Operation Theatre Technology is a detailed technical occupation in the field of health science. These medical professionals are an important part of the operation unit team who work alongside the surgeon, anesthesiologist and nurse in order to provide quality patient care throughout the surgery. These technicians make sure that every single process in the operation theatre is as secure and flourishing as possible. Their prime duty is to take care of all the work and management of the operation theatre which comprise looking after all the surgical instruments, their sterilisation, preparation of dressing table, operation theatre table, instrument table as well as anesthesia table. They also look after the drugs necessary for surgery, anesthetic gases, drapes and all the linen and their sterilisation. They bring together both sterile and non-sterile tools and at the same time regulate them to make sure that all are functioning appropriately.
There are two profiles you could look at:
Medical technologists work in areas of the laboratory like Clinical Chemistry (chemical analysis of body fluids), Blood banking, Immunology (study of immune system), Hematology (blood related), and Microbiology (study of bacteria and other disease organisms). Other areas include cytotechnology (study of human tissue), phlebotomy, urinalysis, coagulation, parasitology and serology. Phlebotomists draw and test blood where as Blood bank technologists determine correct blood types for transfusions. Histology technicians cut and stain tissue samples.
On the other hand, medical lab technicians work under technologists or supervisors and do routine laboratory testing manually. Technicians prepare specimens and operate machines that automatically analyze samples. They also prepare standard solutions which involve measuring and mixing the correct amount of various chemicals for use in the lab.
This profile does not deal with the patients directly in most cases. Qualities required for this profile are ability to conduct research, finish tasks with speed as well as with accuracy, to work under pressure, make analytical judgment, interpreting technical/scientific data, knowledge of laboratory instrumentation, mechanical ability and the ability to use computers. Technologists and technicians should have an eye for detail, be self-sufficient, accurate and self-motivated.
Some of the most sought after courses in the field include: