Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Also called: Biochemistry Technologist, Blood Bank Laboratory Technologist, Blood Bank Technologist, Chemistry Technologist, Chief Medical Technologist

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

Varies

estimated salary

Medical and clinical laboratory technologists perform complex medical laboratory tests for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. May train or supervise staff.

  • Conduct chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, or spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal or abnormal components.
  • Analyze laboratory findings to check the accuracy of the results.
  • Operate, calibrate, or maintain equipment used in quantitative or qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, or computer-controlled analyzers.
  • Collect and study blood samples to determine the number of cells, their morphology, or their blood group, blood type, or compatibility for transfusion purposes, using microscopic techniques.
  • Enter data from analysis of medical tests or clinical results into computer for storage.
  • Establish or monitor quality assurance programs or activities to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results.
  • Analyze samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction.
  • Set up, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment.
  • Provide technical information about test results to physicians, family members, or researchers.
  • Cultivate, isolate, or assist in identifying microbial organisms or perform various tests on these microorganisms.
  • Supervise, train, or direct lab assistants, medical and clinical laboratory technicians or technologists, or other medical laboratory workers engaged in laboratory testing.
  • Develop, standardize, evaluate, or modify procedures, techniques, or tests used in the analysis of specimens or in medical laboratory experiments.
  • Harvest cell cultures at optimum time, based on knowledge of cell cycle differences and culture conditions.
  • Select and prepare specimens and media for cell cultures, using aseptic technique and knowledge of medium components and cell requirements.
  • Obtain, cut, stain, and mount biological material on slides for microscopic study and diagnosis, following standard laboratory procedures.
  • Conduct medical research under direction of microbiologist or biochemist.
Work Context
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 100% responded "Every day".
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 99% responded "Extremely important".
  • Telephone — 99% responded "Every day".
  • Time Pressure — 87% responded "Every day".
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections — 87% responded "Every day".
  • Frequency of Decision Making — 87% responded "Every day".
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 85% responded "Very important results".
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Work Activities
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • 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.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Develop healthcare quality and safety procedures.
  • Analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems.
  • Collect biological specimens from patients.
  • Analyze laboratory findings.
  • Analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems.
  • Operate laboratory equipment to analyze medical samples.
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Knowledge

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

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Science
  • Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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Abilities

Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Inductive Reasoning
  • The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
  • Spreadsheet software
Medical software
  • MEDITECH software Hot Technology
  • Quality control software
  • Reimbursement screening software
  • Specimen tracking software
  • Test result delivery software
  • Test routing software
  • Commercial plate reader software
  • Microscopic image capturing software
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • Hematology laboratory workflow management software
  • Laboratory information system LIS
  • Medical digital imaging software
  • Medical procedure coding software
  • Medical software
  • Medical system integration software
Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office Hot Technology
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