Consumer NewsLaboratory Professionals Week: 4th week of April Medical Care from Behind Closed Doors: A View of a Hidden Profession April 14, 2011 cmim
There is a group of professionals working within the medical community collectively known as laboratorians. They have very little direct patient contact but play a vital role in the delivery of patient care. Some work in labs independent of the hospital setting. Others work 24/7 in areas of the hospital seldom visited by patients. To some patients they are known as vampires because the only members they see are those who draw blood. This team consists of phlebotomists, laboratory assistants, clerks, medical technicians, medical technologists, cytologists, histologists, and pathologists. Collectively they work within a lab setting generating data used by physicians to diagnose, treat and manage patient care. The 4th week of April each year is known nationally as Laboratory Professionals Week. Mark that week on your calendar and try to find out more about the people who work within this vital profession.
Did your doctor review your numbers with you We did our very best We used controls and previous test data To compare your results to the rest
Using various Statistical systems to set ranges We look to see where you fall There are many negative and normal values seen The few positives may get called
A critical result comes in now and then And a sense of urgency can be noted The same heightened urgency is present When abnormals and STATs are reported
We know that most patients do not like needles So phlebots try to be quick They are known to roam the hospital hallways in early morn Looking for patients to stick
In the lab the Chemistry techs check internal systems Your glucose, your sodium and cholesterol While those working in Hematology count and study cells Checking for too few, too many, their age, how they fall
Micro techs are always streaking various types of gel plates To see what groups of colonies grow The Immuno staff is monitoring the rise and fall of titers A high titer reading and your doctor will know
The Blood Bankers look for compatibility for your blood type They work very diligently to find a match While Pathologist scrutinize your tissue structure Using microscopes, stains and a cryostat
This is a brief introduction which I hope you will remember Of the medical team found behind hidden walls A group of dedicated and proud medical workers We are the Laboratory Professionals
Our Garden of Hope was inspired by the brave struggle of one of our staff who battled breast cancer. Thanks to staff, professional clients, suppliers, family and friends of the staff, we have maintained a garden at the side entrance of our building as a tribute and inspiration to all those who are affected by breast cancer and as a Breast cancer awareness beacon in our community.
Raising Awareness About Blood Disorders in Women Blood disorders can be dangerous and are of special concern to women because of the unique risks posed by pregnancy, oral contraceptives, menstrual bleeding and hormone-replacement therapy for menopause. “The hormones estrogen and progesterone can put women at greater risk for blood clots,” says Dr. Nancy Berliner, president of the American Society of Hematology (ASH). “These hormones are used in birth control formulations and menopause therapies and are also at higher levels during pregnancy. Women are also at higher risk for anemia than men because of blood loss due to menstrual periods and pregnancy.” ASH therefore urges women to be aware of the following blood disorders, in particular: - Anemia occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to organs and tissue. Pregnant women are especially at risk as they need more red blood cells to support their own bodies and their babies. Red blood cell production requires iron, and pregnant women often don’t have enough iron to be able to make the required increased numbers of red blood cells. Heavy menstruation can also result in iron-deficiency anemia. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, dizziness and shortness of breath. - Thrombophilia is a dangerous condition in which blood clots form in veins and arteries, blocking the flow of blood. This may cause swelling, pain or redness. Since pregnancy and hormonal medications increase the chance of clotting, women are especially at risk for the disorder. - Von Willebrand disease is the most common bleeding disorder in women. It is an inherited condition in which blood cannot clot properly. Symptoms include bleeding gums, bruising easily or heavy and long menstrual periods (the most common symptom). An awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of these disorders is critical, so treatment can be sought before any problems worsen. If you suspect that you have a blood condition, talk to your doctor immediately. It is especially important for women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant to talk with their obstetricians about these conditions. “Two of the most common blood disorders during pregnancy are blood clots and anemia,” said Berliner. “Both blood conditions are treatable, and there are easy ways to help prevent them.” For more information, visit www.bloodthevitalconnection.org Friday, July 31st, 2009 Dr. Nancy Berliner
Guard Against Blood Clots While Traveling Air travel these days can be a challenge, with long security lines and flight delays. But many people may not know that traveling by plane can also increase your risk of developing a dangerous blood clot. The longer the trip, the more at risk you are for developing a clot. What is a blood clot? When a blood vessel is injured, platelets and proteins in the blood stick together to form a plug (clot) over the site of the wound to prevent excessive bleeding. When blood flow is restricted, clots can sometimes form within the blood vessels, even if no injury exists. Prolonged immobility during long trips can lead to the formation of unnecessary blood clots in a major vein (commonly in the leg). This condition is called “deep-vein thrombosis” (DVT). Most of the time, blood clots will naturally dissolve and go away on their own. But in some cases, a blood clot may travel from the leg into the lung, where it becomes lodged and prevents blood flow. This life-threatening condition is called a “pulmonary embolism” (PE) and should be treated immediately. “It is estimated that more Americans die each year from pulmonary embolism than breast cancer, HIV disease and motor vehicle crashes combined,” said Nancy Berliner, M.D., president of the American Society of Hematology. “The good news is that blood clots are highly preventable if you recognize the risk factors and take simple steps to promote good circulation.” Blood clot warning signs include sudden pain, redness or discoloration, skin that feels unusually warm and swelling of the leg, ankle or calf. Signs of PE include chest pain and shortness of breath. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should immediately contact a doctor. There are simple steps people can take to help prevent blood clots from forming while flying. The American Society of Hematology (ASH) offers the following tips: - Walk around the plane every few hours. - Drink lots of fluids. - Wear loose clothing. - Avoid drinking alcohol before and during travel. - Store carry-on luggage overhead to give yourself leg room. Women taking oral contraceptives have a higher risk of developing clots, as do pregnant women, smokers, seniors and obese individuals. For more information, visit ASH’s Web site www.bloodthevitalconnection.org. May 7th, 2009 Nancy Berliner ., M.D
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