Chrissa Mae T.

Catindoy BS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 3A

Medical technology
- Is also known as “Clinical Laboratory Science”.
- Is generally involved in the use of technology as a means to evaluate health status.
- It assists the medical team to deliver quality health care through the performance of different laboratory controlled
determinations that provide them the most reliable results for their proper diagnosis and treatment of disease.
- Refers to the application of diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic medicine to monitor and improve the
management of health conditions.

Anne Fagelson (1961)

- The branch of medicine concerned with the performance of laboratory determinations and analyses used in the
diagnosis and treatment of disease and the maintenance of health.

Ruth Heinemann (1962)

- Application of the principles of natural, physical, and biological sciences to the performance of laboratory
procedures which aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

Walters (1996)
- Defined is as the health profession concerned with performing laboratory analyses in view of obtaining information
necessary in the diagnosis and treatment as well as in the maintenance of good health.

Republic Act 5527

- Also known as “The Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969” defined Medical Technology as an auxiliary
branch of laboratory medicine which deals with the examination of tissues, secretion and excretion of the human
body and body fluids by various electronic, chemical, microscopic and other medical laboratory procedures or
techniques either manual or automated which will aid the physician in the diagnosis study and treatment of disease
and in the promotion of health in general.

HISTORICAL NOTES:

 Vivian Herrick
o A Medical Technologist, traces the beginning of Medical Technology back to 1500 BC when intestinal
parasites such as Taenia and Ascaris.
o “Ebers Papyrus” – the oldest preserved Egyptian compilation of medical texts.
o A book for treatment of diseases, which contains description of the three stages of Hookworm infection.
o It contains chapters on contraception, pregnancy, eye and skin problems, surgery, burns, and intestinal
diseases and parasites.

 Ruth Williams
o A medical Technologist, in her book “An Introduction to the Profession of Medical Technology”, believes
that the science began during the Medieval Period (1906-1438).

 Anne Fagelson
o Prefers to date the Medical Technology from the 14 th Century when a prominent Italian Physician at the
University of Bologna employed one Alessandra Giliani to perform certain tasks now under the domain
of the Medical Technology profession. Unfortunately, this young lady died from a laboratory acquired
infection.
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Chrissa Mae T. Catindoy BS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 3A
 Hippocrates
o The “Father of Medicine”, advocated the use of “mind and senses” as diagnostic tools.
o Formulated the Hippocratic Oath.
o Described the 4 humors: Blood, Phlegm, Yellow bile, and Black bile.
o Associated the appearance of bubbles on the surface of urine to kidney disease and chronic illness.

 Galen
o Founder of Experimental Physiology
o Combined Hippocrates’ humoral theories and Pythagorean theory
o Four elements (earth, air, fire and water): corresponded to various combinations of the physiologic qualities
of dry, cold, hot and moist.
 hot + moist = blood
 hot + dry = yellow bile
 cold + moist = phlegm
 cold + dry = black bile

 Rufus of Ephesus
o Made the first description of haematuria as the presence of blood in the urine.
o Also attributed haematuria to the inability of the kidneys to filter blood.

 Isaac Judaeus
o A Jewish physician and philosopher.
o His book “Kitab al Baul” (Book of Urine), detailed the concepts of urine formation, urinary sediments, and
urine characteristics in relation to diseases.
o Also formulated rules for the use of urine patients’ diagnosis.
o Considered as one of the origins of nephrology.

 Zacharias Janssen and his father Hans

o Opened the world of the invisible in the 1590s dues to the invention of the microscope.

 Athanasius Kircher
o A Jesuit priest who observed that the blood of patients with plagues contained “worms”.

 Marcello Malphigi
o An Italian microscopist who served as a physician to Pope Innocent XII, became renowned for his
exploration of the embryology of the chick and the histology and physiology of the glands and viscera.
o The founding Father of Modern Anatomic Pathology.

 Virchow
o Founded the archives of Pathology in Berlin in 1847.

 Anton Van Leeuwenhoek

o Able to make rounder lenses with greater magnification.
o With his new, improved compound microscope, he was able to see things that no other man had ever seen
before.
o He saw bacteria and classified them according to shape.
o He described blood cells, muscle fibers, spermatozoa, and protozoa.

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Chrissa Mae T. Catindoy BS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 3A
o Became the “Father of Microbiology” because of scientific discoveries.

 Jean Baptiste van Helmont

o Introduced the gravimetric analysis of urine by weighing a number of 24-hour urine specimens but
unfortunately no significant conclusions were derived from his measurements.

 Frederic Dekkers
o Observed that proteins in the urine precipitated when boiled with acetic acid. This finding remains a useful
diagnostic indicator of proteinuria.

 Pope Innocent VII (1492)

o The first unlucky recipient of blood draught.

 William Harvey
o Discovered blood circulation, the era of Blood transfusion started. The following people were credited for
their attempts in blood transfusion:
a. Richard Lower – animal to animal
b. Jean Baptiste-Denis – animal to human
c. James Blundell – human to human

 Karl Landsteiner
o Discovered ABO blood group system.

 William Hewson
o An English physiologist who discovered that when the blood specimen was clotted, a plasma could be
separated from the blood cells.
o He also described that “coaggulable lymph: could be precipitated from the plasma upon the application of
temperature slightly higher than 50 degrees Celsius. At present, this coaggulable lymph is known as the
Fibrinogen.

 John Snow
o Studied a cholera outbreak in London.
o He brought the situation under control by tracing that the cholera was due to contaminated water in the
broad street pump and so, access to this water source had to be restricted.

