Home Service MedTech at your service!

My mini homeservice kit 

In the laboratory, we offer home service. Yes, a patient can have his/her blood drawn in the comforts of their home. That means they could get a phlebotomist to do the venipuncture and shall be the ones to deliver the samples to the lab.

My first home service was memorable. At that time, I was assigned in the Clinical Microscopy and medtechs assigned in this section will be the ‘first call’ if there is any home service available. At around 10 in the morning, while I was processing urine samples, the lab encoder informed me that there would be a home service and I should prepare the phlebo kit since the driver was waiting.

After knowing the request, nervousness hit upon me and several questions popped out like, What if the patient is hard-stick? With fragile or collapsible veins? What happens if I can’t get a blood sample?

I always blame myself for being so pessimistic but I need to do this to keep my pride. Since this was my first time being a home service medtech, I decided to bring an intern as my assistant. As I prepared the kit, the driver was indeed waiting for us so after I made sure that my provisions are complete, we went with the driver to the parking lot.

Whoa, at first, I really felt uneasiness within as we were on our way to the patient’s house. Good thing the driver was talkative as I asked him questions about the patient. He said that ‘Sir’ is nice and there is nothing to worry about. They used to have an on-call medtech before (a former colleague) when that medtech decided to work abroad so they don’t have a choice but to get another one.

The patient lives at an exclusive villa and as we were near the place, I could say that he’s extravagantly rich as the gates automatically opened and the landscape of the house was breathtaking. I and my intern thought it was like a retreat house. Their house was so peaceful, the twits of the birds and the freshness of the wind welcomed us.

Panic started to crept when we were led by the caretaker inside. The patient was already there and I told myself that I will get the blood as soon as possible. I greeted ‘Sir’ and I figured he’s a nice man already in his 70s. I looked at his lab request, it was Executive Panel C. That would be 3 EDTA tubes, 3 Red Tops and 1 ESR. As I asked him to stretch his arms, what a big relief I had in my body as the man’s median vein was palpable! Thank God!

I decided to use Evacuated Tube System and I successfully filled the tubes. My intern helped in assembling the supplies and after I filled the last tube, removed the needle from the vein and applied pressure, the patient didn’t complain. I put the labels into its respective tubes and the patient gave me the homeservice fee or the professional fee. I just put it inside my pocket first and thanked him. I told him that all the results will be released in the afternoon.

Never did I expect that the man was gallant, when we finally returned to the lab, I realized he gave me a double of the suggested homeservice fee! I was thankful and gave the intern her share. I vividly recalled I treated myself a mouthwatering ‘sisig’ for lunch. Yum!

That marked the start of being the family’s medtech of a prominent business owner here in Cebu. I also had the chance to get the blood sample of his wife then time came when they recommended me to another generous family. The driver told me they were satisfied of my service. Since then, they always call me for monthly lab tests or when they feel ill and the doctor requests for CBC. I feel so loved by them and so are the drivers, they were ready to fetch me even from my home when need of blood extraction arises. I always receive a warm welcome from them.

Holy water given by Ma'am Marilyn from 
Lourdes, France

As I spent my days in Clinical Microscopy, I found homeservices enjoyable. It was not only challenging as a phlebotomist but through this, it saved me financially when I’m almost running out of money. Honestly, I was able to earn extra thru this. Although it’s inevitable to come across patients with difficult veins but butterfly is always on the rescue. Also, you couldn’t help to face strict patients or inquisitive family members when you have to try on the other vein since you are in their abode. Confidence is the key here! I always keep myself calm to each homeservice and I make sure that I return to the lab with the patient’s sample.  

Well, I’m gonna miss home service. I wonder if my new hospital offers this. My prayers to the families I’ve serviced for almost 2 years. Thank you so much, Ma’am and Sir. It’s a pleasure to work with you.

Night life of a junior medtech

Night shifts (for me) are the most anticipated shift of the week. While others are sleeping, this is when you have to work as fast as you could to finish all the things on time. So let the COFFEE PARTY get started!

Night shifts had never been easy for me. Setting spooky stories aside coz Micro lab is kinda scary. Before going up for warding, we have to prepare things for the next day by running controls to machines. Reconstituting controls can be stressful at times when the controls don't go well as expected. This is where our pipeting techniques developed.

