By shining a new light on the unseen, and largely unacknowledged work performed by CSMLS members, this project strives to bring a greater awareness to their essential role in Canadian society.
By filtering hard science through a breath-taking, creative lens we hope to make the work and workers that go unseen, seen and appreciated like never before.
The Artwork
The Pap
This piece is inspired by a Papanicolaou Test, commonly known as a Pap Test, which is used to help detect cervical cancer.
According to Statistics Canada, over five million Pap Tests are performed each year. During these tests, Diagnostic Cytology Technologists process the sample and slide under a microscope to detect pre-cancerous cells. These medical laboratory professionals closely analyse cellular changes that can determine the presence of specific diseases.
The Karyotype
This piece is inspired by karyotyping, a test used to examine chromosomes to identify genetic problems that may cause a disorder or disease.
Clinical Genetics Technologists use a variety of processes and instruments to analyse and diagnose changes or abnormalities in chromosomes and DNA. Often, this medical laboratory professional uses the process of pairing and ordering the chromosomes to spot such abnormalities.
The Smear
This piece is inspired by a peripheral blood smear, a technique used to examine red and white blood cells as well as platelets under a microscope.
This blood test can be ordered for a patient indicating potential blood disorders. Medical Laboratory Technologists analyse these samples to provide results for physician diagnosis and treatment. These medical laboratory professionals are specialized in five disciplines of clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, haematology, transfusion science, and histology.
The Coat
This piece has been painted on a CSMLS Indigo Lab Coat, a symbol honouring medical laboratory professionals.
This special edition lab coat recognizes Medical Laboratory Assistants and their close connection to the communities they serve. The most common procedure performed by these professionals is phlebotomy, the process of taking blood. These medical laboratory professionals have a strong connection to patient care, often interacting directly with the patients they serve.
SEEING THE UNSEEN
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Who are medical lab professionals?
MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST
MLTs analyze samples, such as tissues and body fluids, to provide results for physician diagnosis and treatment.
DIAGNOSTIC CYTOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST
DCTs are health professionals that analyze cellular changes that can determine the presence of specific diseases.
CLINICAL GENETICS TECHNOLOGIST
CGTs use a variety of instruments to analyze and diagnose changes or abnormalities in chromosomes and DNA, which are unique to every individual. A CGT’s analysis of these cells can lead to a diagnosis of genetic diseases.
MEDICAL LABORATORY ASSISTANT
MLAs work under the supervision of an MLT, performing the practical components of sample analysis. MLAs sort, prepare, and sometimes process samples that will be tested and analyzed by an MLT.
Who is CSMLS?
The Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is the national professional society for Canada’s medical laboratory professionals.
From cancer to COVID and everything in between, these dedicated professionals perform over 1.2 million tests a day, to keep Canadians healthy and to keep the Canadian health care system functioning.