 Herman Fehling
o Performed the first quantitative test for urine sugar.

 Jules Duboscq
o Developed the first visual colorimeter based of Beer’s Law but was introduced in the Clinical Laboratory
only in 1902.
o “The concentration of substance is DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL to the AMOUND OF LIGHT absorbed or
INVERSELY PROPORTIONAL to the logarithm of the TRANSMITTED LIGHT.”

Some noted Microbiologist include Louis Pasteur (Pasteurization), Robert Koch (TB and Cholera) and Alexander
Flemming (Penicillin)

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Chrissa Mae T. Catindoy BS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 3A
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY IN THE PHILIPPINES:
- At the end of the World War II, Medical Technology practices was introduced to the Philippines to the 26th Medical
Laboratory of the US Army.
- Established the first Clinical Laboratory in the Philippines at Quiricada Street, Sta. Cruz, Manila, where the Manila
Public Health Laboratory is presently located. The laboratory offered training programs to high school graduates
as early as February 1944.

 Dr. Pio de Roda

o A well-known bacteriologist, formally organized the Manila Public Health Laboratory from the remnants
of the deserted laboratory in October 1, 1945.

 Dr. Pio de Roda and Dr. Prudencia Sta. Ana

o Revived the training of high school graduates to work as a medical technicians but no definite period was
set and no certificates were given to trainees and this disinterested the unmotivated trainees.

 Dr. Pio de Roda

o Instructed Dr. Sta Ana to prepare a formal syllabus for the training program. In 1954 the training began
using a syllabus and it was to last for 6 months. Then, Dr. Tirso Briones joined the two but the training did
not last long because the formal education for Medical Technology began.

 Philippine Union College of Baesa, Caloocan Rizal

o Offered the first four-year B.S. Medical Technology in 1954.
o Now located a Silang, Cavite.
o Sister: Manila Sanitarium and Hospital (Manila Adventists Medical Center)
o 1956, PUC graduated its first graduate – Dr. Jesse Umali, an OB-gynecologist and owner of Omega Lab.,
Bito Cruz, Manila.

 Mrs. Willa Hilgert Hedrick

o An American Medical Practitioner and missionary of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and the “Founder
of Medical Technology Education in the Philippines”

 Dr. Antonio Gabriel and Dr. Gustavo Reyes (1957-1958)

o Faculty of Pharmacy (UST) offered Medical Technology as an elective to 4 th and 5th year B.S. Pharmacy
students.

 Rev. Fr. Lorenzo Rodriguez (June 1957)

o Decided to offer Medical Technology as a course.

 June 17, 1957

o The permit for the Internship Program was issued.

 June 1960
o The permit for the Internship Program was issued.

 June 14, 1961

o Full recognition of the 4 year B.S. Medical Technology course was given.

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Chrissa Mae T. Catindoy BS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 3A
 Mrs. Purification Sunico-Suaco
o CEU undertook feasibility study for the offering of the B.S. Medical course.

 Carmen de Luna
o University President granted the permission.
o Became the dean of newly formed school from 1960-1963.
o Their first graduates were in 1962.

 Far Eastern University

o Started its school of Medical Technology in 1961 through the combined ideas and effort of Dr. Horacio A.
Ylagan and Dr. Serafin J Juliano through the authority granted by the late Dr. Lauro H. Panganiban and
Dr. Jesus B. Nolasco. The school was formally opened when the Bureau of Education approved its
application on July 5, 1962. Dr. Ylagan automatically became the Technical Director of the School. Their
firs graduates were in 1963.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY GRADUATES:

Government and Private Hospitals

 Medical Technologist
o Defined as a person who engages in the work of Medical Technology under the supervision of a Pathologist
or a licensed physician.
o Teach in High School or in College handling Chemistry, Mathematics, and especially biological or medical
sciences.

 Phlebotomist
o Someone trained to collect blood samples either through a skin puncture, venepuncture, and arterial
puncture. In the Philippines, this practice is part of the usual specimen collection done by a Medical
Technologist. Nowadays, even Medical Technology Interns perform the procedure under the supervision
of a licensed laboratory staff member.

 Medical Laboratory Technician

o A person certified by and registered with the Professional Regulatory Board of Medical Technology.
o Qualified to assist Medical Technologist and or qualified Pathologist in the practice of Medical Technology
as defined by RA 5527.

 Specialist
o A clinical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist who has worked for a number of years in a specific
discipline and has extensive knowledge and experience in that area.
o To become a specialist in a particular discipline, one may take an exam to demonstrate his/her expertise in
the discipline. The successful completion of the examination allows the CLS to use credentials indicating
his/her specialty area.

 Sales and Industry

o As Sales Representatives, Public Relations Representatives and Educational Rep.

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Chrissa Mae T. Catindoy BS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 3A
 Field of Research
o Industrial Research may be [unreadable] for new products and the necessary testing prior to the
distribution of the product.

To top it all, most of the Medical Technology students finish the course as a stepping stone to the College of Medicine.
PERSONAL TRAITS OF A MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST:

 Patience is a must. A Medical Technologist deals with irritable people like the sick and children. A service with a
smile is of great help to the patient.
 Honesty, accuracy and skills are important. Any error, dishonesty and negligence in the work endanger the life of
the patient.
 Dedication enables medical Technologists to work devotedly and conscientiously in fulfilling his duties and
responsibilities.
 Emotional maturity helps Medical Technologists deals with the colleague in the medical and paramedical
profession harmoniously. This gives him dignity, which commands respect, fosters close rapport and makes people
attentive to what he says or does.

