenance of
hematological testing equipment and instrumentation; ensures sufficient cleanliness,
maintenance and safety of the Section. Make certain in adhering to mandated National
External Quality Assurance Program by the National Reference Laboratories (NRLs). He/she
collaborates with all members of the healthcare team to provide quality services to our
clients.
 The Section Head for Microscopy Section provides medical laboratory services and
contribute to patient care through good laboratory practice and adherence to quality
assurance program. Performs routine calibration and preventive maintenance of microscopy
testing equipment and instrumentation; ensures sufficient cleanliness, maintenance and
safety of the Section. He/she collaborates with all members of the healthcare team to
provide quality services to our clients.
  The Section Head for Laboratory Out-Patient Section oversees the operation of the unit
and including the operation of the Swab Collection Booth Area at the hospital’s triage area;
ensures sufficient cleanliness, maintenance and safety of the Section. He/she collaborates
with all members of the healthcare team to provide quality services to our clients.
 The Section Head for Blood Station provides management of the blood transfusion
services, testing and contribute to patient care through good laboratory practice and
adherence to quality assurance program.; ensures sufficient cleanliness, maintenance and
safety of the Section. He/she collaborates with all members of the healthcare team to
provide quality services to our clients.

f. Generalist Medical Technologists

The Medical Technologist performs routine and moderate to complex tests and analyzes according
to established procedures in designated technical sections to aid the physician in the diagnosis and
monitoring of patients. He/ she collaborates with all members of the healthcare team to provide
quality services to our clients.

g. Laboratory Receptionists
The Laboratory Receptionist is in-charge in the entry of charges of clients in the hospital’s
information systems. He/she is also responsible for the encoding, issuing and filing of diagnostic
reports and supporting the core service work of the laboratory. The post holder will also need to
have a flexible approach and will need to demonstrate a commitment to the delivery of high-
quality service to patients and other service users. He/ she collaborates with all members of the
healthcare team to provide quality services to our clients.

5. Is there a job item for Medical Technologists and/or Medical Laboratory Technicians? fI yes, what are the
roles of a Medical Technologist and/or a Medical Laboratory Technician in a tertiary laboratory?

All laboratory testing personnel are medical technologists. There is no job item for medical laboratory
technician.

Roles of a Medical Technologist

a. Performs tests and procedures as laid down in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in each section of
the laboratory, Hematology, Microscopy, Clinical Chemistry, Serology, Bacteriology, Histopathology and
Blood Station. Performs manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations accurately
and safely
b. Collection of specimens: verifies the identity of the patient and labels all samples according to established
procedure; obtains blood specimens by skin puncture or venipuncture using appropriate technique and
maintains integrity of specimen in relation to the test performed; collects and prepares body fluid specimen
for testing.
c. Receives other specimens such as urine, feces, sputum, and other body fluids collected from the clinics and
referrals from other healthcare institutions. Evaluate specimen acceptability upon receipt and during the
review of analysis results. Evaluate validity of specimen results against the algorithms displayed by the
laboratory computer system.
d. Carries out assays using appropriate analyzers and understand the significance and implications of the
results obtained. Follows prescribed procedures and exercises a personal duty of care in maintaining
laboratory equipment and facilities in good order.
e. Carries out routine and special laboratory tests within acceptable turnaround times in accordance with
departmental standard operating procedures and safety guidelines
 f. Accurately and safely carries out routine maintenance and performance checks on equipment with minimal
supervision and report non-conformance to Section Heads.
g. Ensures that reagents are prepared stored and used in a manner suitable for patient investigations. Takes
appropriate action if there is a laboratory accident or spillage of hazardous substances in accordance with
standard protocols
h. Logs, sets up and maintains a filing and record storage system of laboratory reports including worksheets.
i. Recognizes safety hazards and take corrective action; seeking assistance when needed and performs work
safely, without causing harm or risk to self, others or property.
j. Demonstrates personal commitment to the principles, values, and ethics of the organization. Participates in
Department activities to improve patient care.
k. Works cooperatively with team members to identify and complete laboratory administrative responsibilities
and meet department goals. Supports management in adapting to changes in the healthcare environment
and seeks opportunities for improvement.
l. Models’ accountability for learning by sharing knowledge and learning from team members and initiates
collaboration with others outside of service area. Expresses appreciation to others for their work and treats
them with respect.
m. Interacts with customers in a warm and friendly way and takes immediate action to meet customer requests
or needs. Applies knowledge of growth and development in customer interactions and adapts care
according to patient’s age/developmental stage.
n. Listens to understand what customers have to say and provides customer service for questions directed at
the laboratory. Answers questions from patient regarding test processes, patient results, or sample
collection techniques.
o. Undertakes other duties and responsibilities as may be directed by the head of facility

