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UNIT 1 - Principles of Medical Laboratory Science

BS Medical Technology (Cagayan State University)

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Unit 1:

HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY PROFESSION

Introduction

The Medical Technology Profession has gone tremendous changes and improvements over the
years. These developments have been very essential and beneficial in the Health Care delivery
system.
There are four stages in the historical development of Medical Technology. The earliest stage
begun in 460 BC, followed by the formulation of the Apothecaries Act of 1815, the modern onset
of the Medical technology in the United States in 1871, and the establishment of clinical laboratory
and medical technology course in the Philippines. Evidently, Medical Technology is still
progressing along with new advancements and discoveries in the field of Science and Technology.
Now and in the future, trends in Medical Technology practices will help meet the demand of the
times by enabling the introduction of more techniques in treating, diagnosing, preventing, and
controlling infectious diseases in a steadfast and comprehensive manner.
The two most important priorities of medical technology are future challenges in the roles and
contributions of medical laboratory technology, and the effort to address gaps and shortcomings
in the field of Medical Technology

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Discuss the history of medical technology on a global context.

2. Discuss the history of medical technology in the United States.
3. Discuss the history of medical technology in the Philippines.
4. Identify important personalities that played a significant role in the progress of medical
technology profession.
5. Discuss the historical milestones in Medical Technology

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Presentation of Contents

History of Medical Technology on a global context

The evolution of medical technology can be traced to the understanding of the concept of
diseases and infections during ancient times. In 460 BC, Greek physician Hippocrates, regarded
as the founder of scientific medicine, determined the correlation between anatomical and chemical
laboratory findings and the causes of diseases. He adopted the triad of regimen in treating diseases
and infection with the use of drugs, surgery, and bloodletting.
As early as 1550 BC, Vivian Herrick determined that intestinal parasitic infection was
caused by Ascaris lumbricoides and the Taenia species. This was published in a book by Ebers
Papyrus , which describes the treatment of hookworm disease and infection transmissible in
humans. In the same year, Anenzoa, an Arabian physician, also proved that the etiological agent
of skin diseases, such as scabies, is parasites.
During the medieval period (1098-1438), urinalysis became commonplace and was a
practice that was followed with exaggerated zeal. During that period, some doctors of dubious
credentials in the Indian subcontinent recorded several observations on the urine of some patients.
They determined that the urine of certain patients that attracted ants had a sweet taste. This
information was criticized by some medical professionals and was even mentioned in the book
authored by Ruth Williams, entitled An Introduction to the Profession of Medical Technology.
In the 14th century, Anna Fagelson strongly confirmed the beginnings of medical
technology when she correlated the cause of death of Alexander Gillani, a laboratory worker in
the University of Bologna, to laboratory-acquired infection.
The 17th century witnessed, with the invention of the first functional crude microscope by
Anton Van Leeuwenhoek, rapid advancements in discoveries. Van Leeuwenhoek was the first
scientist to observe and describe the appearance of red blood cells, and to differentiate bacteria
based on their shape.

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE 18TH CENTURY

In the 18th century, medical practitioners in North Africa and Southern Europe received
classical medical education. According to them, there are four basic humors and the state of
balance between these humors can be correlated with the healthy condition of the human body,
and the state of unbalance can be diagnosed by means of urine examination. The four humors are
blood, phlegm, black bile and yellow bile.

Between 1821 and 1902, Rudolf Virchow was recognized as the father of microscopic
pathology. He was the first scientist/physician of the time who emphasized the study of the

