Medical Laboratory Technologist
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:
- Operates and maintains equipment such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters of computer-controlled analyzers employed for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of fluids;
- Sets up, cleans, and maintains laboratory equipment;
- Collects and studies blood samples to determine the number of cells, their morphology as well as blood type and group;
- Undertakes chemical analyses of body fluids to ascertain the presence of normal or abnormal components;
- Analyzes laboratory findings to confirm the accuracy of results;
- Enters test data into computer databases or logs;
- Establishes and maintains quality assurance programs to ensure the accuracy of test results;
- Mounts biological materials on slides in preparation for viewing under a microscope;
- Analyzes samples of biological material to identify chemical contents;
- Cultivates, isolates, and identifies microbial organisms;
- Selects and prepares specimens and media for cell cultures;
- Harvests cell cultures at optimal times based on knowledge of cell cycles and culture conditions;
- Supervises, trains, and directs the work of laboratory assistants and other medical laboratory technicians;
- Develops new procedures and techniques for the analysis of specimens.
Educational Requirements:
Three-year college program in medical laboratory technology