OVERVIEW OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY FOREIGN EXAMS (UNITED STATES):

2 Types of Professional Examination:

 Licensure Exam
o The passer earns a personal license which allows whim/her to practice Medical Technology only within
the state where he/she passed.
 Certification Exam
o Conducted by National Certifying agencies in the United States which allows the passer to practice the
profession practically in any state he/she wishes to work in, with the consideration that he/she has been
found qualified by the hospital/employer.

Filipino Medical Technologist are usually certified by these National certifying agencies namely:

 The American Medical Technologists (AMT)

 The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

Both of these certifying exams are preferred to be taken by intending Filipino Medical Technologists who wish to work
initially as an entry-level Medical Technologist also for the reason that both of these exams are conducted locally in the
Philippines.

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY BOARD EXAMINATION:

- The local board examination is administered twice a year, March and September. It is a two-day written exam
composed of 100 multiple choice questions for each subject:
Microbiology
Clinical Chemistry
Haematology
Immunology-serology – Blood Bank
Clinical Microscopy
Histopathology – Medical Technology Laws and Bioethics

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Chrissa Mae T. Catindoy BS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 3A
According to Section 19 of RA 5527, in order to pass, one has to get a general weighted average equivalent to 75% and no
grade below 50% in a major subject. No further examination will be given to an applicant who has not qualified after 3
examinations, unless he/she shall have completed a 12 month refresher course in an accredited Medical Technology school
or a 12 month post graduate training in an accredited laboratory.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION:

 PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGISTS (PAMET)

o The only Accredited Professional Organization (APO) of all Filipino Medical Technologists.
o Its existence is based on the efforts of CRISANTO G ALMARIO – “Father of PAMET”
o Graduated from the Manila College of Pharmacy, now call the Manila Central University.
o He is a licenced Pharmacists who worked as a Laboratory Technician at the San Lazaro Hospital.
o Was born at exactly 10:00 am on September 15, 1963 at the Manila Public Health Laboratory in Sta. Cruz,
Manila.
o Officially registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on October 14, 1969.
o Far Easter University (FEU) served as the venue of the first National Convention held on September 20,
1964.
o PAMET cannot attain its vision of global competitiveness alone; thus, partnerships with other professional
associations:
 COPHA – Council of Professional Health Associations
 PFPA – Philippine Federation of Professional Associations
 PCQACL – Philippine Council for Quality Assurance in Clinical Laboratories
o PAMET also has its International Affiliations that include:
 AACLAS – ASEAN Association of Clinical Laboratory Sciences
 AAMLS - Asia Association of Medical Laboratory Scientist
 IFBLS – International Federation of Medical Laboratory Scientists
 APFCB – Asia-Pacific Federation of Clinical Biochemistry
o Has set its ideals toward the development of Medical Technology, enabling its members to be globally
competitive.
o Professionals embark on various laboratory works whose aim is for the upliftment of the healthcare
delivery system.
o VISION: The PAMET is an association that envisions all its members to be highly motivated Medical
Technologists who can be well-rounded individuals to readily face challenges and adapt to changes in
order to become globally competitive; be recognized in their field and other endeavours through excellent
performance and quality service; be service-oriented and instrument of unity, harmony, and oneness in
work and in spirit.
o MISSION: To realize its vision, the PAMET shall be an association:
a. That will develop and sustain programs/projects to enhance that personal and professional growth
and development of its members
b. That will encourage involvement in research and public service, participation in local and
international undertakings for advancement in technology and for the global recognition of a
worth profession.
c. That will effectively address the needs and concerns of its members, and protect their rights,
privileges and interest by upholding and safeguarding the practice of the profession.
d. That will support activities which will strengthen linkage and bonding among its members.
o The following are its Core Values that members can be proud of:
a. EXCELLENCE – refers to adherence to high standards of practice
b. PROFESSIONALISM – refers to moral standards and responsibility
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Chrissa Mae T. Catindoy BS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 3A
c.
COMMITMENT – refers to the selflessness, dedication, initiativeness, [unreadable] and
resourcefulness.
d. UNITY – refers to the linkages and support among other professional organizations advocating
the achievement of a common goal.
o Official logo:
 CIRCLE symbolized continuous involvement where practice and education must always be
integrated.
 TRIANGLE refers to the trilogy of love, respect and dignity.
 GREEN represents health.
 MICROSCOPE and the SNAKE represents the science and profession of Medical Technology.
 1964 refers to the time of the first PAMET election.

IT’S PRESIDENTS AND THEIR LEGACIES:

CHARLEMAGNE T. TAMANDONG (1963-1967)
UP – INSTITUTE OF HYGIENE

LEGACY: Emergence of the Profession

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENT:
 Public acceptance and recognition of PAMET and its good social standing.
 Approval on May, 10, 1967 of House Bill No. 1082 (MT Bill) sponsored by Congresswoman Magnolia Antonio
NARDITO D. MORALETA (1967-1970)
FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY

LEGACY: Professional Recognition

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENT:
 Approval of R.A. 5527 (Senate Bill No. 996)
 SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) Registration of PAMET: October 14, 1969 (Registration No. 39570)
 PAMET Chapters: Cebu (1969) and Baguio (1970)
 Council of Medical Technology Education
 First MT Board Exam conducted by the 1st Board Examiners
 PAMET Code of Ethics (August 6, 1968)
 PAMET NEWS: 1st Official Newspaper
 Additional Note: RA 5527 was approved on June [unreadable] 1969 and contains 32 sections. It has been revised
3 times to date. However, recently the following are being worked out already:
a. HB 4742 – Rolando Andaya
b. SB 2722 – Senator Edgardo Angara
“Medical Technology Act of 2011”
FELIX E. ASPRER (1970-1971, 1973-1977)
UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS

LEGACY: Legislative Agenda

 Approval of PD 498 (June 28, 1947)
 Accreditation of PAMET as a bona fide professional organization for Medical Technologist by the Professional
Regulation Commission (PRC) on May 24, 1975
 PAMET Chapters: La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales and Zamboanga
 Additional note: PD 498 was the first amendment when martial was declared. It also amended most of the
sections of RA5527. FELIX E. ASPRER is the 1st PAMET president to serve two terms.