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manifestation of diseases and infections, which are visible at the cellular level by means of a
microscope.
In the process of evaluating disease and infections, Dr. Calvin Ellis, a microscopist, was
the first to utilize the microscope in examining specimens at the Massachusetts General Hospital.
On the other hand, it was Dr. William Occam who used laboratory findings as preliminary
evidence in diagnosing and evaluating a patient's disease.
The function of medical technology has become explicitly apparent when the Apothecaries
Act of 1815 intervened and paved the way for an uphaul of medical treatment based on laboratory
findings. This Act was initiated by Baron Karl Von Humbeldt, who formally used laboratory
findings in the treatment of diseases and infection. The Apothecaries Act 1815 was formulated to
better regulate the practice of apothecaries throughout England and Wales. The Act introduced
compulsory apprenticeship and formal qualifications for apothecaries (in modern terms, general
practitioners) under the license of the Society of Apothecaries. It was the beginning of regulation
of the medical profession in the United Kingdom. The Act required instruction in anatomy, botany,
chemistry, material medical, and “physic," in addition to six months of practical working
experience in a hospital.

HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE UNITED STATES

Advances in scientific knowledge in the field of medicine were applicable to both medical
practice and medical education in Europe and America. In the United States, medical education
underwent much needed reforms.

 Dr. William H. Welch

 In1885, Dr. Welch became the first professor of Pathology at John Hopkins
University
 *The first clinical laboratory was opened in 1896 at the John Hopkins Hospital by
Dr. William Osler.
 * A clinical laboratory was also opened at the University of Pennsylvania in 1896.
(William Pepper Laboratory)
 Dr. James C. Todd
 Wrote “A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis”
 Retitled “Clinical Diagnosis by Laboratory Methods” in the 19th edition
 1900: Census
 100 technicians, all male were employed in the United states
 1915

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 The state legislature of Pennsylvania enacted a law requiring all hospitals and
institutions to have an adequate laboratory and to employ a full-time laboratory
technician
 1920
 Increased to 3,500
 1922
 3035 hospitals had clinical laboratories
 World War I
 Was an important factor in the growth of the clinical laboratory and produced a
great demand for technicians
 University of Minnesota
 Where one of the first schools for training workers was established
 A course bulletin was entitled “Courses in Medical Technology for Clinical and
Laboratory Technicians” (1922)
 1921
 The Denver Society of Clinical Pathologists was organized
 1923
 University of Minnesota was the first to offer level program
 World War II
 The use of blood increased and the “close system” of blood collection was widely
adopted
 Laboratory medicine certainly moved into an era of sophistication

HISTORY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES

Medical Technology in the Philippines post-World War II

At the end of World War II, the first clinical laboratory in the Philippines was built and
established on Quiricada Street, Sta. CruzManila (where the public health laboratory is presently
located) by the 26th Medical Laboratory of the 6th US Army.
In February 1944, it provided one year of training to high school graduates to work as
laboratory technicians. In June 1945, the staff of the 6th US Army left the facility after endorsing
the newly established Clinical Laboratory to the National Department of Health. However, its

