research topics in medical laboratory technology

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Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Medicare Payment Methodology for Clinical Laboratory Services; Miller Wolman D, Kalfoglou AL, LeRoy L, editors. Medicare Laboratory Payment Policy: Now and in the Future. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2000.

Medicare Laboratory Payment Policy: Now and in the Future.

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3 Technology Trends in the Clinical Laboratory Industry

The laboratory environment has been characterized by ongoing rapid and dramatic innovation since the 1980s. There has been remarkable growth in the range and complexity of available tests and services, which is expected to continue. Laboratory technology is often at the forefront of medical advances. In some cases, testing techniques to diagnose or screen for a particular condition are available before effective treatment. Innovation in laboratory technology, which includes both new tests and advances in equipment and testing techniques, has made testing more efficient and automated. Information technology (IT) has revolutionized the transfer of data by decreasing the time it takes to order and receive test results and by creating opportunities for research on large datasets. Many predict that clinical laboratory technology will play an even more important role in the future delivery of health care (Felder et al., 1999; Wilkinson, 1997). Innovation in health care, particularly when it is more efficient than existing methods (see Box 3.1 ), is welcomed by payers, providers, and patients; however, the efficient integration of innovation into medical care may be affected by policies related to coverage, coding, and payment.

The Future of Technology. Edwina Clark, a 42 year old woman with diabetes, no longer needs to test her blood sugar concentrations every day because she now has a glucose sensor implanted under the skin of her thigh. Her toilet at home provides a double (more...)

There are wide variations in the types of technology employed by different types of laboratories. The discussion of technology trends below does not mean that these trends are occurring in all settings. For example, certain small laboratories do not have the volume of testing to justify automated or elaborate IT systems.

This chapter reviews the three major technological innovations that have radically altered the way samples are collected and analyzed and the way results are reported. These innovations include automation, IT, and laboratory measurement or testing technology. The changes that these technological developments produce, especially how and where testing services are delivered and laboratory-staffing needs, are also discussed.

Automation has been, and promises to continue to be, an important force in the changing laboratory marketplace. Laboratory automated (and manual) processes occur in three stages:

Preanalytic stage: This includes, choosing the test, placing the order, preparing the patient, collecting the specimen, transporting the specimen, any specimen preparation work, and daily quality controls.

Analytic stage: This involves actual testing of the specimen and all routine procedures up to result reporting.

Postanalytic stage: This is concerned primarily with forwarding results to the appropriate hospital department or physician and routine daily maintenance and shutdown (Travers and Krochmal, 1988). 1

Preanalytic Stage

Although some progress has been made in automating the preanalytic phase of testing, much of the work in this phase is still performed manually. In some settings, such as within the hospital, specimens are transferred efficiently using a pneumatic tubing system. In an independent laboratory setting, specimens are often transported manually by courier to the testing site. 2 In most settings of care, specimens are collected and labeled with identifying information and are entered into the laboratory computer system manually. In addition, most decisions about the adequacy of the specimen's volume and whether the specimen is in the correct type of container are made by a laboratory technician, not a machine (McPherson, 1998).

There are many opportunities to automate preanalytic processes. For instance, specimen containers can be prelabeled with bar codes that link specimens to identifying electronic information. The container may also contain substances that automatically prepare the sample for processing (Felder et al., 1999). There has been progress with optical character recognition hardware and software that can “read” labels (Burtis, 1996). Test tubes may eventually have computer chips embedded in the stopper (Felder et al., 1999). Technology to automate many of the processes for aliquot 3 or specimen preparation, sample quality testing, specimen transport and handling, and automatic accessioning 4 exist but are not widely used (McPherson, 1998). Test ordering over the Internet may increase efficiency and reduce administrative errors during specimen collection and processing. Machines eventually may draw blood specimens, and robots may transport specimens from hospitalized patients to the hospital laboratory (Felder et al., 1999; Wilkinson, 1997).

Analytic Stage

In most laboratory settings, the analytic stage of testing is more automated. Beginning in the 1960s, several rounds of sophisticated automation resulted in multianalyzers, which are multichannel instruments that measure many different analytes. 5 Automative technology also allows groups of tests, called “panels” or “profiles,” to be run on the same sample. A similar evolution occurred in the hematology laboratory, where the counting of different types of blood cells is consolidated and expanded to include automated differentials on the same instrument (McPherson, 1998). A chemistry, hematology, coagulation, or urinalysis analyzer can now generate highly precise and accurate results in only a few minutes (Cruse, 1998).

Consolidation of tests and testing equipment is possible in part because operator activities for each type of test are interchangeable. Running tests is simplified by redesigning equipment (“analyzers”) to look and function similarly on the outside, even though very different operations are done inside. According to Richard McPherson, “The tasks that attendant operators conduct now (sample presentation, result review, and quality control) are quite similar on very different analyzers” (McPherson, 1998).

Emerging in the early 1980s, consolidated workstations contain several instruments in one area. Typically, the area is managed by one technical person supervising several nontechnical staff (Cruse, 1998). 6 The technical staff member monitors all instruments, and reviews and releases the test results (McPherson, 1998). The workstation approach increases the productivity of the laboratory, reduces personnel costs, and dramatically decreases testing turnaround time (TAT) (Cruse, 1998).

Modular laboratory automation was introduced during the 1990s and represents a more sophisticated design than approaches aimed at automating the entire laboratory all at once. This technology permits the laboratory to begin with a basic configuration and add automated modules as needed. Thus, a laboratory can buy only the modular pieces that best meet its needs. It also makes integrating the new technology into existing laboratory architecture easier because the modular units are small and mobile (Sainato, 2000). Only a few vendors of modular automation are in the market at this time (Marietti, 1998). Robots may be part of a facility's modular laboratory automation system. Although especially beneficial for tasks such as serology, blood grouping, and tissue typing, (Lifshitz and De Cresce, 1989), robots are not used as extensively by the clinical laboratory industry in the United States as they are in Japan. 7

Replacing manual steps with automated processes virtually eliminated the risk of mistakes and reduced testing error rates (Howanitz, 1994). Enhancements in automated processing resulted in improved technical precision and accuracy. According to McPherson (1998), “the vast majority of assays demonstrate technical variabilities that are well within medical needs.”

Postanalytic Stage

Over the past 20 years, the postanalytic phase has become more automated. In the 1980s, test results were often transferred by courier or mail. In the 1990s, they were sometimes conveyed over the telephone or via fax. Today, in some laboratories, the completed results are automatically forwarded to the appropriate area of the hospital or physician office electronically through the use of dedicated printers, and billing and utilization report generation is computerized (McPherson, 1998). Use of the Internet to report results would likely reduce costs by eliminating the need for designated fax and telephone lines. In addition, quicker TAT may lead to reduced episode-of-care costs.

Many analytic and postanalytic tasks are now automated using process control software (Markin and Whalen, 2000). For instance, repeat, reflex, 8 and add-on 9 testing are managed through electronic systems. 10 Electronic systems may also manage specimen transportation, storage, and disposal. Finally, these systems monitor consistency of results and ensure that panic values are called to medical staffs attention.

Billing and collection processes may become more automated in the future. Laboratories may automatically obtain and transmit all required documentation necessary for payers to process the claim through electronic systems (e.g., patient's name, address, and primary and secondary insurance information). Additional information required includes referring provider information, the patient's copay responsibilities, diagnosis codes, and other data that might be necessary to demonstrate medical necessity. Typically this information is transmitted manually each time a test is ordered. Integrating electronic systems that automatically send updated information electronically every time a test is ordered would increase efficiency.

There are steps that take place after the laboratory submits its results to the physician including physician interpretation and physician and patient action. After physicians receive the results, they must interpret what those results mean for the patient. Sometimes the physician is assisted in interpreting results by normal ranges included in the laboratory report or a written explanation of the testing results. In some cases, the physician may consult with a laboratorian to better understand the meaning of the test results. The next step is the physician's course of action. The laboratory tests may indicate that all test results are normal and that no action needs to be taken other than informing the patient of the results. Other courses of action might include additional laboratory testing, hospitalization, changing a medication or the dose of a medication, initiating a new course of treatment, monitoring the patient more closely, or counseling a patient to change certain health-related behaviors. The ultimate outcome for the patient is not simply dependent on obtaining an accurate test value. It also depends on the physician's interpretation and the action taken by both the physician and patient.

• INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Like many other areas of healthcare delivery, laboratory services are experiencing an IT revolution. Laboratory experts that keep pace with emerging IT have found new, more efficient ways to communicate and provide services; educate themselves, their staff, and their clients; market their products; and manage data and information.

Because Internet-based communications are inexpensive and not hampered by time differences and geographic distance, experts predict that the Internet will become the primary means of communication in the future (Burtis, 1996; Klatt, 1997). Requests for testing and test results will be communicated electronically. Electronic image transmission will mean that hard-to-diagnose images can be sent quickly and efficiently to national specialty centers (Wilkinson, 1997). Test result reports will be linked to journal articles and other sophisticated multimedia information sources (Friedman, 1998). This capability may become more important with the increased use of genetic testing by general practitioners since physicians often do not understand the meaning of genetic test results (Holtzman, 1999). Streamlining the cost of providing this additional information will also be important since individual consults with a laboratory expert are often not paid for separately and must be worked into the cost of the test.

The use of electronic systems creates the opportunity to improve laboratory services. For instance, laboratory results for certain tests can be influenced by drug use. Patient records could include all pharmaceuticals the patient is taking. The computer could then be programmed to identify cases in which the results are likely to be affected, and it may even be able to assist in the interpretation of test results and suggest appropriate actions to be taken.

Internet-based reporting creates opportunities to communicate test results directly to patients. In the spring of 2000, Quest Diagnostics, a large national independent laboratory, began offering consumers direct access to test results via an Internet healthcare Web site owned by Caresoft, Inc., called “TheDailyApple.com.” Only patients who are registered with TheDailyApple.com may access their data on-line. Their physicians will have the opportunity to review the results before information is put on-line. Only routine test results are offered, and Caresoft sends personal identification numbers to users via the U.S. mail to ensure confidentiality (Direct-to-consumer test result reporting, 2000). 11

Information technology will change the way laboratorians educate themselves and their staff. Laboratory professionals can interact with one another through e-mail and specialized LISTSERVs (Burtis, 1996). They also have access to technical libraries in electronic format (Burtis, 1996). Experts predict that IT will radically alter the format and role of medical journals. They will be more electronically based with links to multimedia sources of information (Berger and Smith, 1999).

Information technology has created new marketing and advertising opportunities for laboratories (Klatt, 1997). Increased consumer empowerment, new testing techniques that are simple enough for home use or home sample collection, and IT have combined to create new direct-to-consumer marketing opportunities for laboratory tests. Laboratories may follow the pharmaceutical industry's lead by marketing directly to consumers and by making products directly available to consumers over the Internet. For instance, there is a consumer-based market for “drugs-of-abuse” tests, home-based HIV tests, glucose monitoring, pregnancy and ovulation tests, and genetic tests. Consumers may prefer to bypass their personal physician for convenience and to keep test results out of their medical records. Most of these types of tests are paid for by consumers, so they do not have the incentive of insurance coverage to obtain these tests through their health care provider.

