Medical Explorers Visit the Laboratory

On January 6, Matt Thompson, MT (ASCP), and Rob Deveraux, MLT, teamed-up to show the Medical Explorers around the Laboratory. They started by drawing a blood sample, and talking about the importance of every step; identifying the patient, wearing gloves, sterile technique, and patient confidentiality.

Then they moved to the Hematology department where the blood specimen was put onto the Sysmex hematology analyzer. The main functions of the analyzer are to check the blood counts for infection and detect anemia. Matt talked about what the different color of blood draw tubes are used for. Rob demonstrated how to prepare a good blood smear for viewing under the microscope. The students then had a chance to view an array of blood cells under the microscope.

In the Microbiology department the students were shown various types of bacterial media and were told how the plates are used to select and differentiate various bacteria. The students were able to see common pathogenic bacteria that had already been isolated using the media. As Rob performed a urine culture, Matt illustrated on paper to help explain the technique and purpose of the strokes that Rob was making.

Matt and Rob finished in the blood bank, talking about donating blood, different blood types, plasma, and then answered questions about education requirements and salaries for lab careers.

Pictured, Matt Thompson, MT (ASCP), shows the students the different components to human blood, plasma and cells. He explains that blood is made from a liquid (plasma) and solid matter (blood cells), which can both be seen in the picture.