December 16, 2024
By Mahdiyeh JahangiriHammoud, LHSC Medical Laboratory Technologist in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PaLM)
PaLM is a joint venture of London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph's Health Care London. We are committed to providing a comprehensive range of routine and specialized testing and clinical consultation for patient care within Southwestern Ontario and beyond.
Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) are meticulous professionals who require a high degree of precision and attention to detail. This role demands accuracy and reliability, which are key priorities for our team. MLTs are crucial in health care, delivering accurate test results that aid in diagnosing diseases, monitoring treatments, and supporting clinical decisions. We are pivotal in early disease detection, treatment adjustments, and public health efforts, including tracking outbreaks. Despite working behind the scenes, our contributions are essential to patient care and overall health outcomes.
Becoming a Medical Laboratory Technologist
I moved to Canada at 19 without knowing any English. After learning the language, I began an Engineering degree in Ottawa. Unfortunately, due to financial circumstances, I had to leave the program after completing my third year. I then switched to the Medical Laboratory Assistant program at Fanshawe College in London.
Working as an assistant for three years, I observed technologists analyzing samples and their direct impact on patient care, inspiring me to further my education. In 2011, I returned to school to study Medical Laboratory Technology at St. Clair College in Windsor, ON, graduating in 2014.
Career with LHSC
During my training, I had the opportunity to complete my placement in the microbiology and virology lab at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). After graduating I worked in this lab and had the opportunity to lead several projects, including the creation of the COVID-19 testing protocol for LHSC. Since then, I have moved to the toxicology and trace elements lab, where I lead various projects, including supporting cancer related research. Being an MLT allows me to combine my passion for science and technology.
Working as a MLT at LHSC is a source of pride for me for several reasons:
- Advanced Facilities: LHSC is equipped with cutting-edge laboratories and technology, enabling MLTs to work with the latest advancements in medical science.
- Collaborative Environment: LHSC promotes a collaborative atmosphere where MLTs work alongside other healthcare professionals, contributing to a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
- Professional Development: LHSC offers numerous opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth, including training programs, workshops, and conferences.
- Recognition and Support: LHSC values and supports its staff, providing recognition and a positive work environment.
- Innovation and Advanced Technology: LHSC is at the forefront of medical innovation, providing MLTs with access to the latest technologies and methodologies, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and cutting-edge research.
- Career Growth: LHSC offers a clear path for career advancement, allowing MLTs to expand their skills, take on leadership roles, and grow within the organization.
There are numerous learning opportunities available here, and I’ve been fortunate to take advantage of many of them.
I love being an MLT because it allows me to grow both personally and professionally, with strong support for my learning journey. So far, I’ve expanded my knowledge in quality improvement, assurance, and leadership.
In addition to obtaining a quality management certificate through Michener, I serve as our Continuous Improvement of Care Champion, promoting and encouraging continuous quality improvement initiatives within our department. Last year, I completed the Emerging Leader Program through LHSC and am now enrolled in the Aspiring Leader Program.
Passion for technology and patient care
With my background in electrical engineering, I find it fascinating to see how technological advancements impact our processes. I really like that I have the chance to use cutting-edge technology in our labs.
Knowing that my analysis will influence a physician’s decision on patient treatment and care gives me great satisfaction. I’m passionate about helping identify potential dangers for patients and providing care providers with crucial information they need to quickly care for patients.
In the Specialty Biochemistry Lab, specifically in the Trace Element Lab, Toxicology Lab, and Biogenetic Lab, most steps for handling patient samples are performed manually. Here’s an example of the process for analyzing whole blood for essential and non-essential elements in the Trace Element Lab:
- Sample Preparation: Whole blood samples are first prepared, often involving dilution to reduce matrix effects and ensure accurate results. This step is crucial for minimizing interference from the complex composition of blood.
- Centrifugation: After pipetting the patient sample and adding diluent, we centrifuge them for a quick 5 minutes.
- ICP-MS Analysis: The prepared samples are introduced into the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The ICP-MS uses high-temperature plasma to ionize the sample. The ions are then separated and detected based on their mass-to-charge ratio.
- Detection and Quantification: The ICP-MS can detect and quantify a wide range of elements, including essential elements (like zinc, copper, and selenium) and toxic elements (like lead, mercury, and arsenic). The instrument uses various gases, including argon, helium, hydrogen, and oxygen, to help identify and quantify these elements.
- Data Analysis: The results are analyzed to determine the concentration of each element in the blood sample. This data is crucial for diagnosing deficiencies or toxicities and for monitoring patient health.
- Quality Control: Throughout the process, rigorous quality control measures are implemented to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results. This includes using certified reference materials and running control samples.
Future growth
My personal goal is to take on a leadership role within the department. I love helping and empowering others, and I believe that strong leadership can make a significant difference in our team’s success and morale.
As an immigrant, I have faced and overcome many challenges, and I want to use my experiences to inspire others. I aim to be a role model, showing that with determination and hard work, it is possible to achieve one’s goals, regardless of background. I want to empower my colleagues to believe in themselves, develop their skills, and build their confidence.
Ultimately, my goal is to lead by example, inspire others to reach their full potential, and make a positive impact on both our team and the broader community.
Are you interested in growing your career at LHSC? Check out current opportunities online or connect with the Recruitment Team recruitment@lhsc.on.ca to learn more.