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Chrissa Mae T. Catindoy BS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 3A
BERNARDO T. TABAOSARES (1971-1973)
FAR EASTER UNIVERSITY

LEGACY: Legislative Agenda

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
 Amendments of the Teves Law (about the salaries of Medical Professionals)
 Proclamation on September 15, 1972 of the 3rd week of September as the Philippine Medical Technology Week
 PAMET Chapter: Davao City
ANGELINA R. JOSE (January 1973 – September 1973)
UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS

LEGACY: Career Advocacy

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
 Approval of 75 pesos professional tax of a Registered Medical Technologist by the Bureau of Internal Revenue
 Upgrading of the Medical Technology profession by raising its professional code number from 20 to 3
 Additional Note: She is the 5th PAMET president. Her term is the shortest. She is also the 1st lady president of
PAMET.
VENERABLE C.V. OCA (1877 – February 1982)
FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY

LEGACY: Educational Enhancement

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
 Monthly seminars for the continuing professional education of Medical Technologists
 Monthly medical missions offering free laboratory services to the less fortunate
 Monthly quiz contests participated in by different medical technology schools in the country
 Classification of PAMET members into different categories (associate, junior, regular)
 Additional Note: She did not finish her last term of office because she left for the U.S.
CARMENCITA P. ACEDERA (1982-1992)
COLLEGE OF HOLY SPIRIT

LEGACY: Image Building

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
 Conferment of Awards to deserving chapters and members of the association such as the Most Outstanding
Medical Technologist Award, Distinguished Service Award, Crisanto G. Almario memorial Award, and the
Chapter of the Year Award.
 Approval of the upgrading of the salary standardization of government medical technologist from salary grade
from 13-22.
 Fellow category in the membership was included
 Inclusion of the Hazard Pay equivalent to at least 25% of the basic monthly salary of medical technologists in
government practice
 Publication of the LABNEWS, the official newsletter of the organization
 Aggressive and relevant CPE for competence sustenance with corresponding units
 Incorporation of the sports fest and inter-collegiate quiz show in the Medical Technology Week Celebration
 Composition of the beloved PAMET Hymn by Francis Pefanco and Hector Gayarez Jr. in November 22, 1989
 Additional note: She served the Association for the longest term.

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Chrissa Mae T. Catindoy BS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 3A
MARILYN R. ATIENZA (1992-1996)
PHILIPPINE WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY

LEGACY: Pro-activism
HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
 Closer coordination between PAMET and PASMETH for the upliftment of the profession
 Acquisition of the PAMET Secretariat Office and City land 10 in Makati City in 1995
 Approval of the PAMET Constitution and By-laws in 1992
NORMA N. CHANG (1997-2001)
UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS

LEGACY: International Leadership

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
 Approval of 1997 Code of Ethics of the Medical Technology Profession (March 7, 1997)
 Accident and sickness Assistance to bona fide members of the association through the Bayanihan Plan
 Registration of the Philippine Journal of Medical Technology in the Internal Library of Congress with a
corresponding ISSN number
 Publication of the PAMET LINK, the current newsletter of the association
 Formation of the Philippine Council for Quality Assurance in Clinical Laboratories
AGNES B. MEDENILLA (2001-2002; 2005-2006)
UNIVERSITY OF STO. TOMAS

LEGACY: Organizational Dynamism

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
 Submission of proposed amendments to RA 5527 to the House of Representatives
 Job fairs for newly-registered medical technologists
 Ratification of the 2002 PAMET Constitution and By-Laws on December 6, 2003
 Launching the “Alagang Safeguard, Alagang Nanay” advertising campaign in partnership with Procter and
Gamble

 Additional Note: Mrs. Medenilla is the 2nd PAMET President who served the office for 2 terms. She is the 11 th
and 13th President of PAMET
SHIRLEY FABIAN CRUZADA (2002-2005)
FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY

LEGACY: Interdisciplinary networking

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
 Partnership with Procter and Gamble in awarding Scholarship grants to PAMET members who are candidates
for Masteral or Doctorate degrees dubbed “Dagdag Karuningan, Kinabukasan ng Kalusugan
Thesis/Dissertation Grant”
 Comprehensive we and e-commerce solution for communication, transactions, and education via
www.pamet.org
 Collaborative activities: PAMET website www.pamet.ph
 Formulation and adoption of PAMET vision-mission statements
 Implementation of the electronic membership ID system
 Approval of the research fund for PAMET members
 Formation of the Institutional Review Board
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Chrissa Mae T. Catindoy BS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 3A
 Inclusion of the student research forum during the Medical Technology Celebration.
LEILA M. FLORENTO (2007-2013)
UNIVERISTY OF STO. TOMAS

LEGACY: Beyond Expectations

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
 CPE for Medical Technologists
 Intensified collaboration with Procter and Gamble: “ Limang Hakbang Tungo sa Kalusugan” – a joint effort by
PAMET and PNRC
 Heightened research-related activities through the help of Ms. Lily Alquiza
ROMEO JOSEPH J. IGNACIO
SAN JUAN DE DIOS

