Abstract
Background
Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) is an allied health profession, that performs diagnostic tests by using different tools and analyzes the biological samples for the diagnosis of diseases to monitor the patient's health, after that the physician decides his medical opinion based on lab investigation. Sometimes patients suffer from death or life conditions, at that time accurate lab investigations can facilitate the physician to make the best decision which can help to save the patient's life. This needs a well-settled teaching lab which should be attached to a teaching hospital, to produce qualified medical lab professionals.
Objective
This study aimed to define the required professional criteria for medical lab technology and the evolution of training drawbacks in Pakistani institutions.
Methods
Study data summarized from different verified sources such as institutional websites, course and training curriculums of MLT offering institutions. They were defined in different grades according to the fulfillment of professional requirements. Out of n = 185 institutions (offering MLT courses and degrees), only n = 18 (9.72%) are in A-Grade level institutes which are fulfilling all requirements of MLT qualification, n = 17 (9.18%) are situated in B-Grade, n = 84 (45.40%) are part of C-Grade, and n = 66(36.67%) ranked in D-Grade institutions.
Conclusion
Based on standard MLT qualification requirements this study showed that most institutions offering MLT without any proper job training facilitation of clinical lab departments, and no proper affiliation with any clinical teaching lab.