Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician

Other Titles

Certified Clinical Laboratory Technician, Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Clinical Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Assistant (Lab Assistant), Laboratory Supervisor, Laboratory Technician, Medical Laboratory Technician, Medical Technician

Perform routine medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May work under the supervision of a medical technologist. Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians perform a wide range of medical tests. These tests are aimed at identifying diseases as well as preventing these diseases. In this role, they may perform tests on blood, tissue or body fluid samples. They typically work under the supervision of a medical technologist and perform tests as needed and as per the directions of the physician. A part of their job is to make sure the medical testing equipment is functional. In doing so, they may sterilise the equipment on regular basis and adjust the equipment to make sure it is correctly calibrated before a test is performed.

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.

Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.

Prepare standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with samples, following standardized formulas or experimental procedures.

Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.

Supervise or instruct other technicians or laboratory assistants.

Conduct blood tests for transfusion purposes and perform blood counts.

Inoculate fertilized eggs, broths, or other bacteriological media with organisms.

Obtain specimens, cultivating, isolating, and identifying microorganisms for analysis.

Examine cells stained with dye to locate abnormalities.

Consult with a pathologist to determine a final diagnosis when abnormal cells are found.

Cut, stain, and mount tissue samples for examination by pathologists.

Perform medical research to further control or cure disease.

Test raw materials, processes, or finished products to determine quality or quantity of materials or characteristics of a substance.

Analyze and record test data to issue reports that use charts, graphs, or narratives.

Active Listening→ Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Reading Comprehension→ Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Critical Thinking→ Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking→ Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Science→ Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Complex Problem Solving→ Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Instructing→ Teaching others how to do something.

Monitoring→ Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Operation Monitoring→ Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Quality Control Analysis→ Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Time Management→ Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Writing→ Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Active Learning→ Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Coordination→ Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Judgment and Decision Making→ Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Service Orientation→ Actively looking for ways to help people.

Social Perceptiveness→ Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Processing Information→ Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Interacting With Computers→ Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Getting Information→ Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge→ Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems→ Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Documenting/Recording Information→ Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings→ Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards→ Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material→ Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates→ Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Analyzing Data or Information→ Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Training and Teaching Others→ Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events→ Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others→ Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work→ Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships→ Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Controlling Machines and Processes→ Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People→ Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Developing and Building Teams→ Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment→ Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical principles.

Coaching and Developing Others→ Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information→ Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Assisting and Caring for Others→ Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Handling and Moving Objects→ Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Test biological specimens to gather information about patient conditions.

Analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems.

Analyze laboratory findings.

Enter patient or treatment data into computers.

Operate laboratory equipment to analyze medical samples.

Prepare biological specimens for laboratory analysis.

Collect biological specimens from patients.

Clean medical equipment or facilities.

Maintain medical laboratory equipment.

Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.

Cultivate micro-organisms for study, testing, or medical preparations.

Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.

Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.

Analyze test data or images to inform diagnosis or treatment.

Supervise technical medical personnel.

Train medical providers.

Near Vision→ The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Information Ordering→ The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g. , patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Oral Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Problem Sensitivity→ The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Oral Comprehension→ The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Finger Dexterity→ The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Written Comprehension→ The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Arm-Hand Steadiness→ The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Category Flexibility→ The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

Control Precision→ The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Deductive Reasoning→ The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Flexibility of Closure→ The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

Manual Dexterity→ The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Selective Attention→ The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Speech Clarity→ The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Speech Recognition→ The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Visual Color Discrimination→ The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

Written Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Inductive Reasoning→ The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Mathematical Reasoning→ The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

Number Facility→ The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

Perceptual Speed→ The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

Biology→ Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

Chemistry→ Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Language→ Knowledge of the structure and content of a language - English, French, Swahili et cetera - including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Mathematics→ Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Customer and Personal Service→ Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Public Safety and Security→ Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Clerical→ Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Medicine and Dentistry→ Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

Education and Training→ Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Accounting software -- Billing software

Analytical or scientific software -- Statistical analysis software; Minitab

Database user interface and query software -- Database software; FileMaker Pro

Development environment software -- e.g., National Instruments LabVIEW

Electronic mail software -- e.g., Google Gmail; IBM Notes; Microsoft Outlook

Enterprise resource planning ERP software -- e.g., Odoo; Sage; Xero; Sapama; ebizframe; Macro 2000; SYSPRO ERP; QuickEasy BOS; TrueERP; Microsoft Dynamics; NetSuite ERP; Oracle Hyperion; SAP

Medical software — Laboratory information system LIS; Commercial plate reader software; Electronic medical record EMR software; Hematology laboratory workflow management software; Medical digital imaging software; Medical system integration software; Microscopic image capturing software; Quality control software; Reimbursement screening software; Specimen tracking software; Test result delivery software; Test routing software