LEGACY: Soar Higher Through V.O.I.C.E

HIGHLIGHTS OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
 V-visibility, O-oneness, I-integrity, C-commitment, E-excellence
 Collaboration and enhanced linkages with academic institutions.
ROLANDO E. PUNO

LEGACY: Empowerment

 PHILIPPINE ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH

(PASMETH)
o The national organization of all registered schools of Medical Technology in the Philippines
o Was formed in 1970 by representatives of Medical Technology / Public Health schools in the Philippines
o OBJECTIVES:
 To encourage a thorough study of the needs and problems of Medical Technology Education and
to offer solutions.
 To work for the enhancement and continuous development of Medical Technology education to
ensure that the profession will be of maximum service to the country.
 To take a united stand in matters which affect the interests of Medical Technology education.
 To seek advice and assistance from any government of private entity for the fulfilment of the
Association’s aims and purposes.

HISTORICAL NOTES:

 May 13, 1970 – Director Narciso Albarracin appointed Dr. Serafin J. Juliano and Dr. Gustavo U. Reyes to organize
an association of deans/heads of schools of Medical Technology and Hygiene.

 June 22, 1970 – The first organizational meeting PASMETH was held at the University of Santo Tomas

 May 7, 1971 – the first annual meeting of PASMETH was held at the University of Santo Tomas

 April 30, 1972 – the original officers when PASMETH was organized in 1970 were re-elected for a second term.

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Chrissa Mae T. Catindoy BS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 3A
 October 6, 1989 – PASMETH was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Legislation chaired
by Mr. Cirilo S. Cajucom with the help of Atty. Dexter Bihis (PASMETH Legal Counsel).

 PHILIPPINE SOCIETY OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS (PHISMETS)

o Was organized in 2002 during the term of Dead Zenaida Cajucom.
o The first advisers were Prof. Marilyn Bala, Prof. Nova Alda C. Cajucom, and Prof. Zennie B. Aceron.
o The activities were centred on social and cultural developments, community outreach programs, and
Leadership trainings or seminars.
o It was re-organized on November 23, 2006
o Aims to establish camaraderie among students through activities like research, contests and pageants.
Republic Act 5527

AN ACT REQUIRING THE REGISTRATION OF MEDICAL TECHNOLOGISTS, DEFINING THEIR PRACTICE,

AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

SECTION 1. Title. — This Act may be also cited as the Philippine Medical Technology Act of 1969.

SECTION 2. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:

(a) "Medical Technology". — An auxiliary branch of laboratory medicine which deals with the examination by various
chemical, microscopic, bacteriologic and other medical laboratory procedures or technic which will aid the physician in the
diagnosis, study and treatment of disease and in the promotion of health in general.

(b) "Pathologist". — A duly registered physician who is specially trained in methods of laboratory medicine, of the gross
and microscopic study and interpretation of tissues, secretions and excretions of the human body and its functions in order
to diagnose disease, follows its course, determine the effectivity of treatment, ascertain cause of death and advance medicine
by means of research.

(c) "Medical Technologist". — A person who engages in the work of medical technology under the supervision of a
pathologist or licensed physician authorized by the department of health in places where there is no pathologist and who
having passed a prescribed course (Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology/Bachelor of Science in Hygiene) of training
and examination is registered under the provision of this Act.

(d) "Medical Technician". — A person who not being a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology/Bachelor
of Science in Hygiene, but having passed the corresponding civil service examination, performs the work of medical
technology under the supervision of a registered medical technologist and/or qualified pathologist.

(e) "Accredited Medical Technology Training Laboratory". — A clinical laboratory, office, agency, clinic, hospital
sanitarium duly approved by the Department of Health or its authorized agency.

(f) "Recognized School of Medical Technology". — Any school, college or university which offers a course in Medical
Technology approved by the Department of Education in accordance with the requirements under this Act, upon
recommendation of the council of medical technology education.

(g) "Council". — The council of medical technology education established under this Act.

(h) "Board". — The Board of Examiners for Medical Technology established under this Act.

SECTION 3. Council of Medical Technology Education, Its Composition. — There is hereby established a Council of
Medical Technology Education, hereafter referred to as Council, which shall be composed of the Secretary of Education or
Director of Private Education as Chairman, the Director of the Bureau of Research and Laboratories of the Department of
Health as Vice-Chairman, and the Chairman and two members of the Board of Medical Technology, the dean of the Institute
of Hygiene of the University of the Philippines, a representative of the deans or heads of the private schools of medical
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Chrissa Mae T. Catindoy BS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 3A
technology, and the presidents of the Philippine Association of Medical Technologists and the Philippine Society of
Pathologists, as members.

SECTION 4. Compensation and Traveling Expenses of Council Members. — The chairman and members of the Council
shall be entitled to a twenty-five pesos per diem for every meeting actually attended: Provided, That the number of meetings
authorized with a per diem shall not exceed two in a month: And Provided, further, That officials receiving regular salaries
from the Government shall not receive per diem. In addition the chairman and members of the council shall be entitled to
traveling expenses in connection with their official duties.

SECTION 5. Functions of the Council of Medical Technology Education. — The functions of the Council shall be:

(a) To recommend the minimum required curriculum for the course of medical technology.

(b) To determine and prescribe the number of students to be allowed to take up the medical technology course in each
school, taking into account the student-instructor ratio and the availability of facilities for instruction.

