Medical Technology can be divided into four categories: blood transfusion technology, diagnostic, research and preparation of sera and vaccines, with diagnostic forming the major share. Here the medical technologist provides analytical information to the medical doctor enabling him to make a diagnosis and provide the relevant treatment.

DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY
There are five main disciplines within a diagnostic laboratory.

1. HAEMATOLOGY

This is the study of blood. Counts are performed to establish the number of white cells, red cells and platelets. The size and haemoglobin content of the red cell determine whether the patient is anaemic. Leukaemia is also diagnosed from cell counts. Determination of clotting times and coagulation factors establish whether a patient might have a bleeding disorder e.g., haemophilia.

2. CHEMICAL PATHOLOGY

This discipline entails the analysis of body fluids such as blood, urine etc. For example the levels of cholesterol, glucose, magnesium, iron, various enzymes and hormones can be determined.

3. HISTOPATHOLOGY

The study of diseases affecting the body tissues is studied in this discipline e.g. various forms of cancer. Here the medical technologist is mainly concerned with the preparation and staining of tissue sections.

4. MICROBIOLOGY

Encompasses the study of disease-causing bacteria, fungi and viruses. The medical technologist is responsible for culturing pathogenic organisms to study their growth, morphology and sensitivity to certain antimicrobials. Slides may also be prepared and stained for microscopic examination. Various immunological and serological tests may be performed in cases of suspected typhoid, brucellosis, syphilis and AIDS amongst other infectious diseases.

5. CYTOLOGY

Cytology is closely related to histology, but in this instance the cells analysed are those that the body exfoliates rather than surgically removed tissue. A smear of the cells is made on a glass slide and then stained. This stained preparation is then examined microscopically for cellular abnormalities.

BLOOD TRANSFUSION

In this field medical technologists perform tests on blood that has been donated to ensure compatibility with the recipient i.e. identification of blood group antibodies and Rhesus factors. Donated blood is also tested for diseases e.g. AIDS and hepatitis. An extensive classification and registration system is used in every medical laboratory to ensure that samples cannot be exchanged. The medical technologist must keep reports of test results and ensure that these are available at all times and for years to come.

WORKING CONDITIONS

In the larger cities, many medical laboratories are connected to hospitals and are generally equipped with sophisticated, modern analytical instruments. Due to the hazards of working with infectious material, all laboratories conform to stringent safety procedures. Working conditions are pleasant and working hours about 40 hours a week. In laboratories offering a 24-hour service a qualified medical technologist would be expected to perform after hours emergency work which could include weekends and/ or nights.

REQUIREMENTS

Accuracy is of the utmost importance as negligence could endanger a patient`s life. Suitable persons must be able to maintain high concentration levels and are expected to give close attention to their work. They must be responsible and adhere to a professional code of ethics.