Office suite software -- e.g., Corel WordPerfect Office; Microsoft Office; Google Workspace

Presentation software -- e.g., Google Slides; Corel Presentations; Microsoft PowerPoint

Spreadsheet software -- e.g., Corel Quattro Pro; Microsoft Excel; Google Sheets

Word processing software -- e.g., Corel Wordperfect; Microsoft Word; Google Docs

Anaerobic jars or accessories→ Anaerobe jars; Candle jars

Analytical balances

Bench refractometers or polarimeters→ Bench refractometers

Benchtop centrifuges→ Centrifuges

Binocular light compound microscopes→ Compound microscopes

Blood bank analyzers→ Agglutination viewers

Blood bank cell washers→ Cell washers

Blood collection needle→ Blood collection needles

Blood collection needle holders→ Needle holders

Blood collection syringes

Butterfly needles

Capillary or hematocrit tubes→ Capillary sticks; Capillary tubes

Chemistry analyzers→ Automated chemistry analyzers; Automated/semi-automated dipstick analysis systems; Heterologous test systems; Homologous test systems

Chromatographic detectors→ Chromatographs

Coagulation analyzers→ Automated coagulation analyzers; Portable coagulation analyzers

Colorimeters→ Colorimetric devices

Compact disc CD or labeling printers→ Label printers

Desktop computers

Dropping pipettes

Dry baths or heating blocks→ Dry bath incubators

Electrolyte analyzers

Electronic multichannel pipetters→ 8 and 2 channel pipettes

Extracting equipment for laboratories→ Plasma extractors

Fluorescent microscopes→ Fluorescence microscopes

Forced air or mechanical convection general purpose incubators→ Incubators

Gas chromatographs→ Gas chromatographs GC

Glucose monitors or meters→ Glucose monitoring systems

Hemacytometer sets→ Hemacytometers

Hematology analyzers→ 5-part differential automated hematology analyzers; Automated platelet analyzers; Differential hematology analyzers with laser technology; Hematology task-targeted automation TTA systems; Semiautomated hematology analyzers

Histology tissue cassettes→ Tissue cassettes

Hypodermic needle→ 22-gauge needles

Immunology or serology test kits or supplies→ Serological kits

Laboratory chillers→ Blood bank refrigerators

Laboratory diluters→ Diluters

Laboratory mixers→ Electrical mixers

Laboratory vacuum pumps

Laminar flow cabinets or stations→ Laminar flow hoods

Lancets→ Sterile blood lancets

Laser printers

Liquid scintillation counters→ Scintillation counters

Manual or electronic hematology differential cell counters→ Cell counters

Manual single channel air displacement pipetters→ Single-channel pipettes

Microbiology analyzers→ Flow cytometers

Microcentrifuges→ Microhematocrits

Micrometers

Microplate washers→ Plate washers

Microscope slides→ Glass slides

Multipurpose or general test tubes→ Sterile transfer tubes

Multiwell plates→ Microtiter plates

Notebook computers

Personal computers

Petri plates or dishes→ Petri dishes

pH meters

Phlebotomy trays or accessories→ Collection tube holders/adapters; Unopettes

Platelet mixers→ Platelet rockers

Robotic or automated liquid handling systems→ Automatic pipetters

Shaking incubators→ Blood culture incubators

Specialty plates for bacteria→ Blood agar plates

Spectrometers

Spectrophotometers

Steam autoclaves or sterilizers→ Autoclaves

Stereo or dissecting light microscopes→ Light microscopes

Surgical sterile instrument brushes or instrument stylets or instrument wipes→ Stylets

Temperature cycling chambers or thermal cyclers→ Thermal cyclers

Tissue culture coated plates or dishes or inserts→ Antigen-coated test plates; Sensitivity plates

Tissue embedding stations→ Tissue embedding equipment

Tourniquets

Triple beam balances

Tube rotators→ Serology tube rotators

Ultracentrifuges

Urinalysis analyzers→ Urinometers

Vacuum blood collection tubes or containers→ Evacuated blood collection tubes

Warming cabinets→ Plasma thawers

Realistic→ Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Investigative→ Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Conventional→ Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Social→ Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Attention to Detail→ Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability→ Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Integrity→ Job requires being honest and ethical.

Independence→ Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Analytical Thinking→ Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Cooperation→ Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Adaptability/Flexibility→ Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

Initiative→ Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Self Control→ Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Stress Tolerance→ Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Concern for Others→ Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Achievement/Effort→ Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Persistence→ Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Leadership→ Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

Innovation→ Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Social Orientation→ Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

Support→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Relationships→ Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Independence→ Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.