When I'm assigned in warding department, I really need to be quick in getting in and out of the patient's room for blood extraction. Waking them up can be time consuming so you gotta have a loud voice with a gentle tone to let them know. Each of us has a game plan on how to get all the patient's blood before the time runs out just like what floor comes first or should you prioritize the nursery rooms but in situations when some patients are difficult to extract esp babies or those in ICUs, we take our time..

Well, at the end of the shift you will realize you've survived. But one thing that I don't like from the night shift is that I keep on worrying if everything is OK after I left from work. That wears me out. After that, the day off is spent for the whole day of rest. That's how a night life of a medtech looks like.

THE SHIELD OF EVERY PHLEBOTOMISTS

No soldier goes to a battle unarmed that's why a Phlebotomist is armed with lots of weapons in his warding tray for his blood extractions. So the first thing he has in mind is to prepare his warding tray. This is where his weapons are found like syringes, tubes, tourniquet, swabs and anything necessary. No phlebotomist comes to go to a blood war without any extras too. So he has to see to it he gets the right things as he enters the patient's room. Let me introduce to you our warding trays in the lab.

the GRAY WARDING TRAY

This is the light-weight warding tray. This is the tray that I used during my first few weeks being a phleb in the hospital. I take this one if the shift is not busy. Although it's easy to carry but it has lots of disadvantages (for me). You can only take 5-10 samples of patients's blood (what if CBC with a chem test for instance). This will also take your busy time refilling when you're out of tubes or syringes. You have to take a look on your requests as it may fall out from the make-shift compartment. What's the good thing of this tray is that it makes your warding extractions faster. You can easily walk through the hallways swinging this tray in your hand. :-)

the WHITE WARDING TRAY

This is the heavy weight warding tray. At first,I find it so heavy with my little hand and short arm to carry, but I'm now used to it. So organized and clean to look at. It has compartments to make your requests secure from missing. Recommended for morning extractions. It can carry up to 45 samples. You can load enough supplies in it. This will make you look more legit phlebotomist too.

The good thing of getting big warding trays is that you can also take the big waste container (that yellow one where you put the used syringe, alcohol swabs, gloves). It doesn't require too much refilling from time to time. Just after your shift is done.

the BLACK tray

This tray is used for home service requests, This contains enough supplies for extraction. There is a butterfly syringe set in this tray in case of patients who have fragile veins. This is lightweight too and keeps the samples secure for transport.

At the end of the shift, the phlebotomist refills his ammunitions for the next day. This is to make sure that as another blood war comes, he is ready to take his shield whenever the call arises.

ALL OF ME

Now that I have money of my own. I need to help my family as hard as I could.

Every 15th day of the month comes, I see to it that I give all of my salary to mother.
It really hurts me everytime I heard my mother worrying all of the expenses of the house.

If I could turn my body into two, I would do anything just to shoulder all the debts and bills that we have. But sad to say, I can't. My salary isn't enough to cover all that we need.

My mates are always telling me that I'm too serious with my life but who couldn't be serious when your family depends on you? Sometimes, I just don't know what to do when mother would tell me that starting this month she would get less with her salary since she loaned a sum of money.

Sometimes, when I don't know how to hide my problems anymore, I wish I could find some space being alone and cry out all these burdens. I realize that you have to endure everything even forget yourself for a while to provide your family all they need. Another thing that I worry about is how could I get my siblings go on with their education? With Cherry taking up Dentistry and Kenneth in a private school, how would my salary help them when exam comes? That's why I'm sorry my salary is too low, I couldn't shoulder it all. I also blame myself. Whew!

Lucky for others who got a job with a higher pay. While they are going out in parties during pay roll, I on the other hand would go straight to the house. Despite of that, I'm happy to hand all my money to mother. Seeing both of my parents happy as I'm now making a living makes all of my effort worth it. Finally, that would pay some of our bills and buy some groceries still.

But despite of this, I'm still thankful for the work that I have. I've got a nice workplace, good people and a great experience each day. For now, I will do anything to keep my family safe and secure. I know God is with me all the time. All of this is for them.. as long as I could, I will give them all of me.

Be inspired to inspire

After passing the board exam, I was so overwhelmed to receive lots of messages from my relatives and friends. I never expected that some were so happy when they hear the news. I feel so glad knowing their prayers for me have been answered.