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laboratory facilities were not fully utilized and later, it stopped being used because the science was
not popular during those days.
Dr. Pio de Roda, a Filipino doctor who was a dislocated staff of the 26th Medical
Laboratory and a well-known bacteriologist, preserved the remains of the laboratory with the help
of Dr. Mariano Icasiano, the first City Health Officer of Manila. On October 1, 1945, the preserved
laboratory was formally re-established by Dr. Pio de Roda with the help of Dr. Prudencio Sta. Ana.
They offered free training to most trainees who were high school graduates and paramedical
graduates. With no specific duration of training and no certification, the training lasted from a
week to a month. In 1954, Dr. Pio de Roda instructed Dr. Sta. Ana to prepare a syllabus for training
medical technicians. Together with Dr. Tirso Briones, they conducted a six month training course
with certification. However, their project did not last long because the Manila Sanitarium Hospital
and its sister company the Philippine Union College offered a course in medical technology. In the
same year, through the efforts of an American medical practitioner and a Seventh Day Adventist
missionary, Dr. Willa Hilgert Hedrick, founder of medical technology education in the Philippines,
Dr. Reuben Manalaysay; president of the Philippine Union College, Rev. Warren; president of the
North Philippine Mission of the Seventh Day Adventist and director of the Bureau of Education,
established the first Medical Technology School in the Philippines.
Dr. Hedrick, with the help of Mrs. Antoinette McKelvey, prepared the course curriculum
and established the first complete laboratory in microbiology, parasitology, and histopathology at
the Manila Sanitarium Hospital. In the same year, a five-year course leading to a Bachelor of
Science degree in medical technology was approved by the Bureau of Education and was finally
offered by the Manila Sanitarium Hospital and the Philippine Union College. In 1956, Mr. Jesse
Umali became the first student to graduate from the Philippine Union College. He later went on to
pursue his studies in medicine and graduated from Far Eastern University.
Other schools had started to offer the course; for instance, in 1957, the University of Santo
Tomas offered an elective course in pharmacy leading to a bachelor of science in medical
technology under the leadership of Dr. Antonio Gabriel and Dr. Gustavo Reyes. In 1960–61, the
Bureau of Education officially approved the first three years as a three-year academic course and
the fourth year as an internship program. At the same time, Carmen de Luna, President of the
Centro Escolar University delegated Purification Sunico-Suaco to work on offering the medical
technology course, which was later granted a recognition permit by the Bureau of Education and
had its first graduates two years later.
In 1961, through the combined efforts of Dr. Horacio Ylagan and Dr. Serafin J. Juliano
with the authority granted to them by Dr. Lauro H. Panganiban and Dr. Jesus B. Nolasco, dean of
the Institute of Medicine, the Far Eastern University started its School of Medical Technology,
which was formally approved by the Bureau of Education. Dr. Ylagan became the technical
director of the school and had its first graduates in 1963.
Several colleges and universities throughout the country began offering the bachelor's
degree in medical technology. The postgraduate course is now offered at the University of Santo
Tomas and Philippine Women's University.

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HISTORICAL MILESTONES IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY AS AN APPLICATION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Medical technology employs a wide variety of technologies ranging from a single-lens
microscope to dissecting and scanning electron microscopes. Highly technical instruments such as
the auto analyzer in clinical chemistry or the flow cytometer in histopathology are typically used
in tertiary and highly sophisticated laboratories. Diagnostics is moving toward automation coupled
with the use of computer graphics, recorders, and even calculators. The use of these technologies
in the scientific evaluation of diseases and infection clearly shows that medical technology is
synonymously adjunct and within the ambit of the term “science and technology.
Within the context of science and technology, the prime goal of medical technology is to
engender the cultural and democratic notions of scientific literacy. In addition, science and
technology helps students have a better understanding of scientific learning in order to become
better and responsible citizens. The practical value of science with regard to humankind can be
seen through the advancements in technology. Science and technology have provided society with
various benefits like improved health and standard of living. The direction that technology takes
depends less on science; its progress and development is determined by the needs of humans and
the values of society.
Medical technology is one discipline that can help students acquire knowledge beyond the
traditional and formal learning about scientific theory, facts, and technical skills. In addition, it
also equip students with a better understanding of scientific learning and makes them aware of the
trends in technological developments, thereby providing a meaningful impact in their social,
political, economic, environmental, and cultural context of life. Moreover, medical technology has
transcended the evaluation of the health status and condition of every individual member of a
society. It is a scientific discipline that reinforces the concepts and principles of science and
technology to facilitate the understanding of life and the onset of diseases. The concrete application
of these concepts and principles can be seen in the following:
Laboratory Information Systems
With the evolution of electronic and technological devices, clinical laboratories are also
moving toward innovation and meeting the immediate demands of health laboratory services. This
has led to the development of the ultimate science and technology product-the Laboratory
Information System (LIS). Almost all clinical laboratories, especially those in the tertiary category,
use the LIS to release laboratory results.
Professional Practice
In professional practice, there are always guiding policies that should be strictly followed.
A medical technologist should observe the code of ethics and the patient's rights. The symbol of a
microscope will remain synonymous with medical technology.
Genetic Engineering, Gene Therapy, and Gene Diagnosis
Genetic engineering is the answer to the demands of the current generation. It enables
access to gene therapy and diagnosis. Medical technology uses genetic engineering methods,
especially in cases of detecting genetic disorders such as hemophilia.