Collecting and analyzing patient outcome data may become more essential in the marketing of laboratory services as third-party payers increasingly demand evidence that new health care services are cost-effective and positively affect patient outcomes. New hardware and software have increased the laboratory's ability to store and process data. Currently, Quest Diagnostics maintains the world's largest private database of clinical laboratory test results. It intends to use these resources to add value to its laboratory services (Where is the lab industry headed, 2000). For example, data may be used to track a patient's progress, minimize redundant testing, evaluate phlebotomists' collection technique, and track patient outcomes (McDonald, 1997; Plebani, 1999). Large databases can also be used to track disease outbreaks and conduct other types of public health research (McPherson, 1998). While research opportunities abound, laboratories will be challenged to identify ways to protect confidential patient information and obtain patients' informed consent to participate in research (Chou, 1996).

• LABORATORY MEASUREMENT AND TESTING TECHNOLOGY

Laboratory testing technology advances through both incremental and breakthrough developments. Incremental changes often make testing processes simpler, more efficient (and often less expensive), and of higher quality. Less frequently, technology makes major advances that result in totally new tests or testing techniques.

Esoteric Tests

Esoteric tests are relatively uncommon tests that are dependent on physician interpretation skill. As of the mid-1990s, approximately 1,250 different tests were performed by the clinical laboratory industry, about half of which were classified as “routine” (Smith Barney, 1995). For example, in the late 1980s, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was “cutting-edge” technology. Today, PCR is very common and is used for approximately 165,000–220,000 viral load tests for HIV and hepatitis C each year (Klipp, 2000). Because PCR has become so common, it has lost its esoteric label.

The total U.S. market for esoteric testing is roughly $2 billion annually, for 50 million specimens (Klipp, 2000). In 1998, this market consisted of $1.4 billion in reference work for hospitals and $618 million in reference work for independent laboratories (Klipp, 2000). 12 The median price of tests sent out by hospitals declined 20 percent, from an estimated $28.73 per test in 1996 to $23.19 in 1998 (Klipp, 2000). With 1.4–1.8 tests performed on the average sample, the average revenue generated per specimen is between $33 and $42 (Klipp, 2000). As esoteric tests become more commonly performed, competition and economies of scale may increase, driving prices down further, even in the esoteric market.

Genetic Testing

With the mapping of the human genome, the field of molecular diagnostics, which includes genetic testing, is expected to grow rapidly during the next five years. 13 Genetic tests are able to detect gene mutations. Early detection may allow clinicians to predict predisposition to disease. This is important because genetics are possibly a significant factor in seven of the top ten causes of death in the United States (Klipp, 2000). In addition to addressing the factors associated with these causes of death, genetic testing is also used for determining HIV and hepatitis viral loads, making prenatal diagnoses, identifying chromosome abnormalities, determining the paternity of a child, ascertaining cancer cytogenetics, and identifying inherited or predisposition to diseases.

As of August 2000, an Internet-based directory of genetics laboratories reports that 469 laboratories and 895 genetic clinics in the United States were performing tests for 753 genetic diseases, compared to only 110 laboratories that conducted genetic tests for 111 different diseases in 1993 (Children's Health Care System, 1999). Not all genetic tests are FDA approved for clinical use; some may be available only in a research setting. 14

A future trend in genetic testing is a focus on prevention. According to Robert Nakamura, the emphasis will “shift from costly intervention and treatment of established diseases to proactive prediction and prevention of disease.” He anticipates that predictive tests will screen for data identifying important population genetic risk factors for diabetes, cancer, and autoimmune diseases (Nakamura, 1999). Early identification of immunologic markers that predict autoimmune diseases may facilitate early intervention with autoantigen-specific therapy, targeted directly at the component of the immune system that causes disease (Nakamura, 1999). According to Nakamura, “This approach will require new information systems that will link large-scale databanks and special programs for data mining and retrieval in bioinformatics, cheminformatics, and population genetics. The clinical laboratory will soon be able to provide powerful new molecular diagnostic tools along with multianalytic assays for expression of genes and proteins in different patterns of diseases, disease progression, and predisposition to disease” (Nakamura, 1999).

Pharmacogenomics

More than 100,000 Americans die every year from side effects of properly prescribed medicines, and another 2 million are made seriously ill (Weiss, 2000). This occurs because medicines are made and sold on a standardized basis even though people vary substantially in the way they respond to these compounds. However, as scientists uncover more and more genes that control individual responses to medications, physicians should be able to base prescribing decisions on a patient's individual genetic makeup (Evans and Relling, 1999). The cost implications of this new science, called pharmacogenomics, are unclear. This type of genetic screening will likely increase the front-end cost of providing care. It could, however, result in better health outcomes and long-term cost savings substantial enough to offset the initial expense, particularly if screening efforts target subpopulations that are more likely to be susceptible to the genetic characteristic.

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology, the science of building miniature devices out of very small particles such as individual atoms, molecules, viruses, or cells, merges biological and IT science. Nanotechnology has the potential to exponentially increase computer power through smaller, faster computer processors. Nanotechnology research could continue to expand during the coming years with a boost from President Clinton's 2001 budget, which proposes to create a National Nanotechnology Initiative. The President's proposal includes $495 million for research projects, an 83 percent increase over funding for this year. Seventy percent of the money will go to university-based research (Executive Office of the President, 2000; McGee, 2000).

Nanotechnology promises to affect the clinical laboratory industry through the development of miniaturized components and devices for chemical processing and measuring sensors (Burtis, 1996). This technology could prove to be extremely useful in the movement toward developing small, versatile point-of-care tests. According to Chad Mirkin, acting director for the Center for Nanofabrication and Molecular Assembly at Northwestern University, nanotechnology is already used in tests for tuberculosis and colon cancer (McGee, 2000). It has improved our ability to see chemical processes and microscopic structures in biological systems (Roco et al., 1999). Another potential application is in drug administration. Some drugs dissolve more easily if they are nanometersize (McGee, 2000). Although the potential of nanotechnology is substantial, a great deal of basic scientific research must be completed before clinical applications will be available.

• TECHNOLOGY'S EFFECT ON SITE OF SERVICE

Some laboratory testing has moved out of the laboratory and is closer to the patient. Point-of-care testing (POCT) provides rapid test results within minutes of taking the sample, and home testing affords the ultimate consumer convenience, testing from the comfort of one's home. Experts disagree about whether this trend is the beginning of a dramatic shift in site of service for laboratory testing (Maibach et al., 1998; Woo and Henry, 1994). Although trend data show that these markets are growing, concerns about costs, the potential for errors, difficulties in linking test results to other clinical processes and information systems, and coverage restrictions by third-party payers may limit the growth of these two expanding testing markets (Sainato, 1999).

BOX 3.2 Point-of-Care Testing

“In just a few years, primary care physicians may be able to get a complete-blood count (CBC) for a patient simply by shining a light in the patient's eye or sticking a probe under the patient's tongue. This technology provides immediate test results, minimizes patient discomfort, reduces the risk of needle stick injuries, is free from concerns about contamination, eliminates the need to dispose of left-over blood samples, and is likely to be much less costly than traditional laboratory blood tests.” SOURCE: (Uehling, 2000).

Point-of-Care Testing

New technologies not only have made POCT devices small and portable but also have improved specimen collection techniques so that they are minimally invasive. The relatively small size and user-friendly nature of this technology is due in large part to the advances in microprocessor-based analyzers and disposable test cartridges containing biosensor-laden silicon tests (Klipp, 2000). New laser-based skin perforators permit the collection of just a few microliters of interstitial fluid for testing glucose levels, and infrared sensors are being used to measure glucose and other analytes (e.g., bilirubin) directly through the skin (Felder et al., 1999). Multianalyte, spectroscopy-based, noninvasive sensors will provide a wide range of analytical tests at the bedside in the near future (Felder et al., 1999). Table 3.1 outlines certain POCT applications in 1999 and the estimated expenditures for each category.

Point-of-Care Test Expenditures, 1999.

Sales of POCT devices and tests to hospitals and physicians offices in the United States were roughly $1.1 billion in 1998, and nationwide. POCT expenditures are expected to grow at an average annual rate of 9 percent from 2000 to 2005 (Klipp, 2000). One industry expert suggests that 80 percent of laboratory testing will be available at the patient's bedside within the next five years at a fraction of the cost of centralized testing (Felder et al., 1999).

There is controversy over the cost-effectiveness of POCT versus centralized laboratory testing particularly since cost-effectiveness and patient outcomes data are lacking. Research from the early 1990s found that the cost per test using a POCT analyzer was significantly higher than central laboratory costs (Tsai et al., 1994). Others have found that not all types of POCT decrease the TAT of the entire diagnostic process, save sufficient amounts of money to justify the additional expense (Van Heyningen et al., 1999), or positively affect patient outcomes (Kendall et al., 1998; Parvin et al., 1996; Rose et al., 1997). These findings have led one expert to conclude that POCT will never become the primary mode of testing (Friedman, 1998). Others have found that under certain conditions, however, POCT can be provided at the same or lower cost than centralized services (Felder et al., 1999; Root, 1997). Since cost analysis methods have yet to be standardized and most research does not consider the total cost of an episode of care, it is difficult to compare findings that might help laboratory managers choose the most appropriate type of testing (Baer, 1998). It is also difficult to measure the convenience to patients and physicians of POCT. Some experts, however, expect the value of POCT to Medicare beneficiaries to be high, particularly in physicians' offices.

In some cases, there may be a trade-off between the convenience of POCT and quality. Steven Gutman, M.D., director of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) division of clinical laboratory devices points out that POCT devices may not have to meet the same quality standards as laboratory-based testing (Uehling, 2000). Some devices, such as a video microscope used to visualize and count blood cells, may even be exempt from FDA review and subject to only minimal oversight under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) (Uehling, 2000). David Wilkinson, chairman of the Department of Pathology at the Medical College of Virginia, points out that some POCT systems have a high failure rate of disposable cartridges that house the analytical components, and there may be test result bias when compared to central laboratory methods (Wilkinson, 1997).

Home Testing

Home testing is another growing market made possible by technological advances in laboratory testing. Unlike POCT, home testing is decentralized and physicians may not receive the test results unless they are provided manually by patients or entered into shared Internet-based data-monitoring systems. This has not limited the growth of the home testing market. In 1999, the total amount spent on home testing was $2.1 billion. Table 3.2 shows the sectors of the home testing market in 1999. These home testing products are relatively inexpensive, over-the-counter diagnostic and monitoring kits and devices.

Home Testing Market by Sector, 1999.

The home test market is consumer driven. Home-based tests are purchased by consumers and are rarely covered by third-party payers. Nevertheless, the demand for these products continues to increase. The $1.7 billion market in 1997 is expected to increase 100 percent by 2004 (Klipp, 2000). Future technologies may enable patients to take a more active role in their own care, integrating home testing into their medical regime. Some experts foresee a time when patients will be able to view, interpret, and add important information to their medical records through Internet-linked, hand-held devices designed for home use. They will also be able to use diagnostic products purchased from a grocery store or pharmacy and automatically upload the results to their electronic medical records in the privacy of their homes (Felder et al., 1999). The home-based test market is unlikely to completely replace sophisticated hospital and independent laboratories, especially in light of the ever-growing number of complex tests.

