Healthcare Scientists Biomedical Scientists

Science in the service of life A career in Biomedical Science

What is Biomedical Science ? It is the “Engine Room” of modern Medicine All samples taken by a Doctor or Nurse are analysed by a Biomedical Scientist Without Biomedical Scientists, Doctors would not be able to diagnose diseases properly or treat patients effectively.

If this description conjures up images of mad scientists in white coats working in dark and dingy labs, then think again! Today’s Biomedical Scientist is likely to be found in modern, bright surroundings using the latest state-of-the-art equipment.

Biomedical Science is divided into many laboratory disciplines.

Medical Microbiology As a Biomedical Scientist in microbiology you will study micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi and parasites which cause disease You will identify these organisms and establish the antibiotic treatment required to kill them therefore stopping the disease.

Diseases diagnosed include meningitis, tuberculosis and food poisoning.

Clinical Chemistry Biomedical Scientists analyse blood and other biological materials to help the diagnosis of disease e.g. diabetes. They also carry out toxicological studies, test kidney and liver functions and help to monitor therapies.

Transfusion Science Biomedical Scientists identify blood groups for blood donation and ensure the correct group blood is matched to the patient due to receive the donation. They also make sure there is enough blood available in case of emergency such as road traffic accidents and operations.

Haematology Haematology is the study of blood. In this discipline you are involved with the formation, composition, function and diseases of the blood. Some of the diseases diagnosed in haematology are leukaemia, malaria and anaemia.

Histology In Histology tissue samples are studied microscopically to establish the cause of illness. Tissue may be taken during surgery or at post mortem. Diseases such as cancer are diagnosed by looking for abnormal features in tissue cells.

Cytology This discipline is best known for its work screening cervical smears, but it also provides a non-gynaecological service. Like Histology, specialised techniques are used to prepare and study samples of cellular material.

Virology Virology is the study of of viruses and the disease caused by them such as German measles, HIV and Chickenpox. It is also involved in the monitoring the effects of vaccines.

Immunology Biomedical Scientists in Immunology deal with the condition of the body’s immune system and its role in infectious diseases, allergies, tumour growth, tissue grafts and organ transplantation. Their work is particularly important in the monitoring and treatment of AIDS.

How do I become a Biomedical Scientist? Modern pathology and biomedical laboratory work involves complex and diverse investigations requiring an in-depth scientific knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology.

To be accepted onto an approved degree course you will probably be studying biology or chemistry at A level and already have GCSE mathematics or equivalent. You can get advice on course selection by contacting the Institute of Biomedical Science.

Career opportunities Since Biomedical Science is continually changing and is such a dynamic profession, it offers a fantastic variety of exciting career opportunities with excellent promotion prospects including specialist laboratory work, research, education and management.

Career opportunities Biomedical Scientists are found in NHS laboratories PHLS laboratories Forensic science laboratories Blood Transfusion Service Medical Research Council University laboratories Pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Healthcare Scientists Medical Laboratory Assistants

What are Medical Laboratory Assistants ? MLA’s are support staff that assist the work of Biomedical Scientists They are found in laboratories working alongside Biomedical Scientists. Although less qualified their work is as important to the running of laboratories.

Medical Laboratory Assistants No formal qualifications are required as MLA’s are trained by the laboratories they work in.

Medical laboratory Assistants Their work may involve Making up chemical solutions Using computers to analyse data Responsibility for labelling and sorting of tissue samples Maintaining stocks or consumable items Phlebotomy

Further information Visit the website at Or contact Institute of Biomedical Science 12 Coldbath Square London EC1R 5HL Tel Fax