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Laboratory Waste Management

Microorganisms are ubiquitous. Thus, the implementation of laboratory management
should continuously and closely monitor how laboratory wastes are managed, handled, and
disposed. These techniques are used to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Laboratory Diagnosis of Diseases of the 21st Century

In highly sophisticated and accredited clinical laboratories, automated and conventional
or manual methods are used. This type of setting ensures the accuracy of laboratory results in
diagnosis of diseases of the 21st century. Epidemiologically speaking, these diseases may be
endemic or epidemic depending on the climatic changes. For example, the HINI influenza viral
infection has become the focus of attention due to significant infection rates, which signalled a
need for accurate laboratory diagnosis. And just recently the world is facing another challenge this
is the SARS-Cov-2 virus (COVID-19)). It has been considered a pandemic viral infection causing
thousands of deaths worldwide in just a matter of months. Thus the need for very reliable and
accurate laboratory diagnosis for early treatment of the disease.

Scientific Research
Many new products and laboratory procedures have been systematically established
through the efforts and enthusiasm of medical technology professionals. Current research is
moving toward the molecular diagnosis of diseases and infections. The ultimate goal of medical
technology is its commitment to focus on more discoveries. This goal can be attained through the
efforts extended by science and technology.

Inventions and Innovations in the Field of Medical Laboratory

1660 – Anton Van Leeuwenhoek

- Father of Microbiology

- Known for his work on the improvement of the microscope

1796 – Edward Jenner

- Discovered Vaccination to establish immunity to small pox

- impact of contribution: Immunology

1880 – Marie Francois Xavier Bichat

- Identified organs by the types of tissues

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- Imapct of contribution: Histology

1835 – Agostino Bassi

- Produced disease in worms by injection of organic material

- impact of contribution: beginning of bacteriology

1857 – Louis Pasteur

- Successfully produced immunity to rabies

1866 – Gregor Mendel

- Enunciated his law of inherited characteristics from studies on plants

1870 – Joseph Lister

- Demonstrated that surgical infections are caused by airborne

organisms.

1877 – Robert Koch

- Presented the first pictures of bacilli (anthrax) and tubercle bacilli

1886 – Ellie Metchnokoff

- Described phagocytes in blood and their role in fighting infection

1886 – Ernst Von Bergmann

- Introduced steam sterilization in surgery

1902 – Karl Landsteiner

- Distinguished blood groups through the development of the ABO

blood group system

1906 – August von Wassermann

- Developed immunologic tests for syphilis

1906 – Howard Ricketts

- Discovered microorganisms whose range lies between bacteria and

virus called rickettsiae

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1929 – Hans Fischer

- Worked out the structure of hemoglobin

1954 – Jonas Salk

- developed poliomyelitis vaccine

1973 – James Westgard

- Introduced the Westgard Rules for Quality Control in the Clinical

Laboratory

1980 – Baruch Samuel Blumberg

- Introduced the Hepatitis B vaccine

1985 – Kary Mullis

- Developed the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

1992 – Andre van Steirteghem

- introduced the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF)

1998 – James Thomson

- Derived the first human Stem Cell line

Summary
There are four stages in the historical development of Medical Technology in the Philippines. The
earliest stage begun in 460BC, followed by the formulation of the Apothecaries Act of 1815, the
modern onset of Medical Technology in the United States in 1871, and the establishment of the
Clinical Laboratory and Medical Technology course in the Philippines.

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References:

1. Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 1

By: Benitez, Petrona A.
Dumaoal, Oliver Shane R.
Estrella, Fedelyn P.
Mortel, Ferdinand A.
Nava, Mark Raymund G.

2. Introduction to Medical Technology with Science, Technology and Society

By: Suba, Sally C.
Florida, Jennifer S.

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