• EFFECT ON CLINICAL LABORATORY STAFF REQUIREMENTS

Not surprisingly, the recent and ongoing changes in clinical laboratory technology have had an impact on laboratory staff needs. According to Kenneth Cruse, MT American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), “Traditionally, nontechnical staff collected specimens from patients and gave the specimens to technicians to perform the tests” (Cruse, 1998). Nontechnical staff members still do many of the repetitive jobs, such as feeding specimen tubes onto highly automated instruments throughout the facility. 15 Technical staff members now conduct preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment, run quality control specimens, and correct identified problems. They also evaluate patient results that require a manual review (Cruse, 1998). Highly skilled laboratorians with clinical and analytical knowledge are still essential to perform and interpret many of the more sophisticated tests.

The growth in automation and robotics is decreasing the need for nontechnical staff in the laboratory (Wilkinson, 1997). Labor cost savings may be offset somewhat by a need for additional IT staff to monitor and maintain the automated systems (Sainato, 2000). Growth in point-of-care tests, which do not have to be performed by physicians, may mean that more allied health personnel will be needed in hospitals and physicians' offices.

In the future, growth in the number of esoteric tests may increase the demand for highly skilled staff. Some predict that the number of clinical laboratory technologists and technicians is not expected to keep pace with the demand for laboratory services over the next decade, especially in the areas of cytogenetics, tissue typing, genetic testing, and transplantation. Others predict that the same trends that have reduced the need for nontechnical staff will affect the need for skilled staff (Burtis, 1996; Maibach et al., 1998).

Perhaps the greatest savings in laboratory costs will come from technology that enables labor reduction (Felder et al., 1999). For example, the move to total laboratory automation could reduce labor costs by 25–50 percent (Jacobs and Simson, 1999). Reducing the need for labor could have profound effects on the cost of performing testing since labor constitutes approximately 60 percent of the total cost of laboratory services (Jacobs and Simson, 1999). Kenneth Cruse argues that other benefits of redistributing work among technical and nontechnical personnel include enhanced productivity, increased testing accuracy and precision, significant reduction of TATs, increased physician satisfaction levels, and the potential to reduce the length of stay for hospitalized patients (Cruse, 1998).

Clinical laboratories are in the midst of a technological revolution that is likely to continue during the twenty-first century. Many medical advances will be led by technological innovation in laboratory testing. New technology is positively associated with increased efficiency, reduction in errors, and improved quality in the delivery of health care services. Whether new technologies are implemented may depend on their impact on laboratory costs and, if they are more costly, on payers' willingness to pay for them.

While efforts to automate central laboratories are likely to continue, trends appear to indicate that much routine testing in the future could be delivered through POCT and home-based testing. Centralized laboratories are likely to concentrate more on esoteric testing. Automation and shifts in the sites where laboratory services are delivered will result in major shifts in laboratory staffing needs. Demand for skilled IT professionals, experts to monitor and service robotic equipment, and allied health professionals is likely to grow. Overall decreases in labor costs, however, will likely lead to decreases in the cost per test.

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The three stages of clinical laboratory testing, specifically within the laboratory, were defined in 1988 by Eleanor Travers and Charles Krochmal. Others categorize the computer entry of demographics, test request review, and specimen preparation, including specimen labeling and centrifugation, as a part of the analytic rather than the preanalytic phase of testing (Cruse, 1998). Still others would include steps that take place in the doctor's office prior to placing the order and following delivery of the test results within these phases.

While transport is still manual, the development of a global transportation system that facilitates rapid transport of people and goods has enabled independent laboratories to centralize their facilities and reduce costs through economies of scale (Burtis, 1996).

An aliquot is the small portion of a specimen taken for an assay or test.

Accession is the process of identifying a specimen and entering a unique specimen identifier into laboratory records.

An analyte is any substance that is measured. The term is usually applied to a component of blood or other body fluid.

When considering the task conducted by individuals who do not have technical skills, it is important to note that many states have licensure laws that preclude the conduct of certain testing procedures by nontechnical staff. In addition, Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 requirements, as they relate to moderate- and high-complexity tests, do not allow the use of nontechnical staff for certain testing procedures.

Japan is more focused on industrial robotics in general and chose to make the investment in laboratory robotics. Laboratories in the United States have been slower to adopt this technology because of its high cost and difficulty integrating it into existing laboratory architecture.

Reflex tests are tests that are reordered by a physician after an abnormal test result.

Add-on tests are tests ordered on the same sample after the initial tests have been conducted.

For Medicare payment policy, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) spells out specific guidelines for reflex and add-on testing.

In some states, providers, and patients may be prohibited from utilizing this type of Internet-based service. Most states have specific laws that address direct access to medical data within the context of a patient's rights to records. For example, by statute in Tennessee, a patient cannot access medical records directly. Other states' laws say that patients may access their medical records only with the written permission of the ordering physician or by legal request.

Reference work includes testing that is sent to an outside laboratory for completion. Many hospital-based, independent, and physician office laboratories do not have adequate equipment and personnel to conduct their own esoteric testing.

Some experts believe that current expectations for genetic testing are overblown (Holtzman and Marteau, 2000; Jones, 2000).

Clinical tests are those in which specimens are examined and results reported to the provider and/or patient for the purpose of diagnosis, prevention, or treatment in the care of individual patients. U.S. laboratories performing clinical tests must be Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) approved. Research tests are those in which specimens are examined for the purpose of understanding a condition better or developing a clinical test. Test results are generally not given to patients or their providers. Rarely, a research laboratory will, at the patient's request, share potentially useful findings with a clinical laboratory so the patient's test results can be confirmed and a formal report issued. Laboratories performing research testing are not subject to CLIA regulation. The cost of research testing is generally covered by the researcher. Requests for participation in research may be denied, at the laboratory's discretion, if the laboratory has sufficient samples or the subject does not fit the research project goals.

As noted in footnote 6, when considering the tasks conducted by individuals who do not have technical skills, it is important to note that many states have licensure laws that preclude the conduct of certain testing procedures by nontechnical staff. In addition, CLIA requirements, as they relate to moderate- and high-complexity tests, do not allow the use of nontechnical staff for certain testing procedures.

• Cite this Page Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Medicare Payment Methodology for Clinical Laboratory Services; Miller Wolman D, Kalfoglou AL, LeRoy L, editors. Medicare Laboratory Payment Policy: Now and in the Future. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2000. 3, Technology Trends in the Clinical Laboratory Industry.
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Medical Laboratory Technology

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Diagnostic laboratory technology has gone through a hype during the last decade, which will undoubtedly continue the world over. Continuous flow technology injecting cell surface markers and analyzing reactive cells at the end of the flow and approaches exploring DNA and RNA have created numerous companies providing laboratory reagents. The materials on the market, available for the researcher or in bulk, are quality controlled and registered at international agencies with requirements similar to drugs. So, hemoglobin concentrations, D-dimer, autoantibodies, bacteria determination with MALDI TOF, and ferritin are in focus in disciplines like hematology, immunology, microbiology, and clinical chemistry. Mobile teams of technicians with miniaturized laboratory equipment, used at the bedside or in doctor’s offices, have made it possible to test an ever-increasing number of med lab assays—a challenge to select the appropriate tests and interpret them. In the context of this book, however, we are looking for simple, elementary assays with results that are easy to interpret and with narrow reference intervals.

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77 interesting medical research topics for 2024

Last updated

25 November 2023

Reviewed by

Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L

Medical research is the gateway to improved patient care and expanding our available treatment options. However, finding a relevant and compelling research topic can be challenging.

Use this article as a jumping-off point to select an interesting medical research topic for your next paper or clinical study.

• How to choose a medical research topic

When choosing a research topic , it’s essential to consider a couple of things. What topics interest you? What unanswered questions do you want to address? 

During the decision-making and brainstorming process, here are a few helpful tips to help you pick the right medical research topic:

Focus on a particular field of study

The best medical research is specific to a particular area. Generalized studies are often too broad to produce meaningful results, so we advise picking a specific niche early in the process. 

Maybe a certain topic interests you, or your industry knowledge reveals areas of need.

Look into commonly researched topics

Once you’ve chosen your research field, do some preliminary research. What have other academics done in their papers and projects? 

From this list, you can focus on specific topics that interest you without accidentally creating a copycat project. This groundwork will also help you uncover any literature gaps—those may be beneficial areas for research.

Get curious and ask questions

Now you can get curious. Ask questions that start with why, how, or what. These questions are the starting point of your project design and will act as your guiding light throughout the process. 

For example: 

What impact does pollution have on children’s lung function in inner-city neighborhoods? 

Why is pollution-based asthma on the rise? 

How can we address pollution-induced asthma in young children? 

• 77 medical research topics worth exploring in 2023

Need some research inspiration for your upcoming paper or clinical study? We’ve compiled a list of 77 topical and in-demand medical research ideas. Let’s take a look. 

• Exciting new medical research topics

If you want to study cutting-edge topics, here are some exciting options:

COVID-19 and long COVID symptoms

Since 2020, COVID-19 has been a hot-button topic in medicine, along with the long-term symptoms in those with a history of COVID-19. 

Examples of COVID-19-related research topics worth exploring include:

The long-term impact of COVID-19 on cardiac and respiratory health

COVID-19 vaccination rates

The evolution of COVID-19 symptoms over time

New variants and strains of the COVID-19 virus

Changes in social behavior and public health regulations amid COVID-19

Vaccinations

Finding ways to cure or reduce the disease burden of chronic infectious diseases is a crucial research area. Vaccination is a powerful option and a great topic to research. 

Examples of vaccination-related research topics include:

mRNA vaccines for viral infections

Biomaterial vaccination capabilities

Vaccination rates based on location, ethnicity, or age

Public opinion about vaccination safety 

Artificial tissues fabrication

With the need for donor organs increasing, finding ways to fabricate artificial bioactive tissues (and possibly organs) is a popular research area. 

Examples of artificial tissue-related research topics you can study include:

The viability of artificially printed tissues

Tissue substrate and building block material studies

The ethics and efficacy of artificial tissue creation

• Medical research topics for medical students

For many medical students, research is a big driver for entering healthcare. If you’re a medical student looking for a research topic, here are some great ideas to work from:

Sleep disorders

Poor sleep quality is a growing problem, and it can significantly impact a person’s overall health. 

Examples of sleep disorder-related research topics include:

How stress affects sleep quality

The prevalence and impact of insomnia on patients with mental health conditions

Possible triggers for sleep disorder development

The impact of poor sleep quality on psychological and physical health

How melatonin supplements impact sleep quality

Alzheimer’s and dementia 

Cognitive conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are on the rise worldwide. They currently have no cure. As a result, research about these topics is in high demand. 

