Medical Laboratory Technicians

On the Job

Overview

Medical laboratory technicians conduct tests to help detect, diagnose, and treat diseases.

In the 1930s, Dr. George Papanicolaou developed a laboratory test we now refer to as, the Pap smear. Performed through a simple procedure, the Pap smear is the most widely used laboratory test to detect cervical cancer and other related conditions. In fact, it is also the most accurate test, reducing deaths due to cervical cancer by over 75%. By analyzing cells taken from a woman's cervix, medical laboratory technicians can find cancer in its earliest stages, even if the woman has no symptoms. In many cases, technicians can find conditions that might turn into cancer. Because of this simple test, cancer can be prevented before it even gets started.

Physicians use laboratory tests to help them figure out what is wrong with patients. Lab technicians run tests using samples of body fluids, cells, or tissues. Sometimes they use samples to prepare slides. The slides are then examined under a microscope. Sometimes technicians run tests to chemically analyze samples. They look to see if the samples are abnormal or diseased. They try to find and identify organisms, such as bacteria, that would indicate an infection. They often prepare vaccines and serums and test them to make sure they are active and not sterile. For other tests, technicians grow cell cultures. They make sure cells are grown in the right medium and temperature. After tests are run, technicians record, evaluate, and send results back to physicians or medical researchers. They also talk to pathologists if abnormal cells are found.

Medical technicians do most routine laboratory testing. Technicians may prepare specimens and use machines that automatically analyze samples. They may follow detailed instructions to do tests by hand. They record the test results on computers. Some technicians run all types of tests while others specialize. Phlebotomists draw and test blood. Histology technicians cut and stain tissue samples. In addition to running tests, technicians set up, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment, such as centrifuges and microscopes. They also prepare standard solutions for use in the lab. This involves measuring and mixing the correct amount of various chemicals.

Work Activities

The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.

• Test samples of biological materials, such as body fluids, tissues, and cells. Look for abnormalities or disease organisms.
• Evaluate test results.
• Select and prepare specimens and media for cell culture.
• Grow cell cultures using appropriate media and environmental conditions.
• Prepare slides for examination.
• Communicate with physicians or supervisors regarding test results.
• May supervise other technicians and laboratory assistants.
• May conduct research under the supervision of medical researchers.
• Perform tests to determine blood type for blood transfusions or for blood counts.
• Keep accurate records of medical tests. Enter in computers.
• Set up, adjust, clean, and maintain lab equipment.
• Cut and stain tissue specimens.
• Operate automatic analyzers. Follow strict procedures when running tests manually.
• Prepare vaccines and serums. Test viruses to make sure they aren't sterile.
• Prepare agents and solutions by measuring and mixing chemicals.

People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.

• Document and record information.
• Get information needed to do the job.
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials.
• Update and use job-related knowledge.
• Evaluate information against standards.
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates.
• Use computers.
• Process information.
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
• Analyze data or information.
• Identify objects, actions, and events.
• Control machines and processes.
• Make decisions and solve problems.
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed.
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment.
• Assist and care for others.
• Work with the public.
• Establish and maintain relationships.
• Schedule work and activities.
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings.

Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They talk to physicians, patients, and coworkers throughout the day.
• Communicate by telephone and in person on a daily basis. They use e-mail and letters and memos, but far less often.
• Often deal with people who are unpleasant or discourteous due to their injuries or illness.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Regularly work as part of a team.

Physical Work Conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Often wear protective clothing, such as gloves.
• Are often exposed to diseases and infections.
• Sometimes wear uniforms, such as lab coats.
• Work near others, usually a few feet apart.

Work Performance

• Must be very exact in their work. Errors could cause patients to be misdiagnosed.
• Must, at times, let the pace of work be dictated by the speed of equipment.
• Make decisions that affect patients and coworkers on a weekly basis. They make most decisions without talking to a supervisor.
• Set most tasks and goals for the day without talking to a supervisor first.
• Often repeat the same physical activities.

Hours/Travel

• May work part time or full time. Most work full time.
• Generally work a set schedule.
• May work nights, weekends, or holidays. Hospitals need tests run at all hours of the day.

Physical Demands

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

People in this career frequently:

• Stand while running tests. Walk to different rooms and floors.
• Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for people in this career to be able to:

• See details of objects whether they are nearby or far away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:

• Determine the distance between objects.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.