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ary certificate to begin working in a lab. Some states require medical lab scientists and techni- cians to be licensed and have cer- tain certifications as well. Medical laboratory scientists have to be knowledgeable in all aspects of human tissues and human tissue analysis. They

Did You Know?

Medical laboratory scientists use personal protective equipment, or PPE, including protective masks, gloves, and goggles, to ensure their safety.

might be examining a pediatric sample one day for leukemia and the blood panel of an AIDS patient the next. These scien- tists are also able to specialize, depending on how large the lab is where they work and their education and training. Some examples of specialties are: • Immunology technologists, who examine elements of the human immune system and its response to for- eign bodies. Hospitals serving many patients with HIV have a tremendous need for these specialists. • Immunohematology technologists, who collect blood, classify it by type, and prepare blood and its compo- nents for transfusions. These scientists usually work for large blood banks. • Cytotechnologists, who prepare slides of body cells and examine these cells for abnormalities that may signal the beginning of a cancer or a cancerous growth. These scientists often work for large oncolo- gy labs or the hospital labs serving oncology wards.

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Clinical & Medical Laboratory Scientists