An examination of the supply and demand for clinical laboratory professionals in the United States

Abstract

Medical technologists (MTs) and technicians fill key roles in blood centers and hospital transfusion services. There is a concern that the number of new technologists and technicians entering the field is insufficient to keep up with demand created by the retirement of current personnel and continuing technological innovation. The American Society for Clinical Pathology reported in March 2009 that laboratories across the United States were struggling to fill MT and medical laboratory technician (MLT) positions. A survey of "positions available" advertisements from several months of the ABC Newsletter revealed that 35% were for MTs compared with 22% for physicians and 43% for all other positions. While not a scientific study, on the surface, this would indicate that blood centers are not immune from the struggle to fill positions within their laboratories. This paper will examine current trends in the United States as it relates to staffing for these positions and conclude by proposing actions that blood centers can take to help ensure an adequate supply of qualified MTs and MLTs in the future.

Impact on Microbiology Laboratory Turnaround Times Following Process Improvements and Total Laboratory Automation

“…This need for laboratory automation comes from an increased demand for clinical microbiology laboratory services, despite growing staffing challenges [9][10][11]. Successful automation of a laboratory requires a thorough assessment and appropriate refinement of all laboratory workflow practices that might impact system efficiency [12,13].…”

Impact on microbiology laboratory turnaround times following process improvements and total laboratory automation

“…This need for laboratory automation comes from an increased demand for clinical microbiology laboratory services, despite growing staffing challenges. (8-10) Successful automation of a laboratory requires a thorough assessment and appropriate refinement of all laboratory workflow practices that might impact system efficiency. (11, 12) This includes consideration of extending service delivery to a twenty-four hour day, seven days per week (24/7) schedule.…”

“…Previous work demonstrated that TLA can also improve laboratory workflow, efficiency, and reproducibility(5, 8, 14, 15) while reducing errors. (3, 7) Staffing reductions of approximately 30% have been reported after automation despite a 27% increase in average laboratory-workload per day.…”

Organization and management of an accredited specialist in blood bank (SBB) technology program

“…If successful, the certification initials MLS(ASCP) can be added as a suffix, i.e., Jane Smith, MLS(ASCP). The title Medical Technologist or Clinical Laboratory Scientist has recently been replaced with Medical Laboratory Scientist to better define laboratory professionals 1 . There is also a written examination offered by the ASCP for individuals employed in blood banking who have baccalaureate degrees but who are not certified medical laboratory scientists.…”