(c) To approve medical technology schools meeting the requirements and recommend closure of those found to be
substandard.

(d) To require all medical technology schools to submit an annual report, including the total number of students and
instructors, a list of facilities available for instruction, a list of their recent graduates and new admissions, on or before the
month of June.

(e) To inspect, when necessary, the different medical technology schools in the country in order to determine whether a
high standard of education is maintained in said institutions.

(f) To certify for admission into an undergraduate internship students who have satisfactorily completed three years of the
medical technology course or its equivalent and to collect from said students the amount of five pesos each which money
accrue to the operating fund of the council.

(g) Formulate and recommend approval of refresher course for applicants who shall have failed the Board Examination for
the third time.

(h) To promulgate and prescribe and enforce necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of the foregoing
functions.

SECTION 6. Minimum Required Course. — The medical technology course shall be at least four years, including a 12-
month satisfactory internship in accredited laboratories, and shall include the following subjects:

English Biochemistry Spanish Gross Anatomy Social Science

Histology General Zoology Physiology Botany Clinical Parasitology

Mathematics General Pathology College Physics Microbiology General Chemistry

Statistics Qualitative Chemistry Clinical Laboratory Methods

Quantitative Chemistry including hematology, serology, blood banking, clinical microscopy, applied microbiology, and
parasitology, histopathologic techniques, and cyto-technology)

The Council is hereby authorized, subject to the approval of the Secretary of Education to change, remove from or add to
the subjects listed above as the needs and demands of progress in the science of medical technology may require.

SECTION 7. Board of Examiners for Medical Technology. — There is hereby created a Board of Examiners for Medical
Technology which shall hereafter be referred to as the Board composed of a chairman who is a pathologist appointed by

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Chrissa Mae T. Catindoy BS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 3A
the President of the Philippines from a list submitted by the Philippine Society of Pathologists and two members who are
registered medical technologists appointed by the President of the Philippines from among a list submitted by the
Philippine Association of Medical Technologists each one to serve a term of three years: Provided, That the first Board to
be created one member who shall act as chairman shall serve for three years, one member for two years and the third
member for one year: And provided, further, That the first members of the Board of Examiners for Medical Technology
shall be issued a certificate of registration as Medical Technologist without prior examination in accordance with the
provisions of this Act. No member shall be allowed more than one reappointment. The President of the Philippines shall
fill the vacancy that may occur but the appointee shall serve only the unexpired term of the incapacitated member.

SECTION 8. Qualifications of Examiners. — No person shall be appointed a member of the Board of Examiners for
Medical Technology unless he or she (1) is a Filipino citizen; (2) is of good moral character; (3) is a qualified pathologist or
duly registered medical technologist of the Philippines with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Medical
Technology/Bachelor of Science in Hygiene; (4) has been in the practice of laboratory medicine or medical technology for
at least ten years prior to his appointment, and (5) is not a member of the faculty of any medical technology school, or have
any pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in such institution: Provided, however, That for the first three years following the
approval of this Act, the requirement mentioned in number four (4) shall be reduced to five years.

SECTION 9. Executive Officer of the Board. — The Commissioner of Civil Service shall be the Executive Officer of the
Board, and shall conduct the examinations given by it. The Secretary of the Board Examiners appointed in accordance with
Section ten of Act Numbered Four Thousand Seven, as amended, shall also be the Secretary of the Board. He shall keep a
register of all persons to whom certificates of registration have been granted.

SECTION 10. Compensation of Members of the Board of Examiners for Medical Technology. — Each member of the
Board shall receive a sum of ten pesos for each applicant examined and five pesos for each applicant granted a certificate
of registration without examination.

SECTION 11. Functions and Duties of the Board. — The Board is vested with authority and required, conformably, with
the provisions of this Act, to:

(a) Administer the provisions of this Act;

(b) Administer oaths in connection with the administration of this Act;

(c) Issue, suspend and revoke certificates of registration for the practice of medical technology;

(d) Look into conditions affecting the practice of medical technology in the Philippines and, whenever necessary, adopt
such measures as may be deemed proper for the maintenance of good ethics and standards in the practice of medical
technology;

(e) Investigate such violations of this Act or of the rules and regulations issued thereunder as may come to the jurisdiction
of the Board and, for this purpose issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum to secure appearance of witnesses and
promulgations of documents in connection with charges presented to the Board; and

(f) Draft such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act: Provided, That the same
shall be issued only after the approval of the President of the Philippines.

SECTION 12. Removal of Board Members. — Any member of the Board may be removed by the President of the
Philippines for neglect of duty, incompetency, malpractice or unprofessional, unethical, immoral or dishonorable conduct
after having been given opportunity to defend himself in a proper administrative investigation; Provided, That during the
process of investigation, the President shall have the power to suspend such member under investigation and appoint a
temporary member in his place.

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Chrissa Mae T. Catindoy BS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 3A
SECTION 13. Accreditation of Schools of Medical Technology and of Training Laboratories. — Department of Education
shall approve schools of medical technology in accordance with the provisions of this Act. The Department of Health or its
authorized agency shall upon recommendation of the Council of Medical Technology Education approve laboratories for
accreditation as training laboratories for Medical Technology students or postgraduate trainees upon satisfactory evidence
that said laboratories possess qualified personnel and properly equipped to carry out laboratory procedures commonly
required in the following fields: bacteriology, serology, parasitology, hematology, and biochemistry, and that the scope of
activities of said laboratory offer sufficient training in said laboratory procedures.

