Detectives in Lab Coats: Procedures, Instrumentation, and Principles in Medical Laboratory Sciences

Ayah Atmani, Verrazzano Class of 2024, completed major in Medical Laboratory Science 

The purpose of my research paper is to shed light and inform the scientific community about the work that medical laboratory scientists do. Medical Laboratory Science is a critical yet underappreciated field. Many believe that diagnoses are based primarily on the work of doctors and nurses, which is not true. Medical Laboratory Scientists are the medical staff which deliver and interpret these results, as well as inform the doctors of critical findings.

This research paper is a compilation of experiences I had during my clinical rotations, honing on the most commonly performed tests, as well as the principles and methodology in the lab using standard operating procedures and research articles. By understanding the mechanisms of these tests, as well as explaining the purpose of each field; hematology, urinalysis, blood bank, chemistry, and microbiology, we can better understand the complexity of patient testing and appreciate the work that these laboratory professionals do. My paper specifically delves into testing principles, methodologies, reference ranges, automation, and forms of quality control used to obtain reliable and efficient results.

At the end of each section, I also reflect on my personal experience in each field. I began my capstone at the start of my clinical rotations and documented the tests encountered in each field, as well as providing a brief overview of the purpose of each field. The process of creating my capstone involved incredible time management skills as well as a lot of visualization for the structure of the paper I wanted to create in order to have a format for people of all ages to understand. My mentor, Professor Paez, has been an invaluable guide throughout this journey. Her dedication to her students and commitment to our success in our careers are truly commendable. I am grateful for her unwavering support and guidance.

I wanted to pursue Departmental Honors Paper in order to solidify, record, and expand my knowledge about each designated field that I have clinical rotations in. By understanding the principles behind the testing being done, I have a better understanding of the work that I am doing in a clinical laboratory setting which is used in the diagnosis and treatment of a patient. My goal for this paper is to expand many people’s understanding of the medical world; how every professional, from specimen collection to the operation of a patient in a surgical table, matters.