A clinical laboratory technician, also known as a medical technologist or simply a lab tech, is a scientist who analyzes samples of human body tissue or fluid for the presence of diseases. He or she is responsible for collecting specimens, testing them with various measures and lab instruments, and analyzing the results. A clinical laboratory technician might work in a hospital, a research center, or another lab.
By determining the presence of disease, bacteria, or parasites in a sample, clinical laboratory technicians play an important, albeit indirect, role in patient care. The information they gather and analyze is passed on to doctors, who use the information to prescribe the best treatment for their patients. A clinical laboratory technician must be meticulous in his or her work to ensure accurate results because effective treatment depends on understanding the exact nature of a problem. He or she must be able to use sound judgment and effectively communicate findings to coworkers and doctors in the lab.
Typically, lab technicians use sophisticated equipment to perform several hands-on tests. A lab tech may be asked to examine a tissue sample under a microscope or perform chemical tests to determine the composition of a fluid. A lab tech must be comfortable working with his or her hands in order to physically manipulate samples and gather data due to the nature of the job. Other responsibilities have been added to manual tasks as a result of advances in computer technology. On-site training for cell counting machines and specialized data analysis software is common for clinical laboratory technicians.
To work as a clinical laboratory technician, you’ll need at least an associate’s degree in medical technology, though some employers will insist on a bachelor’s degree. In addition, the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences requires completion of a certification program (NAACLS). NAACLS certification programs are available at most major universities, health science institutions, and hospitals.
Large hospitals employ the majority of lab technicians, but some also work in pharmaceutical research facilities, law enforcement labs, and blood donation centers. Because hospitals are open 24 hours a day, employees may work days, evenings, or overnight shifts. On-call status is common among lab technicians, as emergency situations may necessitate their assistance at any time.
The demand for skilled clinical laboratory technicians is on the rise, thanks to an expanding global population and the prevalence of new and mutating diseases. Lab technicians’ work today has an impact on the development of new medical technology, vaccines, medications, and treatment programs in the future.