Examples of dementia-related research topics you could explore include:

The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in a chosen population

Early onset symptoms of dementia

Possible triggers or causes of cognitive decline with age

Treatment options for dementia-like conditions

The mental and physical burden of caregiving for patients with dementia

• Lifestyle habits and public health

Modern lifestyles have profoundly impacted the average person’s daily habits, and plenty of interesting topics explore its effects. 

Examples of lifestyle and public health-related research topics include:

The nutritional intake of college students

The impact of chronic work stress on overall health

The rise of upper back and neck pain from laptop use

Prevalence and cause of repetitive strain injuries (RSI)

• Controversial medical research paper topics

Medical research is a hotbed of controversial topics, content, and areas of study. 

If you want to explore a more niche (and attention-grabbing) concept, here are some controversial medical research topics worth looking into:

The benefits and risks of medical cannabis

Depending on where you live, the legalization and use of cannabis for medical conditions is controversial for the general public and healthcare providers.

Examples of medical cannabis-related research topics that might grab your attention include:

The legalization process of medical cannabis

The impact of cannabis use on developmental milestones in youth users

Cannabis and mental health diagnoses

CBD’s impact on chronic pain

Prevalence of cannabis use in young people

The impact of maternal cannabis use on fetal development 

Understanding how THC impacts cognitive function

Human genetics

The Human Genome Project identified, mapped, and sequenced all human DNA genes. Its completion in 2003 opened up a world of exciting and controversial studies in human genetics.

Examples of human genetics-related research topics worth delving into include:

Medical genetics and the incidence of genetic-based health disorders

Behavioral genetics differences between identical twins

Genetic risk factors for neurodegenerative disorders

Machine learning technologies for genetic research

Sexual health studies

Human sexuality and sexual health are important (yet often stigmatized) medical topics that need new research and analysis.

As a diverse field ranging from sexual orientation studies to sexual pathophysiology, examples of sexual health-related research topics include:

The incidence of sexually transmitted infections within a chosen population

Mental health conditions within the LGBTQIA+ community

The impact of untreated sexually transmitted infections

Access to safe sex resources (condoms, dental dams, etc.) in rural areas

• Health and wellness research topics

Human wellness and health are trendy topics in modern medicine as more people are interested in finding natural ways to live healthier lifestyles. 

If this field of study interests you, here are some big topics in the wellness space:

Gluten sensitivity

Gluten allergies and intolerances have risen over the past few decades. If you’re interested in exploring this topic, your options range in severity from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to full-blown anaphylaxis. 

Some examples of gluten sensitivity-related research topics include:

The pathophysiology and incidence of Celiac disease

Early onset symptoms of gluten intolerance

The prevalence of gluten allergies within a set population

Gluten allergies and the incidence of other gastrointestinal health conditions

Pollution and lung health

Living in large urban cities means regular exposure to high levels of pollutants. 

As more people become interested in protecting their lung health, examples of impactful lung health and pollution-related research topics include:

The extent of pollution in densely packed urban areas

The prevalence of pollution-based asthma in a set population

Lung capacity and function in young people

The benefits and risks of steroid therapy for asthma

Pollution risks based on geographical location

Plant-based diets

Plant-based diets like vegan and paleo diets are emerging trends in healthcare due to their limited supporting research. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the potential benefits or risks of holistic, diet-based medicine, examples of plant-based diet research topics to explore include:

Vegan and plant-based diets as part of disease management

Potential risks and benefits of specific plant-based diets

Plant-based diets and their impact on body mass index

The effect of diet and lifestyle on chronic disease management

Health supplements

Supplements are a multi-billion dollar industry. Many health-conscious people take supplements, including vitamins, minerals, herbal medicine, and more. 

Examples of health supplement-related research topics worth investigating include:

Omega-3 fish oil safety and efficacy for cardiac patients

The benefits and risks of regular vitamin D supplementation

Health supplementation regulation and product quality

The impact of social influencer marketing on consumer supplement practices

Analyzing added ingredients in protein powders

• Healthcare research topics

Working within the healthcare industry means you have insider knowledge and opportunity. Maybe you’d like to research the overall system, administration, and inherent biases that disrupt access to quality care. 

While these topics are essential to explore, it is important to note that these studies usually require approval and oversight from an Institutional Review Board (IRB). This ensures the study is ethical and does not harm any subjects. 

For this reason, the IRB sets protocols that require additional planning, so consider this when mapping out your study’s timeline. 

Here are some examples of trending healthcare research areas worth pursuing:

The pros and cons of electronic health records

The rise of electronic healthcare charting and records has forever changed how medical professionals and patients interact with their health data. 

Examples of electronic health record-related research topics include:

The number of medication errors reported during a software switch

Nurse sentiment analysis of electronic charting practices

Ethical and legal studies into encrypting and storing personal health data

Inequities within healthcare access

Many barriers inhibit people from accessing the quality medical care they need. These issues result in health disparities and injustices. 

Examples of research topics about health inequities include:

The impact of social determinants of health in a set population

Early and late-stage cancer stage diagnosis in urban vs. rural populations

Affordability of life-saving medications

Health insurance limitations and their impact on overall health

Diagnostic and treatment rates across ethnicities

People who belong to an ethnic minority are more likely to experience barriers and restrictions when trying to receive quality medical care. This is due to systemic healthcare racism and bias. 

As a result, diagnostic and treatment rates in minority populations are a hot-button field of research. Examples of ethnicity-based research topics include:

Cancer biopsy rates in BIPOC women

The prevalence of diabetes in Indigenous communities

Access inequalities in women’s health preventative screenings

The prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension in Black populations

• Pharmaceutical research topics

Large pharmaceutical companies are incredibly interested in investing in research to learn more about potential cures and treatments for diseases. 

If you’re interested in building a career in pharmaceutical research, here are a few examples of in-demand research topics:

Cancer treatment options

Clinical research is in high demand as pharmaceutical companies explore novel cancer treatment options outside of chemotherapy and radiation. 

Examples of cancer treatment-related research topics include:

Stem cell therapy for cancer

Oncogenic gene dysregulation and its impact on disease

Cancer-causing viral agents and their risks

Treatment efficacy based on early vs. late-stage cancer diagnosis

Cancer vaccines and targeted therapies

Immunotherapy for cancer

Pain medication alternatives

Historically, opioid medications were the primary treatment for short- and long-term pain. But, with the opioid epidemic getting worse, the need for alternative pain medications has never been more urgent. 

Examples of pain medication-related research topics include:

Opioid withdrawal symptoms and risks

Early signs of pain medication misuse

Anti-inflammatory medications for pain control

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Medical Laboratory Technology Project Topics and PDF Materials for Students

Medical Laboratory Technology project topics and materials encompass a wide range of research areas within the field of medical laboratory science. These Medical Laboratory Technology project topics can include investigations into the development and evaluation of diagnostic tests, the study of emerging infectious diseases, advancements in laboratory equipment and techniques, quality control and assurance in clinical laboratories, the role of medical laboratory professionals in patient care, and the exploration of cutting-edge technologies such as genomics and molecular diagnostics in medical diagnostics. These Medical Laboratory Technology research materials provide valuable insights and knowledge for students and professionals in the medical laboratory technology field, contributing to the improvement of healthcare diagnostics and patient outcomes.

Good Medical Laboratory Technology Project Topics: 29 PDF Research Materials:

Abnormal Urine Constituents Using Dipstick Technology Survey Among Patients. A Case Study Of Patience Attending Specialist Hospital Gombe, Gombe State

Automation Or Computerization Of The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Tuberculosis. A Case Study Of Federal Medical Center, Bida

Assessment Of The Awareness Effects Of Ionizing Radiation Among Pregnant Women. A Case Study Of Pregnant Women In Specialist Hospital Jalingo Taraba State

Anemia In Pregnancy. A Case Study Of Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic At University Of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (Unth) Enugu

Hepatitis C Virus Among Pregnant Women People Living With HIV/AIDS Attending Clinic. A Case Study Of Unth Itukuozalla

Physiochemical And Heavy Metal Assessment Of Water From Boreholes. Case Study Of Selected Boreholes Kaura Namoda Local Government Area Zamfara State Nigeria

Incidence Of Candidacies Among Single And Married Women Of Different Age Group. Case Study, Unth Enugu

Effect of Jathropha tanjorensis on Serum Lipid Profile of Wister Abino Rat.

Epidemology Survey For Sctristosomiasis Among Pupils. Case study of Amagunze Community In Nkanu Local Government Area In Enugu

Antibacterial Activity Of Three Types Of Medicated Soaps On Staphylococcus Aureus From Wound Infections.

Prevalence Of Trichomona Vaginalis Among Adults. “osumenyi” in nnewi south L.g.a anambra state

Gastroenteritis In Primary School Children. In Enugu Metropolis (6-12 Yrs)

Examination Of Incidence Of Malaria Infestation Caused By Different Species Of Plasmodium. A Case Study Of Parklane Hospital Enugu

Prevalence Of Streptococcus Pneumonia In Pneumonia Patients. A Case Study Of Unth Enugu

Sero-Prevalence Of Treponema Pallidium Among Blood Donors In Etsako West In Edo State. In Etsako West In Edo State

Design And Implementation Of A Medical Diagnostic System.

HIV – AIDS Risk Behaviours Among Secondary School Students. A Case Study Of Enugu North Local Government

Medical Imaging Technique.

Effect Of Unbalanced 3-Phase Supply To Laboratory Equipment And Remedy.

Assessment Of Radiological Pathology Using MRI, CT Scan or X-Ray.