SECTION 14. Inhibition Against the Practice of Medical Technology. — No person shall practice or offer to practice
medical technology as defined in this Act without having previously obtained a valid certificate of registration from the
Board provided that registration shall not be required of the following:

(a) Duly registered physicians.

(b) Medical technologists from other countries called in for consultation or as visiting or exchange professors to colleges or
universities: Provided, That they are only practicing the said function.

(c) Medical technologists in the service of the United States Armed Forces stationed in the Philippines rendering services
as such for members of the said forces only.

SECTION 15. Examination. — Except as otherwise specifically allowed under the provisions of this Act, all applicants for
registration as medical technologists shall be required to undergo a written examination which shall be given by the Board
annually in the greater Manila area, Cebu and Davao during the month of August or September on such days and places
as the Board may designate. Written notices of such examination shall be published in at least three newspapers of national
circulation by the Secretary of the Board at least thirty days prior to the date of examination.

SECTION 16. Qualification for Examination. — Every applicant for examination under this Act, shall, prior to the date
thereof, furnish the Board satisfactory proof that he or she:

(a) Is in good health and is of good moral character;

(b) Has completed a course of at least four years leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology or
Bachelor of Science in Hygiene conferred by a recognized school, college or university in accordance with this Act and all
other persons having graduated from other paramedical professions who are actually performing medical technology for
the last five years prior to the enactment of this Act provided they meet the minimum requirements mentioned in Section
Six exceeding one year undergraduate internship or practical training.

SECTION 17. Scope of Coverage & Examination. — The examination question shall cover the following subjects with their
respective relative weights:

Clinical Chemistry 20%

Microbiology and Parasitology 20%

Hematology 20%

Blood Banking and Serology 20%

Clinical Microscopy (Urinalysis and other body fluids) 10%

Histopathologic Technique 10%

The Board shall prepare the schedule of subjects for examination and to submit the same to the Commissioner of Civil
Service for publication at least four months before the date of examination. The Board shall compute the general average of
each examinee according to the abovementioned relative weights of the subjects: Provided, however, That the Board may
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Chrissa Mae T. Catindoy BS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 3A
change, add to or remove from the list of subjects or weights above, as progress in the science of medical technology may
require, subject to the prior approval of the council.

SECTION 18. Report of Rating. — The Board shall, within one hundred and twenty days after the date of completion of
the examination, report the result thereof to the Commissioner of Civil Service, who shall submit such result to the President
of the Philippines for approval.

SECTION 19. Ratings in the Examination. — In order to pass the examination, a candidate must obtain a general average
of at least seventy-five per cent in the written test, with no rating below fifty per cent in any of the major subjects: Provided,
That the candidate has not failed in at least sixty per cent of the subjects computed according to their relative weights. No
further examination will be given an applicant who has not qualified after three examinations, unless and until he shall
have completed 12 months refresher course in an accredited medical technology school or 12-month postgraduate training
in an accredited laboratory:

Provided, That graduate of paramedical professions other than Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology/Bachelor of
Science in Hygiene admitted to an examination under the provisions of this Act shall not be given further examinations
after his failure to qualify for the third time.

SECTION 20. Oath taking. — All successful examinees shall be required to take a professional oath before the Board or
before any person authorized to administer oaths prior to entering upon the practice of medical technology in the
Philippines.

SECTION 21. Issuance of Certificate of Registration. — Every applicant who has satisfactorily passed the required
examination, shall be issued a certificate of registration as Medical Technologist: Provided, That no such certificate shall be
issued to any successful applicant who has not attained the age of twenty-one years. All certificates shall be signed by all
the members of the Board and attested by its Secretary. The duly registered medical technologist shall be required to display
his certificate of registration in the place where he works. Upon application filed after the approval of this Act not later than
ninety days after the Board shall have been fully constituted, the Board shall issue a certificate of registration without
examination to persons who have been graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Hygiene and/or Bachelor of Science in
Medical Technology in duly recognized schools of medical technology in the Philippines or foreign countries who have
been in the practice of medical technology for at least three years at the time of the passage of this Act in laboratories in the
Philippines or in foreign countries duly accredited by the Bureau of Research and Laboratories, Department of Health, and
also to all other persons having graduated from other paramedical professions who are already civil service eligible by
authority of the other Boards of profession and who are actually performing medical technology practice for the last five
years prior to the enactment of this Act.

SECTION 22. Fees. — The Board shall charge each applicant for examination and registration the sum of fifty pesos and
for each certificate of registration issued without prior examination in accordance with the provisions of this Act the sum
of twenty five pesos; for issuance of a new certificate to replace certificate lost, destroyed or mutilated, the Board shall
charge the sum of ten pesos. All such fees shall be paid to the disbursing officer of the Civil Service Commission who shall
pay from the receipts thereof, all authorized expenses of the Board including the compensation of each member.

SECTION 23. Refusal to Issue Certificate. — The Board shall refuse to issue a certificate of registration to any person
convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of any guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct, or of unsound mind, or
incurable communicable disease, and in such case shall give to the applicant a written statement setting forth the reason for
its action, which statement shall be incorporated in the record of the Board.

SECTION 24. Administrative Investigation-Revocation or Suspension of Certificates. — Administrative investigations

shall be conducted by at least two members of the Board with one legal officer sitting during the investigation. The existing
rules of evidence shall be observed during all administrative proceedings, the respondents shall be entitled to be

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Chrissa Mae T. Catindoy BS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 3A
represented by counsel or be heard in person, to have a speedy and public hearing, to confront and cross-examine witnesses
against him or her, and to all other rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The Board may, after giving proper notice and hearing to the party concerned reprimand an erring medical technologist or
revoke or suspend his certificate of registration for the causes mentioned in the next preceding section or for causes
enumerated in section twenty-nine (29) of this Act, or for unprofessional conduct, malpractice, incompetency, or serious
ignorance or gross negligence in the practice of medical technology.

