Ten Questions for LMP’s Jordan Ngo Tian He
What is your position? Medical Laboratory Technologist
What do you do here? I work in Flow cytometry. It is a technique used to analyze cells stained with antibody-labeled fluorochrome. This suspension passes through a laser and electronic signals are collected to describe the properties of each cell. It is now routinely used in the diagnosis of blood cancers.
Why did you get into Lab medicine? I have always been interested in medical science- why people get sick, cause of the disease, diagnostic test, treatment and prevention
How did you get started at UHN? I worked for few years in Hematology, Biochemistry and Flow cytometry in MDS Lab (now Lifelabs). Later, I got more interested in Flow cytometry and an opportunity came when UHN was looking to fill one full time job
How long have you worked here? A little over 3 years
What is your favorite part of the job? The work environment – it is dynamic and evolving and keeps me on the move physically and mentally
What is the most challenging part of your job? The most challenging part is the analysis of the flow cytometry data. A skilled MLT needs to recognize an abnormal pattern to be able to report the correct immunophenotype to the Pathologists
What value would you say you add to patient care? Being able to provide a rapid and accurate report for the Pathologists in order to identify the blood disease.
How would you say you support the LMP mission to advance lab medicine in its three foundational pillars: research, education and clinical service?
Research: I have been involved in many clinical trial testing of new markers that would someday provide a more specific and more sensitive tests to identify diseases and improve the treatment
Education: I have been sharing different case studies to my colleagues that would further enhance and update our knowledge. I have been also presenting to medical student how Flow lab operates to get them familiarize with the tests
Service: I have been participating in our lab team meetings about creating a better work flow processes and consequently, an improve lab services and a better turn-around time for reporting of the results
In LMP, we often talk about serving as “global leaders” – what do you do to serve as a global leader?
To be called a global leader, one needs to initiate a fresh new approach or ideas for improvement and to stay current with the latest development and technologies happening around the world. I keep myself updated with new advances in Flow cytometry by attending conferences, off-site trainings and reading online articles. I take the lead right in the lab by setting a good example of a competent, productive and efficient MLT for others to follow. For the Flow cytometry team as a whole, we take pride in becoming the first and only leader in employing the use of Flow cytometry – 2 lasers, 10-colour multi-parameter assays for the processing Leukemia, Lymphoma, Screen tube, PNH, and the new MRD panel.
The Pathology Report 
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