Medical Laboratory Technicians perform laboratory tests which are critical in the determination of the health condition of and the proper treatment to be given to an individual (University of Arkansas for Medical Science 2006). They examine and scrutinize body fluids and cells. With the aid of some laboratory apparatus, they search for bacteria, parasites and other microorganism. Chemical content of fluids are also being analyzed.
They also do blood-matching before blood transfusions. To determine patients’ response to treatment, Medical Technicians conduct test for drug levels. They examine specimens too, count cells and identify sick cells in blood. The state-of-the-art clinical instruments and computer programmed laboratory equipments which they use can perform series of tests simultaneously (U. S. Department of Labor 2006). Medical Technicians do analysis of the result and forward them to physicians. With the advent of computer technology resulting to more computerized programs, works of medical technologists and technicians has become easier.
The level of education and the amount of experience of personnel contribute largely to the quality of job they perform at the laboratory. Most of the works involve performance of complex tests and require a certain level of judgment (U. S. Department of Labor 2006).. Biological, hematological and microscopic, among others, are some of the laboratory tests which are being conducted by technicians. They examine blood and other body fluids with the aid of microscope and from the specimens, harmful microorganisms such as fungi and parasites are detected.
Medical technicians conduct analysis on samples for chemical presence or a chemical reaction and determine levels of blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid and others. They also do blood typing and blood matching for blood transfusion purposes. To obtain a high percentage of accuracy on tests, Medical Technologists evaluate results of laboratory tests, conduct development and modification of procedures and establish and monitor programs. The tasks of medical laboratory technicians are less complicated than medical technologists. In some cases they are under the supervision of technologists (U. S. Department of Labor 2006).
Work hours and working environment of medical laboratory technicians vary with the size and type of employer. In bigger hospitals and laboratories that operate 24 hours, 7 days a week, there is usually the day and night shift. They may even work during weekends and holidays. (U. S. Department of Labor 2006) Laboratory personnel are undergoing training in the proper handling of specimens which came from patients with communicable diseases. Proper methods on sterilization and infection control are being strictly observed because these are hazardous to health. For their safety, workers in the laboratory are required to use protective gears (U. S. Department of Labor 2006).
Those individuals who have obtained an associate degree from a hospital, vocational or technical school are accepted as medical laboratory technicians. Aside from this, other states require that they obtain license or registration from non-governmental organization such as professional society or certifying agency. Certificates are granted to an individual when his professional competence meets the prescribed standard (U. S. Department of Labor 2006). The ability to render wise judgment and being able to work even in some difficult circumstances are few of the good qualities of medical laboratory personnel.
Skills obtained from previous experiences are preferred and laboratory personnel need not be color blind. Close attention to details is of extreme importance because even small discrepancy or change in test substances or numerical readings is critical to the health of a patient. With the automation of laboratory instruments personnel are required to be computer literate. Laboratory personnel are also expected to excel in problem solving (U. S. Department of Labor 2006).
Reference: University of Arkansas for Medical Science, “Clinical Laboratory Sciences”