Behind every diagnosis, treatment, and cure, there’s a team of unsung heroes working tirelessly in the laboratory. I am Toshiba Channer-Wallen, a very proud medical technologist working at the Sickle Cell Unit (SCU), Caribbean Institute for Health Research (CAIHR), UWI.

Saluting my fellow Laboratory Scientists!!!
Medical Laboratory Professionals Week is an annual celebration to highlight and show appreciation for laboratory professionals.

For this week’s celebration, April 20-26, 2025, under the theme “Mystery Machine of Diagnostics: Another Case Solved by the Lab”, I want to endorse my profession and give a tap on the shoulder for the magnificent contribution to the healthcare system. A very special shout out to my lovely, joyful, efficient and dedicated co-workers at the Caribbean Institute for Health Research (CAIHR), Pathology and Microbiology, at the University of the West Indies (UWI).

Who are Medical Technologist?
Medical technologists are highly trained, highly skilled laboratory scientists who test and analyse blood, body fluids and tissues to help physicians diagnose and treat various diseases.
These professionals play an important role in the Healthcare System and you may also recognize them worldwide as medical laboratory scientists (MLS) or clinical laboratory scientists.
Their primary responsibilities include:

Laboratory Testing
1. Conducting complex tests on blood, tissue, and other bodily fluids to help diagnose and monitor diseases.
2. Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, such as microscopes, spectrophotometers, and analyzers.

Data Analysis
1. Analyzing test results to identify patterns, trends, and abnormalities.
2. Interpreting data to provide critical information to healthcare providers.

Quality Control
1. Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of laboratory test results.
2. Implementing quality control measures to maintain laboratory standards.

Collaboration
1. Working with healthcare providers to provide critical information for patient diagnosis and treatment.
2. Collaborating with other laboratory professionals to share knowledge and best practices.

Medical Technology Disciplines
There are six main disciplines in Medical Technology:
– Microbiology: (Microorganisms, primarily bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi are studied, to aid in diagnosis and treatment of different infections on and throughout the body, food and our environment.

– Haematology: (The study of blood and its disorders. Blood cells are quantified and analysed to aid in the diagnosis of various disorders including anemias, infections, haemoglobinopathies as well as complications as a result of chemotherapy or transfusions.)

– Immunohematology (Blood Banking): Blood and its components are screened, typed and separated, as well as blood group antigens and antibodies are identified to ensure safe and compatible units are available for Transfusion Practices.

– Chemistry: In this field, chemical components in blood and urine are analysed using various testing procedures. Components/analytes include electrolytes, glucose, enzymes, hormones, lipids, proteins, toxicology etc.

– Histology: This area focuses on the study and diagnosis of diseases relating to body tissues, such as epithelial, connective, muscle and nervous tissue.

– Cytology: this field examines body cells under a microscope for abnormalities (such as cancer).

With my skills I saved lives
As a medical technologist, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing many rewarding moments, but one that stands out in particular was when I helped find phenotypically identical blood for a sickle cell patient who had become allo-immunized due to multiple blood transfusions.

The patient, of Indian descent, lacked the little c antigen, which made it extremely challenging to find a matching unit of packed red cells. The difficulty lay in the fact that approximately 93 per cent of the black population is little c positive, making it a rare find.

To overcome this hurdle, I took an unconventional approach. I would often stop random individuals of Indian descent on the hospital compound and explain the situation, hoping to find a match. It was a long shot, but my persistence paid off.

Through this effort, I was able to find phenotypically matched donors, which was a huge success. Providing matched blood for this patient was crucial, as it would help prevent further complications and ensure the best possible outcome.

This experience not only showcased the importance of my role as a medical technologist but also highlighted the impact that determination and creative problem-solving can have on patient care. It was a truly fulfilling moment, knowing that my work had made a tangible difference in someone’s life.

A Message of Appreciation

To all medical technologists and other laboratory professionals, I salute you all for your tireless efforts, your commitment to excellence, and your passion for delivering high-quality patient care. Your work may often go unnoticed, but its impact is felt throughout the healthcare system.

Thank you for being the unseen heroes of healthcare!