As I read all of them, I realized that I was not the only one being so happy with my success but others as well. I can't imagine how my relatives didn't doubt my abilities and keep on telling me that I can make it. Also, friends greeted me and even told me I serve as an inspiration for them. Wow! All of these comments make me touched. I don't know what to say and don't have an idea they look at me that way. I'm not a topnotcher by the way.

Well, the bottomline is apart of your sweet success are the people around you. Since day one you set foot on your arduous journey until the end, there were people who walked with you to reach your goal. Isn't much fulfilling on your part, people are so much happier just as you did?

A message from dear friend of mine, Jasper inspired me the most:

Lord, please make me an instrument to inspire more people. Lord make me humble at all times and please guide me all throughout. Thank you for giving me such wonderful friends. I know you'll be there for them just as you were there for me when I need you. This I ask in your name. Amen

medical technology curriculum

This is for the senior high school students who wish to take medical technology in college. Get ready to tackle these major subjects!

CLINICAL CHEMISTRY I

Description The course deals with assays of physiologically important substances found in the blood. This involves the knowledge of analytical methods and instrumentation and an evaluation of the accuracy and precision of the procedures using statistical techniques. Principles of the methods, chemical reactions, effects of physical variables on the reactions and purpose of each reagent used are emphasized. This course will give more emphasis on the detection of biomarkers used for the diagnosis of human diseases. Clinical significance of each biomarker and methods of measurements will be discussed 

CLINICAL HEMATOLOGY I 

Description This 4-unit course deals with the study of blood as a tissue and the pathophysiology of the cellular elements of the blood. The course plays emphasis on specimen collection and handling, laboratory safety and quality assurance. Moreover, routine manual laboratory procedures and red blood cell and white blood cell abnormalities are also discussed.

BACTERIOLOGY 

Description This is a 5-unit course that covers the morphology and physiology of bacteria, rickettsiae and other significant atypical bacteria, and their role in infection and immunity. Emphasis is made on their isolation and identification and susceptibility testing as an aid in laboratory diagnosis

PARASITOLOGY 

Description This 3-unit course is a study of animal parasites which are of medical importance to man especially those commonly found in the Philippines. Emphasis is given on the characteristics of parasites from the point of view of morphology, life cycle, epidemiology, symptomatology, pathogenicity, laboratory diagnosis of their specific diseases, distribution and life cycles as well as preventive measures against infection.

IMMUNOHEMATOLOGY (BLOOD BANKING) 

Description Blood Banking (Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine) deals with the study of immunologic principles applied in blood group specific antigens and antibodies and its application in transfusion medicine. It also deals with mechanisms of blood typing and crossmatching, antihuman globulin testing, detection and identification of antibodies, screening of donors for blood donation, bleeding techniques, preparation of blood components and blood products, their storage and disposal with emphasis on quality systems. Blood banking is focused on training students to develop critical thinking in addressing concepts of blood processing and usage. Moreover, the course provides understanding to resolutions provided to discrepancies and problems arising therein. At the end of this course, the students are expected to demonstrate different immunohematologic principles employing old and current technologies; analyze common laboratory errors occurring during pre-analytical, analytical, post-analytical phases in blood processing; develop dexterity in blood specimen handling and processing in different laboratory exercises; and critique actual cases in transfusion medicine.

CLINICAL CHEMISTRY II (ENDOCRINOLOGY, TOXICOLOGY, AND DRUG TESTING) Description The course is a continuation of Clinical Chemistry 1, which deals with the quantitative measurement of biochemical substances in body fluids such as blood, urine, sweat, synovial fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid, and gastric fluid. This involves the knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts and principles of their metabolism, laboratory analyses, and pathophysiology. It also provides understanding on laboratory mathematics, instrumentation, specimen collection, and processing. Quality assurance and laboratory safety are given due emphasis. This course will give more emphasis on the detection of biomarkers used for the diagnosis of human diseases. Clinical significance of each biomarker and methods of measurements will be discussed. At the end of this course, the students are expected to demonstrate mastery of knowledge and skills in the measurement of biomarkers used for disease diagnosis; apply accuracy and precision in generating and analyzing laboratory results; and exemplify excellence in performing laboratory analyses.