Comparative Analysis Of Antimicrobial Strength Of Three Most Common Antibiotics. Case Study Of Antibiotics Drugs Brought In Obiagu, Enugu

Isolation And Identification Of Bacteria Associated With Wound Sepsis.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Corona Virus Preventive Measures among Students. Case Study of Newgate College of Health Technology Minna, Niger State

Role Expectations And Performances Of Laboratory Assistants In Secondary School. In Enugu Urban Of Enugu State

Recent Medical Laboratory Technology Project Topics & Research Material Areas for Final Year & Undergraduate Students (in Nigeria & Other Countries)

CLICK HERE to View (29) Downloadable Research Topics PDF

• Introduction to Laboratory Technology (Medical) Project Topics: Laboratory technology in the medical field encompasses a wide range of disciplines aimed at diagnosing, monitoring, and treating diseases. Research in this field is crucial for advancing medical diagnostics and improving patient care. In this compilation, we’ll explore various project topics and research areas within laboratory technology, providing a comprehensive overview for students, researchers, and professionals alike.
• Development of Novel Diagnostic Assays: One promising research area involves the development of innovative diagnostic assays for detecting infectious diseases, genetic disorders, and cancer biomarkers. This includes exploring new biomarkers, designing sensitive detection methods, and optimizing assay protocols to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Point-of-Care Testing Devices: Point-of-care testing devices offer rapid diagnostic capabilities outside traditional laboratory settings, enabling timely interventions and improved patient outcomes. Research in this area focuses on developing portable, user-friendly devices for detecting various conditions such as diabetes, cardiac markers, and infectious diseases.
• Automation and Robotics in the Laboratory: Automation and robotics play a vital role in streamlining laboratory workflows, reducing human error, and increasing throughput. Projects in this domain may involve designing robotic platforms for sample preparation, automated liquid handling systems, and integrated data management solutions.
• Next-Generation Sequencing Technologies: Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized genomics research and personalized medicine by enabling high-throughput DNA sequencing at unprecedented speed and cost-effectiveness. Research topics in this area include improving sequencing accuracy, developing bioinformatics tools for data analysis, and exploring applications in clinical diagnostics.
• Molecular Imaging Techniques: Molecular imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allow non-invasive visualization of molecular processes in living organisms. Projects may focus on developing contrast agents, optimizing imaging protocols, and integrating molecular imaging with other diagnostic modalities.
• Biosensors and Bioelectronics: Biosensors are analytical devices that convert biological signals into measurable electrical signals, holding immense potential for medical diagnostics and monitoring. Research areas include the development of biosensor platforms, biocompatible materials, and wireless communication technologies for real-time data transmission.
• Microfluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip Systems: Microfluidic devices and lab-on-a-chip systems miniaturize laboratory processes onto a single chip, offering advantages such as reduced sample volumes, rapid analysis, and portability. Projects may involve microfabrication techniques, fluid dynamics simulations, and applications in clinical diagnostics and drug discovery.
• Immunological Assays and Immunoassay Development: Immunological assays play a crucial role in diagnosing infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer biomarkers. Research topics include optimizing immunoassay performance, exploring novel detection methods, and developing multiplexed assays for simultaneous analysis of multiple analytes.
• Biomarker Discovery and Validation: Biomarkers are measurable indicators of biological processes or disease states, holding promise for early disease detection, prognosis, and monitoring treatment response. Projects in this area focus on identifying novel biomarkers, validating their clinical utility, and translating findings into diagnostic assays.
• Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine: Pharmacogenomics examines how genetic variations influence drug response, guiding personalized treatment strategies for patients. Research may involve identifying genetic biomarkers associated with drug efficacy and adverse reactions, developing companion diagnostic tests, and integrating pharmacogenomic data into clinical decision-making.
• Quality Control and Assurance in the Laboratory: Ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of laboratory tests is essential for delivering high-quality patient care. Projects may address quality control measures, proficiency testing programs, and accreditation standards to maintain the integrity of laboratory operations.
• Biomedical Data Analytics and Machine Learning: With the proliferation of electronic health records and biomedical databases, there is growing interest in applying machine learning algorithms to analyze complex datasets and extract actionable insights. Research areas include predictive modeling, pattern recognition, and data-driven decision support systems for clinical laboratories.
• Translational Research and Clinical Trials: Translating laboratory discoveries into clinical applications requires rigorous testing through clinical trials. Research topics may involve designing clinical trial protocols, recruiting study participants, and evaluating the safety and efficacy of diagnostic tests or therapeutic interventions.
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology: Bioinformatics tools and computational models play a critical role in analyzing genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data, advancing our understanding of biological systems and disease mechanisms. Projects may focus on developing algorithms for sequence analysis, protein structure prediction, or network-based analysis of omics data.
• Biopreservation and Biobanking: Biopreservation techniques are essential for maintaining the stability and viability of biological samples stored in biobanks, supporting research in areas such as genomics, proteomics, and regenerative medicine. Research may involve optimizing storage conditions, developing cryopreservation methods, and ensuring sample traceability and quality control.
• Infectious Disease Surveillance and Epidemiology: Laboratory-based surveillance systems play a crucial role in monitoring infectious disease outbreaks, identifying emerging pathogens, and guiding public health interventions. Projects may focus on developing molecular diagnostic assays for rapid pathogen detection, genomic epidemiology studies, and modeling disease transmission dynamics.
• Stem Cell Research and Tissue Engineering: Stem cells hold immense potential for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and drug discovery applications. Research areas include stem cell isolation and characterization, differentiation protocols, and tissue engineering approaches for generating functional organs and tissues.
• Nanotechnology and Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology offers unique opportunities for targeted drug delivery, imaging, and diagnostics at the molecular scale. Research topics may involve designing nanoparticle-based contrast agents, biosensors, or therapeutics with enhanced specificity and efficacy for clinical applications.
• Proteomics and Protein Analysis: Proteomics studies aim to characterize the structure, function, and interactions of proteins within biological systems. Research areas include mass spectrometry-based proteomics, protein profiling techniques, and bioinformatics analysis of protein expression patterns in health and disease.
• Environmental Health and Toxicology: Laboratory technology plays a crucial role in assessing environmental pollutants, toxins, and their impact on human health. Research topics may include developing analytical methods for detecting environmental contaminants, biomonitoring studies, and risk assessment of exposure to hazardous substances.
• Clinical Chemistry and Biochemical Analysis: Clinical chemistry encompasses the analysis of blood, urine, and other bodily fluids to assess metabolic and physiological functions, diagnose diseases, and monitor treatment outcomes. Research areas may involve method development for measuring biomarkers, quality assurance protocols, and automation of analytical processes.
• Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Diagnostics: Medical microbiology focuses on identifying and characterizing microorganisms responsible for infectious diseases and developing strategies for their control. Research topics may include antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular typing methods, and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance.
• Cancer Diagnostics and Theranostics: Laboratory technology plays a critical role in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection through the identification of tumor biomarkers and molecular targets. Research areas include liquid biopsy techniques, imaging modalities for cancer detection, and personalized treatment strategies based on tumor molecular profiling.
• Veterinary Diagnostics and One Health Approaches: Laboratory technology is essential for diagnosing and monitoring diseases in animals, contributing to animal health, food safety, and zoonotic disease surveillance. Research may involve developing diagnostic assays for veterinary pathogens, studying disease transmission dynamics, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration through One Health initiatives.
• Regulatory Compliance and Standardization: Compliance with regulatory requirements and adherence to international standards are essential for ensuring the reliability and validity of laboratory test results. Research areas may focus on implementing quality management systems, validation of analytical methods, and harmonization of testing practices across different laboratories.
• Telemedicine and Remote Diagnostics: Telemedicine platforms enable remote consultation, monitoring, and diagnostic services, expanding access to healthcare in underserved regions or during public health emergencies. Research topics may include developing telemedicine infrastructure, validating remote diagnostic tools, and assessing their impact on patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.
• Health Informatics and Electronic Medical Records: Health informatics integrates information technology with healthcare delivery systems to improve the management, analysis, and utilization of health data. Research areas may involve developing electronic medical record systems, interoperability standards, and data analytics tools for clinical decision support and population health management.
• Health Technology Assessment and Economic Evaluation: Evaluating the cost-effectiveness and clinical utility of new medical technologies is essential for informing healthcare policy decisions and resource allocation. Research topics may include health technology assessment methodologies, economic modeling, and comparative effectiveness studies of diagnostic tests or medical interventions.
• Community-based Screening Programs: Community-based screening programs play a crucial role in early disease detection and prevention, particularly for conditions with significant public health impact. Research may involve designing screening protocols, assessing program effectiveness, and addressing barriers to participation and follow-up care in underserved populations.
• Patient Engagement and Health Literacy: Empowering patients with knowledge and skills to participate in their healthcare decisions is essential for improving health outcomes and reducing disparities. Research areas may include developing educational materials, digital health tools, and interventions to promote patient engagement, adherence to medical recommendations, and health literacy.
• Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy: Laboratory technology is advancing regenerative medicine approaches such as cell therapy, tissue engineering, and organ transplantation to restore tissue function and treat degenerative diseases. Research topics may involve optimizing cell culture techniques, characterizing stem cell populations, and overcoming immunological barriers to transplantation.
• Reproductive Health and Assisted Reproductive Technologies: Laboratory techniques play a vital role in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), preimplantation genetic testing, and sperm or egg cryopreservation. Research areas may include improving ART success rates, minimizing risks to maternal and fetal health, and addressing ethical and legal considerations.
• Mental Health Biomarkers and Neuroimaging: Laboratory technology is expanding our understanding of the biological basis of mental health disorders through the identification of biomarkers and neuroimaging studies. Research topics may involve exploring genetic, epigenetic, and proteomic markers associated with psychiatric conditions and developing imaging biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
• Mobile Health (mHealth) Applications: Mobile health applications leverage smartphones, wearables, and other mobile devices to deliver healthcare services, monitor health parameters, and promote wellness behaviors. Research areas may include developing mHealth platforms for remote monitoring of chronic diseases, adherence to medication regimens, and behavior change interventions.
• Aging Research and Geriatric Laboratory Medicine: Laboratory technology contributes to aging research by identifying biomarkers of aging, age-related diseases, and interventions to promote healthy aging. Research may involve studying molecular mechanisms underlying aging processes, biomarkers of frailty and cognitive decline, and personalized approaches to geriatric care.
• Precision Nutrition and Metabolic Profiling: Laboratory techniques are essential for assessing nutritional status, metabolic health, and personalized dietary recommendations. Research areas may include metabolic profiling using metabolomics techniques, biomarkers of nutrient deficiencies or metabolic disorders, and interventions to optimize dietary patterns for individual health outcomes.
• Wearable Health Monitoring Devices: Wearable sensors and devices enable continuous monitoring of physiological parameters, physical activity, and sleep patterns, offering insights into health and well-being. Research topics may include sensor development, data integration algorithms, and validation studies to assess the accuracy and usability of wearable health monitoring technologies.
• Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technologies: Laboratory technology plays a crucial role in developing assistive devices and rehabilitation strategies to improve functional independence and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. Research areas may include prosthetics, orthotics, mobility aids, and adaptive technologies for communication and activities of daily living.
• Interdisciplinary Collaborations and Emerging Technologies: Collaborations between laboratory scientists, clinicians, engineers, and other stakeholders drive innovation in medical diagnostics and healthcare delivery. Research may involve integrating cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, nanomaterials, and 3D printing into laboratory workflows to address unmet clinical needs and improve patient outcomes.

