Medical technologists perform analytical laboratory tests on specimens of human origin to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Anita Markotter, medical technologist at Ampath, recalls: “Towards the end of my secondary education I still didn’t know what career to pursue. I’d never heard of medical technology but when I came upon an article on this profession I immediately knew that this was it.”

An average day for Anita begins with maintenance procedures such as temperature checks and running programmes which clean analytical instruments and check operational parts. Throughout the day tests are performed using specific QC (Quality Control) samples to ensure accurate performance. Tests are performed on patient specimens and all data is signed, filed and reported. Medical technologists generally work 40 hours per week. Shift work, including weekends and after-hours is necessary in most situations as the laboratories work 24 hours. The laboratory conforms to stringent safety requirements by installing sophisticated, modern equipment and safety checks that minimise the health risk to laboratory staff.

There are many places of employment for medical technologists who can work in medical laboratories in the private or public sector. They can also go into research or even start their own laboratory. Laboratory work can include using a microscope to examine cells or tissue, isolation and identification of bacteria, fungi and viruses, using manual or automated instruments to measure levels of analytes such as glucose, cholesterol and drugs in the body, testing for allergens and determining blood types. Laboratory testing is extensive and is done to help the physician to manage the health of a patient.

To become a medical technologist Life Sciences, Physical Science and Mathematics at Matric level are recommended before studying a three-year Biomedical Technology qualification.

Medical technologists select an area of specialisation from a variety of disciplines such as clinical pathology, microbiology, hematology, histopathology, chemical pathology, immunology, to name but a few. This is followed by a one-year internship at a registered training lab and a National Board exam must be written.

The future of this field is an exciting

one as new technologies and disciplines are constantly developing. Anita states, “If you choose this career you must be able to adapt to change and acquire new knowledge as required.” Along with adaptability, Anita lists accuracy, attention to detail, responsibility, dedication and adherence to a professional code of ethics as essential character traits for medical technologists. These professionals also need to be precise, have problem-solving abilities, enjoy working with automated instruments and feel comfortable in an orderly, highly- structured environment. 

Although the work is fairly repetitive, Anita insists: “Within the routine laboratory setting there are always some challenging tasks to be performed and new things to learn. Although I only work with a patient’s specimen and not the patient, I derive purpose from helping sick patients. I also do a lot of training which provides me with the opportunity to invest in the quality of new staff. However, as a senior member of our team, I have to accept responsibility for the mistakes of other staff members. I find it frustrating when unnecessary errors are made.”

When asked about unusual moments in her career, Anita explains: “As we tend to be serious, analytical people we don’t have a lot of “funny” moments but we do enjoy them very much when they come along. Once a very short colleague slipped and fell into a waste bin. Luckily she wasn’t hurt and the bin was clean, so we laughed about this for a long time.”

On a more serious note, working with contaminated specimens does have its risks and laboratory accidents, though rare, can be scary; “A colleague was cut when a tube containing HIV positive blood broke, but the company provided prophylactic treatment and she didn’t get HIV.”

In conclusion, Anita advises career seekers, “Determine what you’re passionate about and follow your heart, not the money. Then study very hard to give yourself a good knowledge base, be meticulous and commit to ethical behaviour.”

For more information on a career in medical technology and potential bursaries contact the Ampath Training Department on 012 678 1252/131.

Jeanne du Plessis