Poikilocytosis is a term used to describe variation in red blood cell (RBC) shape. Normal, mature RBCs are round and with a zone of central pallor—shown in their deeper pink/red edge and paler center. It is not uncommon to see a few abnormally-shaped RBCs amongst hundreds and hundreds of cells. Guided by lab protocol, technologists … Read more
As promised in my last blog, here’s a case study that more or less mimics the thought process of a technologist on the Hematology bench. The CBC analyzer flags a platelet count of 67 x 109/L (the normal reference range is 150-450 x 109/L). It is the first time this patient’s platelet count has dropped … Read more
It’s been a relatively quiet couple of weeks; I bid a fond farewell to Vitros 5.1 and am now training on an analyzer located directly across from it, the Centaur XPT. Before I go any further, I want to clarify that Medical Laboratory Science is not, by any means, entirely automation. I’ve been referencing automation … Read more
Hello! My name is Natalie and I am a Level 4 student in the Medical Laboratory Science program. What does a medical laboratory technologist do, exactly? I’m sure many of you have had, or know someone who’s had, a sample (e.g. blood) taken at a clinic or hospital. The lab is where it ends up! … Read more
THC. CBD. Indica. Sativa. If you’ve been paying attention to the discussion around cannabis legalization in Canada, you may have heard some of the jargon. If you’ve ever been inside a cannabis dispensary, you may even know what some of it means. The problem is, there isn’t a whole lot of cannabis research out there. … Read more
NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release February 15, 2018 VICTORIA – Canada is poised to become a global leader in digital technology and innovation following today’s decision from the Government of Canada to support Canada’s Digital Technology Supercluster, say leading educators. Today, the Government of Canada announced its support for Canada’s Digital Technology Supercluster, a BC-led … Read more
Our congratulations go out to recently retired BCIT faculty member Mark McDonald. Mark was recognized November 18 with the 2017 Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) Professional Achievement Award. The award recognizes ASTTBC members who have distinguished themselves in their field of technology, or who have made a substantial contribution to the wellbeing … Read more
A year ago I was eagerly and nervously awaiting my first day of the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program. Today I got to meet the new intake of Med Lab students, and it all came back. The excitement, the questions, the uncertainty, the fears. So with that in mind, and now that I’ve had time … Read more