No penalty of revocation shall be imposed unless there is a unanimous vote of all the three members of the Board. The
Board may, by majority vote, impose the penalty of reprimand or suspension, the latter however not to exceed two years.

When the penalty of suspension or revocation is imposed by the Board the medical technologist shall be required to
surrender his certificate of registration within thirty days after the decision becomes final, under the pain of perpetual
disqualification from the practice of medical technology in the Philippines for inexcusable failure to do so. The suspension
shall run from the date of such surrender.

SECTION 25. Appeal. — The revocation or suspension of a certificate made by the Board shall be subject to appeal to the
Civil Service Commissioner whose decision shall become final thirty days after its promulgation, unless the respondent
within the same period has appealed to the office of the President of the Philippines.

SECTION 26. Reinstatement, Reissue or Replacement of Certificates. — The Board may, upon application and for reason
deemed proper and sufficient, reissue any revoked registration certificate. The suspension of a certificate of registration
shall be automatically lifted upon the expiration of the period of suspension and said certificate shall be re-issued to the
medical technologist concerned upon request without prejudice to further actions by the Board for violation of the
provisions of this Act or conditions imposed by the Board upon the medical technologist during the period of suspension.

SECTION 27. Foreign Reciprocity. — No foreigner shall be admitted to examination, or be given a certificate of registration
or be entitled to any of the rights and privileges under this Act, unless the country or state which he is a subject or a citizen
permits Filipino Medical Technologists to practice within its territorial limits on the same basis as the subjects or citizens of
said country or state.

SECTION 28. Roster of Medical Technologists. — (a) A roster of Medical Technologists shall be prepared annually by the
Secretary of the Board, commencing on the year following that in which the Act shall become effective. The roster shall
contain the name, address and citizenship of each registered Medical Technologist, date of registration or issuance of
certificate, and other data which in the opinion of the Board are pertinent. The roster shall be open to public inspection,
and copies thereof shall be mailed to each person included therein, placed on file in the Office of the President, furnished
all Department Heads and all agencies, offices and instrumentalities of the Department of Health and to such other offices,
private or governmental, and to the public upon request.

(b) Any medical technologist, even if duly registered, who shall practice medical technology in the Philippines without the
necessary supervision of a qualified pathologist or physician authorized by the Department of Health;

(c) Any medical technologist, who shall knowingly make a fraudulent laboratory report;

(d) Any duly registered medical technologist who shall refuse or fail, after due warning by the Board to display his
certificate or registration in the place where he works;

(e) Any person presenting or attempting to use as his own, the certificate of registration of another;

(f) Any person who shall give any false or fraudulent evidence of any kind to the Board member thereof in obtaining as
certificate of registration a Medical Technologist;

(g) Any person who shall impersonate any registrant of like or the same name;

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Chrissa Mae T. Catindoy BS MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 3A
(h) Any person who shall attempt to use a revoked or suspended certificate of registration;

(i) Any person who shall in connection with his name or otherwise, assume use or advertise any title or description tending
to convey the impression that he is a Medical Technologist without holding a valid certificate of registration;

(j) Any person who shall violate any provision of this Act; or

(k) Any person or corporate body who shall violate the rules and regulations of Board or orders promulgated by it after
having been duly approved and issued by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the Commissioner of
Civil Service for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 29. Penal Provisions. — Without prejudice to the provision of the Medical Act of 1959 as amended, pertaining
to illegal practice of Medicine, the following shall be punished by a fine of not less than two thousand pesos nor more than
five thousand pesos, or imprisonment for not less than six months nor more than two years, or both in the discretion of the
court:

(a) Any person who shall practice Medical Technology in the Philippines without being registered or exempted from
registration in accordance with the provisions of the Act;

(b) Any medical technologist, even if duly registered, who shall practice medical technology in the Philippines without the
necessary supervision of a qualified pathologist or physician authorized by the Department of Health;

(c) Any medical technologist who shall knowingly made a fraudulent laboratory report;

(d) Any duly registered medical technologist who shall refuse or fail, after due warning by the Board to display his
certificate of registration in the place where he works;

(e) Any person presenting or attempting to use as his own, the certificate of registration of another;

(f) Any person who shall give any false or fraudulent device of any kind to the Board of any member thereof obtaining a
certificate of registration as Medical Technologist;

(g) Any person who shall impersonate any registrant of a fake or the same name;

(h) Any person who shall attempt to use a revoked or suspended certificate of registration;

(i) Any person who shall in connection with his name otherwise, assume, use or advertise any title or description tending
to convey the impression that he is a Medical Technologist without holding a valid certificate of registration;

(j) Any person who shall violate any provision of this Act; or

(k) Any person or corporate body who shall violate the rules and regulations of Board or orders promulgated by it after
having been duly approved and issued by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the Commissioner of
Civil Service for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 30. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act or the application of such provision to any person or
circumstance is declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Act or of the application of such
provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected by such declaration.

SECTION 31. Repealing Clause. — All Acts, executive orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed: Provided, however, That nothing in this Act shall be construed as repealing or
amending any portion of the Medical Act of 1959 (R.A. 2382, as amended by R.A. 4224), the Clinical Laboratory Act of 1966
(R.A. 4688), and the Blood Banking Law of 1956 (R.A. 1517).

SECTION 32. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

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