Standards of Practice

INTRODUCTION

The New Brunswick Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists has the responsibility for establishing and maintaining standards for the practice of medical laboratory technology as defined by the Medical Laboratory Technology Act.

The ultimate goal of excellence in medical laboratory technology is visible in the performance of the technologist. This document is equally important as a guide to the educator, administrator and researcher whose roles maintain and support the practice of medical laboratory technology.

The public in the province of New Brunswick will benefit from the high quality of service promoted by the NBSMLT.

PHILOSOPHY

The NBSMLT philosophy is a statement of the beliefs about the public, the profession and the medical laboratory technologist. These beliefs underlie the establishment of standards and actions for medical laboratory technology.

We believe

• Each member of the public is unique and possesses dignity and worth.
• Individuals have the right to quality health care.
• The public has the duty to promote optimal health to its citizens.
• Medical Laboratory Technology exists in response to the needs of the public.
• The public has values, expectations and changing needs which influence the profession of medical laboratory technology.
• Medical Laboratory Technology exerts an influence on and is influenced by legislation affecting the profession of health care.
• Health is influenced by the quality of medical laboratory technology.

We believe

• Medical laboratory Technology is a profession vital to the public.
• The medical laboratory technology profession promotes health and prevention of disease.
• The medical laboratory technology profession has the right and responsibility to develop, establish, maintain and administer it's own standards.
• The administration and maintenance of standards requires group action through the NBSMLT which is accountable to the public.
• The profession upholds the Code of Professional Conduct for Medical Laboratory Technologists and Standards of Practice.
• Quality Medical Laboratory Technology can best be ensured when it is provided, taught, administered and researched by medical laboratory technologists who are registered members of the professional association (NBSMLT).

We believe

• The medical laboratory technologist has the professional responsibility to provide competent care.
• The medical laboratory technologist must be committed to the development and implementation of standards for the profession.
• The medical laboratory technologist functions in a caring manner in providing quality health care.
• The medical laboratory technologist and the NBSMLT are responsible and accountable to each other.
• The medical laboratory technologist is a member of the public with all the basic needs, rights, responsibilities and freedoms of individuals.
• The medical laboratory technologist must be self-directed in maintaining a high degree of competence and continued growth as a member of the profession, community and public.

STANDARD

1.0 MEDICAL TECHNOLOGISTS SHALL KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THEIR PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND FULFIL THEM.

CRITERIA

1.1 They shall abide by the Code of Professional Conduct and the regulations of the Act Respecting the New Brunswick Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists.

1.2 They are dedicated to serving the health care needs of the public. The welfare of the patient and respect for the dignity of the individual shall be paramount at all times.

1.3 They shall work with other professionals on the health care team to provide effective patient care.

1.4 They shall take responsibility for their professional acts.

1.5 They shall protect the confidentiality of all patient information.

1.6 They shall maintain and improve their skills and knowledge and keep current with developments in the field of medical laboratory technology.

1.7 They shall share their knowledge with colleagues and promote learning.

1.8 They shall practice safe work procedures to ensure the safety of patients and co-workers and the protection of the environment.

1.9 They shall help to maintain the dignity of the profession, by being courteous, tactful., honest and displaying personal integrity.

STANDARD

2.0 MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COLLECTION AND HANDLING OF SAMPLES SHALL KNOW, UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW STANDARD PROCEDURES.

CRITERIA

2.1 They shall know and follow accepted isolation and safety procedures.

2.2 They shall make the patients comfortable by putting them at ease and by being courteous.

2.3 They shall provide the explanations necessary for the patients to understand the sample collection procedure.

2.4 When collecting samples, they shall

• verify the patient's identity

• verify satisfactory patient preparation prior to sample collection

• understand the type of sample required

• ensure proper sample identification

• note the time and date of collection and/or receipt of the sample on the requisition

• ensure proper care of collection site after sample collection

2.5 They shall know and follow the standard rules for the transportation of biological products and infectious materials.

STANDARD

3.0 MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS SHALL KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THE VARIOUS STEPS OF THE ANALYSIS THEY PERFORM AND ENSURE THE SAFETY AND ACCURACY OF THESE ANALYSES.

CRITERIA

3.1 They shall ensure that all infectious and hazardous substances are handled in accordance with current safety guidelines and legislation.

3.2 They shall understand the type of sample required and evaluate the quality and suitability of samples before performing the analysis.

3.3 They shall refuse to accept inadequate and/or poorly identified samples and request new samples when necessary.

3.4 They shall understand the principles of the analysis they perform.

3.5 They shall know the various steps in the analysis they perform.

3.6 They shall be proficient with the use, operation and maintenance of the equipment they use.

3.7 They shall know the reference values and detection limits of the techniques they use.

3.8 They shall know about possible interferences and take appropriate action.

3.9 They shall ensure accuracy of patient results utilizing a quality assurance program.

3.10 They shall ensure that a procedure manual is in place and is appropriately maintained.

STANDARD

4.0 MEDICAL TECHNOLOGISTS SHALL PARTICIPATE IN A QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM.

CRITERIA

4.1 They shall ensure that quality control protocols are clearly defined for each test.

4.2 They shall compile, analyze and validate results of controls.

4.3 They shall understand the relationship between the various results of analysis and physiological and pathological variations.

4.4 They shall participate in external quality assurance programs.

4.5 They shall have access to appropriate reference materials.

STANDARD

5.0 MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS SHALL ENSURE THAT PATIENT REPORTS ARE FORWARDED AS NECESSARY.

CRITERIA

5.1 They shall date and initial all results.

5.2 They shall communicate results effectively.

5.3 They shall forward results to authorized persons within prescribed time limits.

5.4 They shall report errors discovered and ensure that they are corrected.

5.5 They shall keep all patient reports for the prescribed period of time as required by New Brunswick regulation.

REFERENCES

1. Standards of Practice for Medical Technologists, Corporation professionelle des technologistes medicaux du Quebec, March, 1989.

2. Canadian Society of Laboratory Technologists Code of Professional Conduct.

3. Standards of Nursing Care, Nurses Association of New Brunswick.

4. Standards of Practice, Manitoba Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists, June, 1993.

STD01.05/95 (Reviewed May, 2007)