CLINICAL MICROSCOPY I 

Description This is a 3-unit course that deals with the study of medically important parasites, specifically those commonly found in the Philippines. The course places emphasis on the biology, lifecycle, morphology, pathogenesis, epidemiology and laboratory diagnosis of each parasite. Moreover, preventive and control measures against parasitic infections are also discussed. At the end of this course, the students are expected to discuss the biology and morphology of each parasite; the important aspects of the life cycle of each parasite discussed in class; identify the important diagnostic stages of each parasite discussed in class; the different diagnostic procedures used to identify these parasites; demonstrate the proper technique in performing the common tests used in medical parasitology; discuss the diseases associated to each medically important parasite; discuss the epidemiology & the different preventive and control measures for each medically important parasite.

GENERAL PATHOLOGY AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC TECHNIQUES Description The course is divided into four parts. The first part deals with the introduction of basic pathology that focuses on disease process, correlating the etiology of disease with the course of development of anatomic and clinical changes brought about by the disease, cellular adaptation, neoplasia, and an overview of the post-mortem examination (autopsy). The second part deals with the study of the Histopathologic Techniques essential in the production of histologic slides for the microscopic diagnosis of disease processes by H&E including special staining procedures. The third part consists of exfoliative cytology which deals with the study and identification of cell samples from gynecologic (cervicovaginal or Papanicolaou) cytology, non-gynecologic (body fluid) cytology, and cytologic techniques. The fourth part deals with the special techniques including basic immunohistochemistry, application of diagnostic tumour and molecular markers, and the role of the frozen section in clinical and pathology practice. At the end of this course, the students are expected to discuss the basic concept of disease formation; explain the physiologic changes brought about by the various diseases; discuss step-by-step procedure in tissue preparation; recognize the concepts of quality assurance program in Histopathology laboratory; demonstrate the necessary skills required in the preparation of slides for microscopic examination of tissues frm fresh state to mounted state; apply the knowledge acquired about diseases in daily living; and practice the value of honesty, critical thinking, empathy and value for life in the Medical Technology profession

CLINICAL HEMATOLOGY Description This 4-unit course deals with the study of blood as a tissue and the pathophysiology of the cellular elements of the blood. This course deals with the study blood as a tissue and the pathophysiology and the mechanism of coagulation and hemostasis, with emphasis is on laboratory diagnostic procedures.

IMMUNOLOGY AND SEROLOGY Description Immunology deals with the study of the stucture and functions of the immune system, as well as the characteristics and properties of antigens, antibodies, and their interaction in humoral and cellular responses. Serology deals with the detection, identification and quantitation of antigens, antibodies, and other immune factors in the serum. It deals with the basic concepts of antigen-antibody and their interactions. Special topics on Immunopathology, such as Hypersensitivity Reactions, Autoimmune and Immunodeficiency Disease, Tumor Immunology and Transplantation are also discussed. Likewise topis on quality control and assurance and laboratory safety practices are discoursed. At the end of this course, the students are expected to correlate the basic concepts of Immunology and Serology and be able to distinguish the antigen, antibody as well as antigen-antibody complexes with the use of different diagnostic techniques not limited to classroom set-up. The students must be able to relate theoretical concepts and case studies to actual practice of clinical immunology necessary for competent public health care delivery. Also, students must be able to design a tool for the diagnosis of infectious diseases and develop a novel technique relevant to the advancement in the field of medical technology in order to adapt the knowledge gained in clinical immunology and in community works to ensure incorporation of Thomasian ideals and utilize the advances in medical laboratory science in responding to global issues.

SEMINAR I Description This course covers some topics and developments in various medical technology sections. This course will give more emphasis on the special topics and advances in Clinical Chemistry, Immunology and Serology, and Hematology. At the end of this course, the students are expected to exhibit mastery of knowledge and concepts in the major disciplines of Medical Technology; identify the different special tests performed by clinical laboratory professionals in Clinical Chemistry, Immunology and Serology, and Hematology; and apply their knowledge during internship.

COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC HEALTH Description This is a 5-unit course that deals with the study of the foundations of Community and Public Health that includes Epidemiology, Demography, Health Education & Promotion, Environmental and Occupational Health and Tropical Medicine in the context of Medical Technology Practice in the Philippines. The course places emphasis on the application of these basic public health concepts in the formulation, implementation and evaluation of a community health development plan based on the prevailing health problems in the community (in compliance with the CHED MEMO ORDER No. 14 series of 2006). At the end of this course, the students are expected to discuss the basic principles and concepts of Public Health; discuss the implication of Public Health concepts on its subdisciplines, namely: Health Education & Promotion, Epidemiology & Demography and Environmental & Occupational Health; conduct a comprehensive community assessment leading to relevant community health problem identification & prioritization; and implement their proposed community health intervention strategies to improve the health of their target community.