Final Year & Undergraduate Project Topics & Materials for Medical Laboratory Technology Students & Researchers

CLICK HERE to View (29) Downloadable Project Topics PDF

• The Role of Medical Laboratory Technologists in Disease Diagnosis
• Advances in Molecular Diagnostics: Implications for Medical Laboratory Technology
• Emerging Technologies in Clinical Microbiology
• Application of Nanotechnology in Medical Laboratory Testing
• Quality Assurance in Medical Laboratory Testing
• Point-of-Care Testing: Current Trends and Future Prospects
• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Medical Laboratory Technology
• Lab-on-a-Chip Technology in Clinical Diagnostics
• Biosensors in Medical Laboratory Testing
• Laboratory Management: Best Practices and Challenges
• Molecular Typing Techniques in Epidemiological Surveillance
• The Use of CRISPR Technology in Genetic Testing
• Next-Generation Sequencing in Clinical Laboratories
• Automation in Clinical Chemistry: Advantages and Limitations
• Lab Information Management Systems (LIMS) in Modern Laboratories
• Bioinformatics in Medical Laboratory Data Analysis
• Liquid Biopsy: A Revolutionary Approach to Cancer Diagnosis
• Comparative Analysis of Different Hematology Analyzers
• Metabolomics in Clinical Laboratory Medicine
• Role of Medical Laboratory Technologists in Transfusion Medicine
• Application of Mass Spectrometry in Clinical Chemistry
• Telemedicine and Remote Laboratory Testing
• Challenges in Implementing Total Laboratory Automation
• The Role of Medical Laboratory Technologists in Global Health
• Antibiotic Resistance Surveillance: A Role for Medical Laboratories
• Emerging Infectious Diseases: Laboratory Diagnosis and Surveillance
• Role of Medical Laboratories in Public Health Emergency Response
• Labelling and Tracking of Laboratory Samples: Ensuring Patient Safety
• Application of Digital Pathology in Diagnostic Histopathology
• Standardization of Laboratory Procedures: Importance and Challenges
• Immunohistochemistry in Cancer Diagnosis and Prognosis
• The Role of Medical Laboratories in Antimicrobial Stewardship
• Diagnostic Challenges in Rare Diseases: A Laboratory Perspective
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Autoimmune Diseases
• Hemostasis and Thrombosis Testing: Recent Advances
• Point-of-Care Molecular Diagnostics for Infectious Diseases
• Metagenomics in Clinical Microbiology
• Personalized Medicine: Implications for Laboratory Testing
• Laboratory-based Surveillance of Vector-Borne Diseases
• Labelling and Barcoding Systems in Laboratory Medicine
• The Role of Medical Laboratory Technologists in Clinical Trials
• Implementation of Lean Six Sigma in Laboratory Quality Improvement
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Viral Hepatitis: Current Practices and Challenges
• Molecular Diagnostics in Oncology: Challenges and Opportunities
• Urinalysis Automation: Advancements and Impact on Workflow
• Quality Control in Clinical Microbiology: Best Practices
• Emerging Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Disease Diagnosis
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Thyroid Disorders
• Telepathology: Remote Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
• Pre-analytical Errors in Laboratory Medicine: Prevention and Management
• Advances in Flow Cytometry Techniques for Immunophenotyping
• Diagnostic Challenges in Tropical Diseases: Focus on Laboratory Testing
• Role of Medical Laboratories in Early Detection of Diabetes
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Hemoglobinopathies
• Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in Clinical Laboratories
• Microbiome Analysis: Implications for Medical Laboratory Technology
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Pharmacogenomics: Tailoring Drug Therapy through Genetic Testing
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Fungal Infections: Current Strategies
• The Impact of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Clinical Diagnosis
• Emerging Trends in Cytogenetics for Genetic Disorders Diagnosis
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Rheumatologic Diseases
• Digital PCR: Applications in Molecular Diagnostics
• Emerging Challenges in Clinical Virology
• The Role of Medical Laboratories in Precision Medicine
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Parasitic Infections
• Clinical Laboratory Testing in Pediatric Medicine
• Integration of Laboratory Data in Electronic Health Records
• Role of Medical Laboratory Technologists in Forensic Science
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Foodborne Illnesses
• Lab-on-a-Disc Technology for Point-of-Care Testing
• Mobile Health (mHealth) Applications in Laboratory Medicine
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Respiratory Viral Infections
• Autoimmune Encephalitis: Laboratory Diagnostic Challenges
• Quality Management Systems in Medical Laboratories
• Advances in Electrochemical Sensors for Point-of-Care Testing
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Coagulation Disorders
• The Role of Medical Laboratory Technologists in Biobanking
• Digital Microscopy in Diagnostic Pathology
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Tuberculosis: Current Approaches
• Microarray Technology in Clinical Genomics
• Challenges in Implementing Molecular Diagnostics in Resource-Limited Settings
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Gastrointestinal Infections
• Implementation of ISO 15189 in Clinical Laboratories
• Role of Medical Laboratories in Monitoring Drug Therapy
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia
• Biomarkers for Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease
• Molecular Diagnostics of Pediatric Genetic Disorders
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Mycobacterial Infections
• Biosafety in the Clinical Laboratory: Best Practices
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infections
• The Role of Medical Laboratories in Cancer Biomarker Discovery
• Point-of-Care Testing for Cardiac Markers
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Zika Virus Infection
• Digital Immunohistochemistry: Advancements and Applications
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Celiac Disease
• Emerging Technologies in Urine Drug Testing
• Point-of-Care Testing for Diabetes Management
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Malaria: Current Challenges
• Microfluidics in Clinical Diagnostics
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Wilson’s Disease
• Role of Medical Laboratories in Environmental Health Monitoring
• Personalized Laboratory Testing Profiles for Disease Risk Assessment
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Lymphomas: Recent Developments
• Digital Pathology Image Analysis for Cancer Diagnosis
• Implementation of Total Quality Management in Medical Laboratories
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Prenatal Genetic Disorders
• Point-of-Care Testing for Infectious Diseases in Resource-Limited Settings
• Liquid Biopsy for Monitoring Minimal Residual Disease in Cancer
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection
• Challenges in Implementing Next-Generation Sequencing in Routine Clinical Practice
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Digital PCR for Quantitative Nucleic Acid Analysis
• Point-of-Care Testing for Monitoring Anticoagulant Therapy
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Implementation of Digital Microscopy in Telepathology
• Role of Medical Laboratories in Genetic Counseling
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Rickettsial Infections
• Point-of-Care Testing for Hepatitis B and C
• Digital Imaging in Clinical Cytology
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis
• Challenges in Implementing Laboratory Automation in Small Laboratories
• Point-of-Care Testing for Respiratory Viral Infections
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Tick-Borne Diseases
• Digital Pathology in Veterinary Diagnostics
• Role of Medical Laboratories in Health Informatics
• Point-of-Care Testing for Neonatal Screening
• Digital Pathology in Telemedicine: Opportunities and Challenges
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Prion Diseases
• Implementation of Laboratory Information Systems in Healthcare
• Point-of-Care Testing for Sepsis Biomarkers
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophies
• Digital Microscopy for Malaria Diagnosis
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Point-of-Care Testing for Influenza
• Laboratory Diagnosis of von Willebrand Disease
• Digital Pathology in Dermatopathology
• Role of Medical Laboratories in Pharmacovigilance
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Hereditary Hemochromatosis
• Point-of-Care Testing for Troponin in Acute Coronary Syndromes
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders
• Digital Imaging in FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization)
• Implementation of Laboratory Accreditation Programs
• Point-of-Care Testing for Thyroid Function
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
• Digital Pathology in Neuropathology
• Role of Medical Laboratories in Environmental Monitoring of Heavy Metals
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Gaucher Disease
• Point-of-Care Testing for Glucose Monitoring in Diabetes
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Polycystic Kidney Disease
• Implementation of Point-of-Care Testing in Emergency Departments
• Digital Microscopy in Parasitology
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Gastric Cancer
• Point-of-Care Testing for HbA1c in Diabetes Management
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Pompe Disease
• Digital Pathology in Gynecologic Pathology
• Role of Medical Laboratories in Occupational Health Screening
• Laboratory Diagnosis of Hereditary Angioedema
• Point-of-Care Testing for Procalcitonin in Sepsis Management

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Medical Lab Science and Tech

Medical lab science and tech research papers/topics, covid 19 – history and scientific progress in treatment.

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a highly transmittable and pathogenic viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which emerged in Wuhan, China and spread around the world. Genomic analysis revealed that SARS-CoV-2 is phylogenetically related to severe acute respiratory syndrome-like (SARS-like) bat viruses, therefore bats could be the possible primary reservoir. The intermediate source of origin and transfer to humans is not known, howeve...

PRODUCTION OF LIQUID SOAP USING LEMONGRASS AS FRAGRANCE

ABSTRACT Lemon grass (Cymbogon citratus) is an abundant, locally available plant. In this work, essential oil was extracted from it using solvent extraction method.  In this work two methods of extraction was used, solvent extraction and enfleurage methods were used to extract essential oil from lemongrass. Solvent extraction method yielded 2.08% and effleurage method yielded 1.96% essential oil respectively. From the analysis solvent extraction gave the highest yield because of the less e...

A Feasibility Study on the Production of Yogurt

ABSTRACT This project work titled “A feasibility study on the production of yogurt” a case study of Fan Milk Nigeria Plc, Oregun – Ikeja has been written to p-rovide an intensive knowledge of the practical aspect of producing yogurts in addition to the theories which involves the economical and nutritional benefits of yogurts already learnt by the researchers. This study will look into the production processes with Fan Milk Nigeria Plc, Oregun – Ikeja. The coverage of the subject ma...

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Trichuris trichiura among Patients Attending Health Care at AL-Shifa Health Centre in Yaqshid, District

ABSTRACT Trichuris trichiura, also known as the human whipworm, is a roundworm that causes trichuriasis in humans. It is referred to as the whipworm because it looks like a whip with wide handles at the posterior end. The main objective of this study was to determine prevalence and risk factors associated with Trichuris trichiura among patients attending health care at AL-Shifa Health Center in Yaqshid, District. During this study, 100 stool samples were examined, which were collected from pa...

Unlocking the Spectrum: A Comprehensive Overview of Spectrometry

ABSTRACT Spectrophotometry is a powerful analytical technique that plays a pivotal role in various scientific disciplines, including medicine, chemistry, biology, physics, and environmental science. This seminar presentation offers a comprehensive overview of spectrophotometry, exploring its fundamental principles, applications, and technological advancements in various sectors. The presentation begins by delving into the basic principles of spectrophotometry, elucidating the interaction of...

Effects of Botanicals and Biocontrol Agents on Growth and Aflatoxin Production by Aspergillus Flavus Infecting Maize in Some Parts of Nigeria

ABSTRACT In a comprehensive study to assess the effects of botanicals and biocontrol agents on growth and aflatoxin (AF) production by Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) infecting maize, a total of 1143 maize samples, collected in eighteen batches of five maize varieties (yellow, white, pop, variegated and mixed) from northern and southern parts of Nigeria were investigated between June 2011 to December 2013. Samples collected from field, 414 (36.2%) and stored batches, 729 (63.8%) were cultured...

The Effect of Ocimum Tenuiflorum (Nchuanwu) Leaf Extract on Hematolgical Parameters of Immumnosuppressed Albino Rats.

ABSTRACT The effect of Ocimum tenuiflorum on hematological parameters in immunosuppressed albino rats was investigated in this study. The aqueous (AE) and methanol extract (ME) of the leaf were obtained. Acute toxicity study was done to determine the LD50 of the leaf extract. Rats of mixed sexes, aged 2- 3months, weighing 150 to 240 grams were used. The rats were divided into 8 groups A-H of four rats each. Group A served as normal control. Immunesuppression was induced using 3mg/kg bodyweig...

Relationship between Microalbuminuria and Ischemic Heart Diseases

Serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines, haptoglobin in children of various abo blood group and heamoglobin-genotype with p. falciparaum malaria in nnewi, nigeria.

