A laboratory technologist is a scientist who works in a lab and analyzes samples of living and nonliving matter. He or she uses sophisticated laboratory equipment to carefully examine a sample in order to learn about its composition. Clinical labs and scientific research labs employ the majority of laboratory technologists, and both offer plenty of opportunities for specialization. A clinical lab professional might specialize in histology, virology, hematology, or another medical field, whereas a science lab technologist might specialize in chemistry, food science, or forensic studies. Laboratory technologist jobs have a wide range of educational requirements, but most professionals need at least a bachelor’s degree in their field.
Hospitals, health clinics, and private medical laboratories employ the majority of clinical laboratory technologists. Technologists collect and analyze samples of human tissue, fluid, and blood with the help of other scientists and laboratory technicians. They try to find out if there are any diseases, bacteria, or other harmful or unnatural substances present, as well as their identities. Frequently, technologists communicate with physicians to explain their findings and determine the best course of treatment for a patient.
A clinical lab technologist may choose to specialize in one or more fields. A histology expert examines tissue samples for signs of bacteria, parasites, or fungi. A hematology technologist takes blood samples and screens them for disease, while a blood bank technologist prepares healthy blood for transfusions. Experts in virology and immunology study virus strains and other diseases in the hopes of learning more about their causes, effects on the body, and potentially effective treatments.
Jobs as a scientific laboratory technologist can be found in a variety of settings, including independent labs, universities, biotechnology companies, and research and development firms. In order to determine the components, functions, and capabilities of matter in manufacturing or medicine, technologists frequently conduct extensive experiments on it. To ensure that experiments are not skewed and that results are accurate, most professionals work in groups.
Chemistry technologists work with organic and inorganic samples to determine their chemical composition. They might want to know how much of a particular chemical substance, such as a pollutant, is present in a sample of air, water, or soil. New foods, preservatives, processing techniques, and packaging materials are developed food science technologists. In order to determine the exact nature of crimes, identify criminals, and bring justice to those who have been harmed, forensic laboratory technologists collect and investigate crime scene evidence. Microbiology, aquatic studies, and environmental science are some of the specialties of other technologists.