What does a clinical laboratory technician do?
A clinical laboratory technician collects and analyzes blood samples and other biological samples from body fluids and tissues. They perform scientific testing on these samples using microscopes and other high-tech laboratory equipment and report the results of these tests to doctors.
Clinical laboratory technicians work in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and doctors’ offices. They must have a minimum of an associate degree or a postsecondary certificate. Some states require clinical laboratory technicians to be licensed and undergo continuing education as part of their license renewal.
What is the role of clinical laboratory personnel in patient care?
The role of clinical laboratory personnel is to collect, evaluate, and report back on samples obtained from patients. They analyze blood, urine, and tissue samples and record their findings. Clinical laboratory personnel use microscopes, cell counters, and other sophisticated laboratory equipment in their analysis.
Patients and their doctors rely on prompt and accurate laboratory data to help identify health problems. Findings from their work may be needed for an initial diagnosis or during the treatment of a health condition. Laboratory findings are also used for cross-matching required in blood transfusions and to monitor patient outcomes.
What are the daily responsibilities of a clinical laboratory technician?
The daily responsibilities of a clinical laboratory technician are to collect and prepare biological samples for analysis and evaluate the samples using laboratory equipment that doctors and other healthcare providers have ordered. This includes analyzing the chemical content of body fluids, locating microorganisms within biological samples, and monitoring the tests and procedures being run.
Clinical laboratory technicians are trained to work with infectious specimens and wear protective equipment while performing their job. This may include medical gloves, a mask, goggles, or a face shield.
These technicians may spend many hours per day on their feet and must follow important procedures to sterilize equipment and prevent the spread of infection.
Do lab techs draw blood?
Yes, medical lab techs are trained to draw blood. They also instruct patients on the proper way to collect urine and other samples from the body. The lab techs that draw blood typically work at blood banks, smaller health clinics, or within stand-alone labs that require this work.
Lab techs differ from phlebotomists, who are medical professionals that only collect blood. Lab techs are permitted to collect many types of bodily samples.
Do clinical laboratory technicians travel?
Yes, clinical laboratory technicians travel if they work as traveling lab techs. Lab techs with this job will receive temporary assignments from their employment agency and travel where they are needed.
They may work as lab techs in a clinical lab setting or a medical facility within an underserved community. Typical assignments are for 13 weeks at a time.
Is a lab technician a scientist?
No, a lab technician is different from a laboratory scientist. Both scientists and techs work in labs and perform tests on biological samples. However, a scientist has a higher degree of education and can perform more complex lab work.
Technicians are responsible for running routine lab work and may be supervised by a lab scientist.
