Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians
Medical and clinical laboratory technicians perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment & prevention of disease. They may work under the supervision of a medical technologist.
A medical lab technician is assigned the job of performing routine medical lab tests, which guides the physicians with the necessary information to diagnose, treat & prevent the disease. They conduct the test by examining & analyzing body fluids & cells, which in return helps in determining the chemical content of fluids, detecting the presence of parasites, bacteria & other microorganisms, looking for abnormal cells in blood & body fluids, matching blood for transfusions & test the drug levels in the blood.
To conduct their duties, lab technicians & medical lab technicians need microscopes, cell counters & other sophisticated lab equipment. The lab technicians are also familiarized with computerized instruments & automated equipment, which help in performing several tests simultaneously.
A medical & clinical lab technician’s salary varies from one institute to the other. Although, technicians' salaries are always lesser than the lab expert or lab in charge. To apply for a medical lab technician job, one must hold a higher & significant role compared to any other common lab technician because a medical lab technician has to delve deeper into the subject matter of blood & the fluids with which they deal.
To be successful in the clinical lab technician job description, one is expected to display dedication & hard work. They are also supposed to examine cells to locate any abnormalities. After the detection, they are supposed to enter the findings into computers. Further, they are supposed to prepare tissue samples for examination, forwarded by pathologists.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- M.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology
- B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology
- Diploma Medical Laboratory Technology
Tasks
- Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic analyzer to detect abnormalities or diseases and enter findings into computer.
- Analyze the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.
- Analyze and record test data to issue reports that use charts, graphs, or narratives.
- Perform medical research to further control or cure disease.
- Conduct blood tests for transfusion purposes and perform blood counts.
- Obtain specimens, cultivating, isolating, and identifying microorganisms for analysis.
- Examine cells stained with dye to locate abnormalities.
- Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.
- Consult with a pathologist to determine a final diagnosis when abnormal cells are found.
- Inoculate fertilized eggs, broths, or other bacteriological media with organisms.
Progression Routes
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