How to become a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician

Medical and clinical laboratory technologists operate in laboratories, aiding health professionals by conducting standard medical laboratory tests on blood, tissue, and other body fluids and evaluating the findings to diagnose, prevent, and treat patients. Both technicians and technologists perform tests and procedures ordered by physicians, surgeons, and other members of the healthcare team. Medical and clinical laboratory technicians typically report to medical laboratory technologists or laboratory managers.

• Ensure one-time use of needles or syringes and dispose the contaminated instruments after use
• Ensure sanitization and sterilization of blood-drawing trays and other lab equipment
• Discuss and forward the test sample results to physicians to make diagnosis
• Matching laboratory requirement forms to specimen tubes and correctly label the samples
• Blood or other bio-hazard products or tissues disposal in compliance with relevant rules, guidelines or policies
• Administer blood alcohol, blood culture, drug levels, etc. testing
• Input patient, test sample, insurance, or accounting information into database
• Verify identity of the patient or donor to confirm accurate sample testing and labelling
• Perform chemical analysis on urine, blood, and other bodily fluids or tissue samples, using a microscope or automatic analyzer to record findings or determine diagnosis
• Draw blood or tissue samples using various procedures
• Perform blood tests and study samples for blood count, transfusion, cell morphology, identify blood group, blood type, and other blood type compatibility
• Analyze test results, record data, draft reports using charts, graphs, or narratives
• Develop standardized reagents or volumetric solutions by following experimental procedures or standard formulas for sample combination
• Inoculate organisms with fertilized eggs, broths, or other bacteriological media
• Mount, cut, freeze, or stain tissue specimens for examination
• Stain specimens of tissue with dyes or other chemicals for visibility of cell details under microscopes
• Clean and maintain lab environment and safety equipment based on manufacturer’s instructions as well as quality, health, and safety industry standards
• Manage inventory of supplies, material, and equipment
• Plan and conduct research projects for disease cure or control
• Analyze microorganisms by obtaining samples, cultivation, isolation, and identification.

• Along with a basic knowledge of how to operate and set up sophisticated laboratory technology, medical and clinical laboratory technicians should appreciate accuracy and be comfortable dealing with equipment such as needles that needs close monitoring. They must be familiar with anatomy and blood collecting techniques. It is advantageous to be able to comprehend electronic medical health records and to possess basic computer abilities.
• To perform operations with accuracy and precision, medical and clinical lab technicians must be well-organized, possess observation abilities, and be detail focused. They must be able to reason logically, analyse critically, and solve problems, as well as have excellent reasoning and judgement. They are folks who are investigative, intelligent, introspective, inquiring, methodical, scientific, logical, analytic, and inquisitive.
• They must adhere to precise instructions in order to complete the tests or processes successfully. They must have strong manual dexterity and the ability to work intimately, safely, and successfully with needles, chemicals, and other laboratory tools. Thus, it is vital to have high hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and fine motor abilities.
• Additionally, they must adhere to all standard safety and quality control standards in the laboratory, as well as comprehend and follow all legal and health care processes. They must be able to properly manage their time and prioritise projects while keeping a high standard of work. They must operate swiftly and precisely under duress in order to produce outcomes while the patient is undergoing surgery.
• They should be able to communicate well, both vocally and in writing, and possess interpersonal skills. Medical and laboratory technologists must be empathetic and sensitive toward patients' nervousness and dread of needles; they must also demonstrate empathy in order to reassure the patient.