ABSTRACT Malaria is characterized by marked changes in cytokine production from immune responses to infection (Jurgen, 2007). Genetics influences these variations in cytokine expression and ABO blood group and haemoglobin phenotype are genetic expressions (Deepa et al, 2011). Acute phase proteins may also be involved in cytokine induced replication of inflammatory processes (Warren (2010). This case controlled study involving children with plasmodium falciparum malaria (PFM) in Nnewi, Nigeri...

Assessment of Sensitivity and Specifity Immunochromatograophy Test And ELISA for detecting Human Immunodeficiency Virus Antibodies among Screening Patients in Khartoum State

Abstract  Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( HIV) is global and serious problem , with increase in mortality and morbidity worldwide. This was prospective , descriptive and cross sectional study aimed to assess the level of HIV Ab using the ICT and ELISA for detecting Ab and Ag (p24) .It was conducted among Screening patient in Khartoum state (National Public Health Laboratory) from 1 April to 30 June (2015) on a total of eighty nine (n=89)to compare the sensitivity and specificity of immunochro...

Measurement of Complete Blood Count (CBC) in alcohol consumer – Khartoum 2014

Abstract This is a prospective case control study to investigate the effect of alcohol consumption on complete blood count (CBC) of alcohol consumers in Khartoum State from April to July 2014.The participants were 80 apparently healthy adult males; 50 of them are alcohol consumers and 30 are non-alcoholic (control).Their age was (41 ±7.3years).A questionnaire was constructed to obtain information about the participants after an informed verbal consent from all the participants. Ethical appr...

Molecular Basis of Immunological Dysfunction in People Living with HIV and AIDS in Enugu, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Molecular basis of immunological dysfunction in people living with HIV and AIDS was studied among HIV-positive people attending clinics at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, Annunciation Specialist Hospital Emene, Mother of Christ Specialist Hospital and Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, all in Enugu metropolis. A total of 90 subjects recruited for the study were divided into three groups: 30 diagnostically positive HIV subjects (A), 30 HIV-positive sub...

Analysis of Heavy Metals in Pleurotus Tuberregium Sclerotia,Toxicity in Blood, Bone Marrow and Some Selected Organs of Albino Rats

ABSTRACT Pleurotus tuberregium is a common mushroom which is used as food or medicine, more commonly as a vegetable soup thickener. This study investigated the presence of heavy metals in wild samples of pleurotus tuberregium sclerotia consumed within our localities, compared the degree of heavy metal contamination of the samples, investigated the presence of heavy metals in the serum of albino rats due to its consumption and the effects of its consumption on blood, bone marrow, liver and kid...

Potential for the Prediction of Prostate Cancer Risk Using Haplotypes in Exon 5 of Klk2 Gene

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is the most common neoplasia of middle aged men .Early detection is problematic due to the lack of marker that has high sensitivity and specificity. Our aim was to genetically predict the possibility of developing prostate cancer using haplotypes in exon 5 of kLk2 gene. We evaluated polymorphisms in human glandular kallikreins 2 (KLK2) genes because a protein product of this gene is known to be increased in prostate cancer. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Blood samp...

ABH Prevalence, Cd4 and Cd8 Levels in Secretors and Non-Secretors of ABH Antigens Among HIV Positive Individuals in Abakaliki Area of South-East Nigeria.

ABSTRACT Sixty(60)patients (31 males and 29 females) with Human immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease attending Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital (EBSUTH) Abakaliki were used for the study. Sixty (60) age and sex matched apparently healthy individuals(34 males and 26 females) who were screened three months prior to study and then rescreened immediately the study started, served as the control group. Secretor status of the groups (test and control) were determined, using neutralization ...

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Kovach, Alison A. "Challenges of Medical Laboratory Science and Medical Laboratory Technology Program Directors." Youngstown State University / OhioLINK, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ysu1433424508.

Kirby, Beverly A. "The future of clinical laboratory science a Delphi study /." Morgantown, W. Va. : [West Virginia University Libraries], 2007. https://eidr.wvu.edu/etd/documentdata.eTD?documentid=5424.

Lambrick, Maureen. "Prophylaxis against adenovirus pneumonia : a laboratory investigation." Thesis, Cape Technikon, 1991. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/1500.

Lindor, Anna, and Evelina Pettersson. "The prevalence of hypertension in young medical students in Vietnam." Thesis, Hälsohögskolan, Högskolan i Jönköping, HHJ. Biomedicinsk plattform, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-40485.

Truvé, Malin, and Johanna Kilegran. "New applications of Antrad Medical's thawing technology : Applications within the clinical and laboratory segment." Thesis, KTH, Skolan för teknik och hälsa (STH), 2016. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-190778.

Sultan, Ahmad Hasane. "Prediction of medical technologists' scores on the MT (ASCP) certification examinations." Diss., This resource online, 1992. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-07282008-134142/.

Jalkanen, Ville. "Resonance sensor technology for detection of prostate cancer." Licentiate thesis, Umeå : Tillämpad fysik och elektronik, Umeå univ, 2006. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-896.

Bjällmark, Anna. "New ultrasonographic approaches to monitoring cardiac and vascular function." Doctoral thesis, KTH, Medicinsk teknik, 2009. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-11760.

Latorre, Malcolm. "The Physical Axon : Modeling, Simulation and Electrode Evaluation." Doctoral thesis, Linköpings universitet, Avdelningen för medicinsk teknik, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-138587.

Rahimi, Bahol. "Implementation of Health Information Systems." Licentiate thesis, Linköping University, Linköping University, MDA - Human Computer Interfaces, 2008. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-15677.

Healthcare organizations now consider increased efficiency, reduced costs, improved patient care and quality of services, and safety when they are planning to implement new information and communication technology (ICT) based applications. However, in spite of enormous investment in health information systems (HIS), no convincing evidence of the overall benefits of HISs yet exists. The publishing of studies that capture the effects of the implementation and use of ICT-based applications in healthcare may contribute to the emergence of an evidence-based health informatics which can be used as a platform for decisions made by policy makers, executives, and clinicians. Health informatics needs further studies identifying the factors affecting successful HIS implementation and capturing the effects of HIS implementation. The purpose of the work presented in this thesis is to increase the available knowledge about the impact of the implementation and use of HISs in healthcare organizations. All the studies included in this thesis used qualitative research methods. A case study design and literature review were performed to collect data.

This thesis’s results highlight an increasing need to share knowledge, find methods to evaluate the impact of investments, and formulate indicators for success. It makes suggestions for developing or extending evaluation methods that can be applied to this area with a multi-actor perspective in order to understand the effects, consequences, and prerequisites that have to be achieved for the successful implementation and use of IT in healthcare. The results also propose that HIS, particularly integrated computer-based patient records (ICPR), be introduced to fulfill a high number of organizational, individualbased, and socio-technical goals at different levels. It is therefore necessary to link the goals that HIS systems are to fulfill in relation to short-term, middle-term, and long-term strategic goals. Another suggestion is that implementers and vendors should direct more attention to what has been published in the area to avoid future failures.

This thesis’s findings outline an updated structure for implementation planning. When implementing HISs in hospital and primary-care environments, this thesis suggests that such strategic actions as management involvement and resource allocation, such tactical action as integrating HIS with healthcare workflow, and such operational actions as user involvement, establishing compatibility between software and hardware, and education and training should be taken into consideration.

Chigudu, Kumbirai. "Design of a prototype mobile application interface for efficient accessing of electronic laboratory results by health clinicians." Thesis, University of Cape Town, 2018. http://pubs.cs.uct.ac.za/archive/00001267/.

Freiberger, Manuel. "A time domain optical coherence tomograph for laboratory investigations on phantoms and human skin." Thesis, Linköping University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 2005. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-3852.

Optical coherence tomography is an imaging modality with an outstanding resolution. During the project, a time domain OCT system based on a Michelson fibre interferometer was implemented and put into operation. A super-luminescent diode with a centre wavelength of 1295nm and a bandwidth of 45nm was selected as light source and a linear variable delay line as reference. Basic tests were made on phantoms constructed of filter foils and on gel-like agar slices with optical properties similar to human tissue. It was shown that the achievable resolution was at least 36um and can be increased. The system can easily be enhanced to create two-dimensional images.

Optische Kohärenztomographie ist ein bildgebendes Verfahren mit einer hervorragenden räumlichen Auflösung. Im Laufe des Projekts wurde ein OCT-System basierend auf einem faseroptischen Michelson-Interferometer implementiert und in Betrieb genommen. Als Lichtquelle wurde eine Superlumineszenzdiode mit einer Mittenwellenlänge von 1295nm und einer Bandbreite von 45nm gewählt. Eine variable optische Verzögerungsleitung diente als Referenz. Erste Messungen an Filterfolien und gelähnlichen Agarphantomen, die die optischen Eigenschaften von menschlichem Gewebe nachbildeten, lieferten eine räumliche Auflösung von mindestens 36um. Durch die modulare Bauweise ist das System leicht für zweidimensionale Aufnahmen erweiterbar.

Levin, Nadine S. "Enacting molecular complexity : data and health in the metabonomics laboratory." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2013. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:3a439abb-e010-404a-af90-ffa547acc59f.

Seliskar, Daniel Peter. "Capacitance-based microvolume liquid-level sensor array." Thesis, McGill University, 2006. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=100243.

Boltshauser, Rasmus. "Development of a Novel Device for Optimal Sample Blood Volume Collection from Patients with Sepsis." Thesis, KTH, Medicinteknik och hälsosystem, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-279133.

Forsgren, Mikael. "The Non-Invasive Liver Biopsy : Determining Hepatic Function in Diffuse and Focal LiverDisease." Doctoral thesis, Linköpings universitet, Avdelningen för radiologiska vetenskaper, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-136545.

Forsyth, Rowena Public Health &amp Community Medicine Faculty of Medicine UNSW. "Tricky technology, troubled tribes: a video ethnographic study of the impact of information technology on health care professionals??? practices and relationships." Awarded by:University of New South Wales. School of Public Health and Community Medicine, 2006. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/30175.

Kenny, Catherine J. "Meta-Analysis of Entrance Standards for Undergraduate Nursing and Selected Allied Health Programs." Kent State University / OhioLINK, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1284583045.

Zajac, Jakub. "Assessment of Ventricular Function in Normal and Failing Hearts Using 4D Flow CMR." Doctoral thesis, Linköpings universitet, Avdelningen för kardiovaskulär medicin, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-141006.

Lundström, Jonathan, and Joel Skagersten. "Optimering samt implementering av Harts automatiserade färgningsmetod : Ersättning av Verhoeffs manuella elastinfärgning." Thesis, Jönköping University, HHJ, Avd. för naturvetenskap och biomedicin, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-52932.

Etcheverry, Cabrera Sebastian. "Advanced all-fiber optofluidic devices." Doctoral thesis, KTH, Laserfysik, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-215938.

QC 20171018

Dussauge, Isabelle. "Technomedical Visions : Magnetic Resonance Imaging in 1980s Sweden." Doctoral thesis, Stockholm : Filosofi och teknikhistoria, Philosophy and the History of Technology, Kungliga Teknsika högskolan, 2008. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-4671.

