Medical Laboratory Technician
Medical laboratory technologists and technicians conduct medical laboratory tests, experiments and analyses to assist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. They are employed in medical laboratories in hospitals, blood banks, community and private clinics, research facilities and post-secondary educational institutions. Medical laboratory technologists who are supervisors are included in this unit group.
Typical Duties:
- Undertakes chemical analyses of body fluids using microscopes or automatic analyzers to detect abnormalities of disease;
- Conducts blood tests for transfusion purposes;
- Sets up, calibrates, cleans, and maintains medical laboratory equipment;
- Analyzes the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications;
- Records test data and provides reports that may include charts and graphs;
- Works with pathologists to determine a final diagnosis when abnormal cells are found;
- Prepares standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with samples or specimens following established formulas or experimental procedures;
- Inoculates bacteriological media with organisms in preparation for study or testing;
- Obtains specimens by cultivating, isolating or identifying microorganisms;
- Tests raw materials and processes for quality assurance purposes;
- Supervises or instructs other laboratory assistants or other technicians;
- Mounts tissue samples for examination under a microscope by a pathologist;
- Participates in medial research.
Educational Requirements:
Two-year college program in medical laboratory technology