A Glimpse into the Careers of Medical Laboratory Technicians

Medical laboratory technicians play important roles in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. They perform general tests in clinical laboratories and look for clues to the presence, level, and causes of diseases. In addition, laboratory technicians try to trace patients’ response levels to treatments.

Work Profile of Medical Laboratory Technicians In general, the occupation tasks of medical/clinical lab technicians are:

• preparing specimens for clinical examination.
• performing clinical tests to detect bacteria, fungi, parasites, and microorganisms in patients' bodies.
• analyzing chemical contents of body fluids and determining blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
• counting blood cells and looking for abnormal growths of cells in blood.
• matching the blood for transfusions.
• conducting tests to determine drug levels in blood.
• tracking patients' responses to drugs.
• evaluating test results with the help of sophisticated laboratory equipment and showing them to physicians.

Work Conditions Laboratory technicians normally work under the supervision of medical and clinical laboratory technologists who monitor their work and ensure accuracy of tests results. In small laboratories, medical technicians may perform tests in several areas of clinical science, but in large laboratories, they may specialize in one area. Because of the increased use of computers and automation in clinical testing, technicians' jobs have become more systematic, and employers highly value analytical and judgmental qualities in technicians. In practice, the responsibility to handle complex tests depends largely on the education and expertise of the technicians. Depending on the size and type of the laboratory, the work hours and other working conditions of technicians vary. In large hospitals, where work goes on continuously, technicians usually operate in rotating day, swing, and night shifts. Responsible employers strive to maintain an infection-free atmosphere, keep sterilization facilities available, and provide technicians with the necessary masks, gloves, and goggles to ensure safety of laboratory personnel, as there are always a few health risks. Skills Needed to Succeed as Lab Technicians The chief requisite characteristics to succeed as laboratory technicians are commitment to work, accuracy, and operational reliability. Personnel with casual approaches to their work have no future in this field. Laboratory technicians should be able to withstand work pressure, complete their tasks within time limits, and maintain high standards of quality in all situations. Laboratory technicians must have complete attention to detail, as small differences in test results can be crucial. Analytical skills and the ability to manage laboratory equipment and computers are desirable. Salaries of Laboratory Technicians In 2004, clinical laboratory technicians' median annual earnings were around $30,840; the middle 50% earned in the range of $24,890 to $37,770; the lowest 10% received less than $20,410; and the highest 10% earned more than $45,680. In 2004, around 302,000 personnel held jobs as medical and clinical laboratory technicians. With the increase in the volume and types of the clinical tests, there are good job prospects for laboratory technicians in the future. Reference: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-2007 ed. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.