6. Laboratory Diagnosis: Complete the table by supplying all the necessary information needed in a clinical
laboratory and in a tertiary level facility.

Laboratory Diagnosis Purpose

Hematology
Clinical Chemistry
Clinical Parasitology
Clinical Microscopy
Clinical Microbiology
Other Examinations

a. The Hematology Section is a full-service unit that performs routine and specialized hematology
procedures to assist in the management of blood and coagulation disorders. These include
automated and manual cell counting and characterization and coagulation studies as well as
preparation of bone marrow and peripheral smears for evaluation and malaria parasite
examination. Our Consultant Hematologist also provides the expert consultation and review of
challenging cases. The section also performs cell counts and microscopic examination of
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and other body fluids.
b. The Clinical Chemistry Section is usually the largest and most automated of all laboratory
sections. It conducts qualitative and quantitative analysis mainly on blood and other body fluids
 utilizing the fully automated clinical chemistry analyzers. With analysis by the robotic automation
system, the test results are validated by regular monitoring with the internal and external
proficiency testing and quality controls. Test results are accurate and available within the shortened
turnaround time, so as to be useful to the clinician in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
c. Clinical Parasitology Analysis of feces samples such as fecalysis and fecal occult blood
determination aid clinician in early detection of gastro-intestinal bleeding, liver and biliary duct
disorders. This section also identifies and assesses the extent of parasitism in the patient.
d. Clinical Microscopy and Body Fluids Section is a full service, well-equipped unit that conducts
scientific analysis of non-blood body fluids such as urine, stool, semen, CSF, and other body fluids.
The macroscopic, chemical and microscopic examinations of urine provide initial valuable
diagnostic information concerning metabolic dysfunctions of both renal and non-renal origin.
e. The Microbiology section provides a comprehensive range of services covering the isolation,
identification and antibiotic sensitivity testing of bacteria and fungal culture. The study of
microorganisms that cause disease is the focus of this subspecialty. In the Microbiology section,
specimens are cultured using a variety of techniques to determine the causative agent of an
infection. Antibiotic drugs are then tested against the organism to help the physician and/or
pharmacist prescribe the most appropriate drug to destroy the microorganism.
f. Other Examinations
 The Immunology and Serology Section focuses on the body's response to infection and
inflammation. This Section performs tests that aid in the diagnosis of infectious diseases,
autoimmune diseases and cancer using various immunoassays like enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assays. It is well-equipped with the state-of-the-art automated immunology
analyzers.
 The Histopathology Section is where cells and tissues are submitted for pathologic
diagnosis and interpretation from a biopsy or a surgical procedure for routine tissue
processing. The specimen is first examined grossly (that is weighed, measured,
dissected). The specimen is then processed, affixed to slides and stained for a
microscopic analysis. All PAP smears and tests for possible cancer cells from body fluids
and blood come to Cytotechnology.
 The Blood Station is where the blood and its components are stored and processed for
blood transfusions. This section of the prepares and crossmatches blood specimens for
transfusion of red blood cells, platelets and plasma.