Lindblad, Erik. "Designing a framework for simulating radiology information systems." Thesis, Linköping University, Department of Computer and Information Science, 2008. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-15211.

In this thesis, a very flexible framework for simulating RIS is designed to beused for Infobroker testing. Infobroker is an application developed by MawellSvenska AB that connects RIS and PACS to achieve interoperability by enablingimage and journal data transmission between radiology sites. To put the project in context, the field of medical informatics, RIS and PACS systems and common protocols and standards are explored. A proof-of-concept implementation of the proposed design shows its potential and verifies that it works. The thesis concludes that a more specialized approach is preferred.

Ekelund, Emil. "LactateStat: Wearable Electronics and Software for Real-Time Lactate Monitoring in Sweat." Thesis, KTH, Medicinteknik och hälsosystem, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-297538.

Larsson, Madeleine. "When The Sentinels Fall: Macrophage Cell Death Response to GAS Infection." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för medicinsk biokemi och mikrobiologi, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-348681.

Punter, Villagrasa Jaime. "Bioimpedance monitoring system for pervasive biomedical applications." Doctoral thesis, Universitat de Barcelona, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/396086.

Moral, Zamora Beatriz del. "Bioimpedance & dielectrophoresis instrumentation equipments for living cells manipulation and monitoring." Doctoral thesis, Universitat de Barcelona, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/395178.

Jäder, Klara. "Optimization of a multiplex ARMS-PCR for detection of the primary mutations causing Leber’s hereditary optic neuropath." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för kvinnors och barns hälsa, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-413665.

Persson, Anders. "Platform development of body area network for gait symmetry analysis using IMU and UWB technology." Thesis, Mälardalens högskola, Akademin för innovation, design och teknik, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:mdh:diva-39498.

Korkis, Layal. "Nanoparticles’ effect in an in vitro whole blood model." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för immunologi, genetik och patologi, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-392201.

Kurt, Nour, and Jonna Sohlé. "Jämförelse mellan Grocotts manuella och automatiserade färgningsmetod." Thesis, Hälsohögskolan, Högskolan i Jönköping, HHJ, Avd. för naturvetenskap och biomedicin, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-36077.

Galoro, César Alex de Oliveira. "A aplicação da técnica de referenciação (benchmarking) em serviços de medicina laboratorial." Universidade de São Paulo, 2008. http://www.teses.usp.br/teses/disponiveis/5/5144/tde-19112008-171740/.

Åstrand, Bengt. "ePrescribing : Studies in Pharmacoinformatics." Doctoral thesis, Högskolan i Kalmar, Naturvetenskapliga institutionen, 2007. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hik:diva-32.

Cros, Olivier. "Structural properties of the mastoid using image analysis and visualization." Doctoral thesis, Linköpings universitet, Institutionen för medicinsk teknik, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-137288.

Segervald, Jonas. "Fabrication and Optimization of a Nanoplasmonic Chip for Diagnostics." Thesis, Umeå universitet, Institutionen för fysik, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-163998.

Svensson, Adrian. "En jämförelse av olika covid-19 vaccin." Thesis, Malmö universitet, Fakulteten för hälsa och samhälle (HS), 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-44521.

Landin, Linnéa. "Är genterapi medierad av adenoassocierat virus en effektiv och säker behandling mot hemofili A och B ur ett långsiktigt perspektiv? : En systematisk litteraturstudie." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för kemi och biomedicin (KOB), 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-98996.

Hedlund, Niclas. "Tyst kunskap och produktdatasystem vid medicinteknisk tillverkning : Pilotstudie av system för produktdatahantering och kartläggning av den tysta kunskapen vid Nationellt respirationscetrum, NRC." Thesis, Uppsala University, Department of Information Technology, 2009. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-126753.

This thesis looks at two sides of the same coin: how to support the production and future development at a specialist medical technology department at Danderyd Hospital. The two sides are; a pilot study of a product management system (PDM) and an interview based study on the characteristics of the silent knowledge of the technicians. The department (National respiratory centre, NRC) is facing retirement of several key employees.

The technical study shows that the success of an implementation is largely dependent on the users’ prior knowledge and use of a 3D Computer aided design system (CAD).The system itself is shown to fulfill the Lifecycle requirement of tracking the products (mostly tracheostomy tubes) but without a CAD centered workflow, some substantial education and preferably some new recruits, an implementation of the PDM system will fail. The author recommends development of the current “low-tech” system of MS Excel and Access rather than redistribute the dependency from technician towards a complex, commercial software and its vendor.

The analysis of the technicians’ silent knowledge with the newly developed method, epithet for silent knowledge (ETK), shows that the longer employment time:

• the more differentiated technicians become in describing their work,
• practical knowledge are regarded higher and
• the social and collective problem solving factors of the work becomes more important.

Typically, it is shown that a new employee should preferably enjoy problem solving, being pragmatic and social as well as having some prior education or work experience in a CAD and/or a PDM system.

Senkowski, Wojciech. "High-throughput screening using multicellular tumor spheroids to reveal and exploit tumor-specific vulnerabilities." Doctoral thesis, Uppsala universitet, Cancerfarmakologi och beräkningsmedicin, 2017. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-320598.

Nyepetsi, Naledi Gape. "Effects of dietary Garcinia kola supplementation and oxidative stress in isolated perfused rat hearts." Thesis, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11838/1458.

Khashayar, Mahdavisabet. "Påverkan på PK(INR)-värdet efter olika preanalytiska behandlingar i venöst humanblod." Thesis, Högskolan Kristianstad, Sektionen för lärande och miljö, 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hkr:diva-15316.

Winchester, Carolyn Margaret. "Medical laboratory technology in the Republic of South Africa : beyond 2000." Thesis, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/10321/1807.

York, Meredith Michelle. "An instructional guide and model website for the development of a medical research laboratory website." 2004. http://edissertations.library.swmed.edu/pdf/YorkM121504/YorkMeredith.pdf.

Baruth, Melini. "Assessment of technical competence of candidates within a clinical pathology discipline." Thesis, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10321/2573.

Suciu, Pascalina. "The Co-Strategy Process: introducing technology through interdisciplinary collaboration, so it meets biology in society : A case study regarding the path of Robot-Assisted-Rehabilitation from laboratory to patients in Sweden." Thesis, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-388622.

Nilsson, Linda. "Quality Management and process development from scratch: Improving laboratory capabilities in Assam, India." Thesis, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-393548.

New Science and Medical Research Hub Opens in Atlanta

Georgia Institute of Technology and the Trammell Crow Company are transforming Atlanta’s booming skyline with the launch of the first phase of Science Square, a pioneering mixed-use development dedicated to biological sciences and medical research and the technology to advance those fields. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for April 25. 

“The opening of Science Square’s first phase represents one of the most exciting developments to come to Atlanta in recent years,” said Ángel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech. “The greatest advances in innovation often emerge from dense technological ecosystems, and Science Square provides our city with its first biomedical research district, which will help innovators develop and scale their ideas into marketable solutions.” 

Science Square’s first phase includes Science Square Labs, a 13-story purpose-built tower with state-of-the-art infrastructure to accommodate wet and dry labs and clean room space. To promote overall energy efficiency as well as sustainability, the complex houses a massive 38,000-square-foot solar panel. The solar panel system is in addition to an energy recovery system that extracts energy from the building’s exhaust air and returns it to the building’s HVAC system, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Electrochromic windows, which tint during the day to block ultraviolet rays and steady the temperature while also controlling the environment — key in research labs — are also featured throughout the building.   

Equipped with technologically advanced amenities and infrastructure, Science Square Labs serves as a nexus for groundbreaking research, enabling collaboration between academia, industry, and startup ventures. Portal Innovations, a company specializing in life sciences venture development, is among the first tenants to establish operations at Science Square, as Atlanta takes center stage as the country’s top city for research and development employment growth. 

The opening of the complex’s first phase, just south of Georgia Tech’s campus and totaling 18 acres, also features retail space and The Grace Residences developed by High Street Residential, TCC's residential subsidiary. The 280-unit multifamily tower, already welcoming tenants, is named in honor of renowned Atlanta leader and Georgia State Representative Grace Towns Hamilton who spent many years championing this community.

Beyond its scientific endeavors, Science Square embodies Georgia Tech’s commitment to uplifting the local community. By collaborating with organizations like Westside Works, Science Square aims to empower residents through targeted workforce development initiatives and economic opportunities.  

“This mixed-use development adds immense value to Atlanta’s west side and will lead the development of pioneering medical advances with the power to improve and save lives,” President Cabrera added.  

Angela Barajas Prendiville

Director, Media Relations

Georgia Institute of Technology  

Ayana Isles

Senior Media Relations Representative  

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April 29, 2024

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Plant science research paves the way for deeper understanding of how the plant immune system functions

by Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

Researchers in the laboratory of Tessa Burch-Smith, Ph.D. at the Danforth Plant Science Center and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, are conducting pioneering work to discover how plants transmit information, important molecules, and viruses between cells.

In a recent study they demonstrated how plasmodesmata (PD)—structures that connect neighboring cells in leaves and other organs—are controlled by deposition of callose (a carbohydrate polymer) when plants are responding to infection. Their research compared different methods to rigorously quantify callose accumulation around the microscopic PD channels and paves the way for a deeper understanding of how the plant immune system works.

Results of their study were recently published in "Comparing methods for detection and quantification of plasmodesmal callose in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves," in the journal Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions ..

Callose, a polymer made of glucose molecules, is essential for regulating intercellular trafficking via plasmodesmata (PD). Pathogens manipulate PD-localized proteins to enable intercellular trafficking by removing callose at PD or, conversely, by increasing callose accumulation at PD to limit intercellular trafficking during infection.

Plant defense hormones like salicylic acid regulate PD-localized proteins to control PD and intercellular trafficking during immune defense responses such as systemic acquired resistance.

Measuring callose deposition at PD in plants has emerged as a popular way to assess the likely trafficking of molecules between cells during plant immunity. Despite the popularity of this metric, there is no standard for how these measurements should be made.

First Author Amie Sankoh, Ph.D., and her undergraduate colleague, Joseph Adjei, compared three commonly used methods for identifying and quantifying PD callose by aniline blue staining and evaluated to determine the most effective in the leaf model. Both Amie and Joseph are Deaf and communicate primarily via American Sign Language.

Their results revealed that the most reliable method used aniline blue staining and fluorescent microscopy to measure callose deposition in fixed tissue. Manual or semi-automated workflows for image analysis were also compared and found to produce similar results, although the semi-automated workflow produced a wider distribution of data points.

"We were surprised at how different the reliability of the different methods for detecting callose could be. We think this work will greatly improve consistency in experiments across labs," said Dr. Sankoh.

This study relied on the Advanced Bioimaging Laboratory at the Danforth Center. The team plans to use the identified protocol and analysis to investigate how callose levels at PD change over the course of infection with various hormones. Such studies could identify important times at which PD could be manipulated to disrupt the infection process and prevent plant disease.

Journal information: Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions

Provided by Donald Danforth Plant Science Center

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