NOTE: I took this curriculum from the Universiry of San Tomas- College of Medical Technology..this can be downloaded thru their website http://www.ust.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PHAR-Present-BSMT-Prospectus-w-Descriptions.pdf

SURVIVING MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY: How hard is MedTech to fail a many?

I and my bff Gerardine♥

MANY ARE CALLED BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN

As I was walking along the wide and well-lit corridors of the Medical Technology building, there I saw a flight of interns. They were wearing the very enticing blue scrub suits already, the color that shows they were now interns. As I watched them passing by, as a neophyte, a sudden thought hit upon me, ‘Wow, I wish I could be like them someday.’ but then a follow-up question burst in a split second, ‘but HOW am I going to be like them anyway?’ 

Well, we can not deny the fact that medical professions are one of the in-demand jobs of today. And because of that, schools that are offering medical courses are opening its doors wider to the increasing number of students who want to enter the field of medicine especially in medical technology. 

It is sad to reminisce that we were once a big happy family in our block. I’ve got my circle of friends then, had enjoyed studying as well as working with them no matter how hard the circumstances were. I thought we will be just the same brood of med tech aspirants who will continue for the next journey when suddenly I have seen changes after every semester. The changes of not just having new load of subjects to study but the considerable amount of students who yielded for their ambitions. I was left with curiosity when I found out that one of my friends could no longer proceed to the course for a reason yet unknown. 

As I’ve noticed, as the year level gets higher, the number of students tends to decline. Let’s say last year, 100 students were enrolled for the second semester then it happened that by the end of the said semester, only 90 students survived, feeling persistent that they should keep the fire burning while others took rest. 

There are a handful of reasons why some who took the course relinquished. First, it is because of the financial security. Tuition fee increases yearly due to the requirement of having laboratory subjects and books as reference materials. Second is the lack of interest, some were just forced by their parents to take up the course without asking their thoughts about it. It is also when other carefree students prioritize things other than their studies. The major problem of having ‘terror teachers’ and ‘nosebleeding subjects’ is a nerve wrecking to all of us because it gives us heaps of chapters to study. Notions that third and fourth years are the crucial stages for the lives of each med tech students are true for this is the time we are getting closer to the reality and must be hands-on to the profession. What made medical technology a course to be pondered upon is that it requires a lot of familiarization and a keen sense of understanding to things within a scope. Take note, we juggle 9 major subjects! Time to time, we can’t expect reposing ourselves but keep on spending sleepless nights and think endless possibilities of failing because the pressure keeps up. A single failure might pulls us down and it might lead to resignation, letting fate take its course after failing an exam. 

studying the structure of the heart..
it is not easy during moving
exams

These observations are appalling knowing that some were discouraged, crestfallen, and doubtful if they are still on the right track. 

Then here goes my realization about this dilemma: Medical Technology is not as easy as ‘peanuts’. It needs hardwork and not to be taken for granted. Hence, we must explore beyond its depths and be more passionate about it. That is why I was able to relate this with the bible verse that says 'Many are called but few are chosen' because we see good students right at the beginning, feeling so sure of themselves but as time passes by, only those ‘survivor’ Med Tech students came out to be the victors of the bloodshed. We want to be registered Med Techs someday but the problem is, are we competent enough to surpass the test of time? 

This course challenges us to be more responsible and be persistent to our focus no matter what happens. Getting involved with this field of study requires much of our interest, skill, and diligence to heed what is being asked on time because it involves diagnosis to various illnesses found in the human body. I’m writing this not to dissuade people but I want to plant an infinitesimal yet a germinating seed to the minds of each Med Tech students to fight against the odds. We must fuel our minds with positivity amidst of the trials hindering our way and should have an incessant faith to the Providence that by the end of this strife, we will find ourselves grasping the sweet scent of our diploma and the opportunity of serving the masses using our high caliber skills our dedicated teachers instilled into us. I hope that we’ll be able to keep on making footprints on our way to the zenith of success because together, by believing in ourselves and to God’s will, we can do it. Believe and you'll be RMT someday...Kudos to everyone!