Medical Laboratory Technician Duties and Skills

What is an MLT?

A medical laboratory technician, also known as a clinical laboratory technician, is a professional who uses laboratory equipment, tests, and procedures to assess the health of human tissues and blood samples.  They work in clinical, diagnostic or hospital laboratories under the supervision of physicians, laboratory technologists and laboratory managers.

MLTs often share the title "med techs" with medical technologists, laboratory scientists, respiratory technologists, X-ray technologists and pharmacy technologists. The formal distinction between technologists and technicians is that technologists have a bachelor's degree, while technicians have diplomas, certificates or a two-year associate degree. Technologists also commonly have more education and advancement opportunities and earn higher salaries than technicians.

Duties of a Medical Laboratory Technician

MLTs perform laboratory tests and procedures, mostly comprising microscopic, bacteriological, hematological, immunologic and chemical diagnostic tests and analyses on samples of tissue, blood, urine, stool, synovial fluid and semen, among others. They look for critical clues to the absence, presence and extent of the causes and progression of diseases through accurate and efficient lab tests. Physicians and other specialists use the results technicians obtain from tests to make appropriate diagnoses and create treatment plans.

Other duties and responsibilities of MLTs include:

•Forwarding test results to physicians

•Keeping accurate records of test results

•Collecting, preparing and storing specimens

•Explaining test procedures to patients

•Examining and approving samples other professionals collect

•Ensuring optimum integrity, quantity and type of test samples

•Preparing lab reagents and standard solutions for tests

•Maintaining a clean and safe working environment

•Standardizing test procedures to ensure consistency, reliability and usefulness of results

•Calibrating equipment, developing standard operating procedures and determining correct reference ranges for tests

•Using automated equipment and computerized lab instruments to perform several tests simultaneously

Work environment for MLTs

Medical laboratory technicians work can work in various settings, including:

•Hospital, commercial and diagnostic laboratories

•Blood and organ banks

•Fertility centers

•Biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies

•Public health organizations

•Research facilities

•Reference laboratories

•Medical equipment sales companies

Many people in this industry work a traditional 40 hours per week. In medical facilities that operate 24/7, they may work in shifts and are available during emergencies. Their workplaces often are well lit, clean and sanitized. MLTs wear protective clothing, including gloves, goggles, masks and lab coats, when handling specimens or equipment.

Common MLT specialties

There are several MLT specialties, and the duties for each of these roles may vary. For instance, MLTs who specialize in phlebotomy may have duties involving collecting, storing and analyzing blood samples. Other potential MLT specialties include:

•Microbiology technicians: Professionals in this role help microbiologists identify microorganisms, conduct experiments, maintain and prepare equipment, collect specimens for analysis, perform tests and prepare data reports.

•Hematology technicians: These technicians specialize in drawing, testing and analyzing blood to identify diseases of the blood and body tissues that form blood, and they keep laboratory equipment clean, calibrated and sterile.

•Histotechnicians: These MLTs prepare thin samples of body tissues for a pathologist to examine with a microscope and check for signs of disease using dyes and other chemicals.

•Cytogenetic technicians: These specialists assist cytogenetic technologists in analyzing the structure of chromosomes in biological specimens and their relationship to diseases.

•Molecular biology lab technicians: MLTs in this field use specialized equipment to perform experiments on proteins and DNA under the supervision of molecular biologists and scientists. They also analyze data and record results.

•Cytology technicians: These technicians obtain cell samples and assist cytotechnologists in examining them for abnormalities that may lead to cancer or other diseases.

•Clinical chemistry technicians: These MLTs assist technologists in preparing specimens and analyzing the hormonal and chemical contents of body fluids, such as blood, urine or cerebrospinal fluid.

•Blood bank technicians (immunohematology technologists): MLTs with this specialty collect blood samples, label and classify them by type and prepare them and their components for transfusions or long-term storage. They also may determine compatibility of blood samples to screen potential donors.

Common skills for MLTs

Besides an aptitude for science and technical skills, MLTs use the following soft skills to succeed:

•Reading comprehension: It's crucial to understand and follow physicians' written instructions to ensure the safety of everyone in the lab.

•Attention to detail: Precision helps these professionals when performing test procedures and interpreting results.

•Critical thinking: MLTs often consider several options when solving problems or making decisions, comparing them and then choosing the most appropriate one.

•Problem solving: Identifying problems and solving them accurately and promptly is vital to help MLTs have accurate test results.

•Dexterity: Manual dexterity helps MLTs work with needles and precise lab instruments.

•Active listening: Understanding directions and instructions can help ensure MLTs follow proper guidelines and procedures in their workplace.

•Physical stamina: MLTs may spend long hours gathering samples or turning and lifting patients to collect test samples.

How to become a medical laboratory technician

Here are some steps you can follow to become an MLT:

1. Earn a high school diploma or equivalent

The first step involves obtaining your high school diploma or equivalent to qualify for an associate degree program or certificate program in medical laboratory technology. Valuable preparatory high school courses include mathematics, physics, health occupations, chemistry and biology. You also may consider shadowing a certified MLT before pursuing a degree or certificate program.

2. Pursue post-secondary education

The next step involves earning an associate degree or certificate from a community or junior college. Vocational schools, hospitals, technical training centers or military centers also may offer certificate programs in medical lab science. These programs typically last one year, while associate degree programs may take one to two years to complete. Both programs introduce you to medical laboratory equipment and data analysis.

Certificate programs provide an overview of medical subjects, including basic chemistry, anatomy, medical terminology, laboratory analysis and clinical procedures. Associate degree programs include more subjects like psychology, microbiology, immunology, hematology and clinical laboratory practices. They also may have a clinical component, which provides hands-on experience in the field where you work alongside certified and experienced MLTs. Consider completing a program that meets the requirements of the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences.

3. Obtain state licensure

MLTs earn a license before they can practice in some states. The requirements to obtain a license vary, but it's often necessary to have an associate degree or a certificate and then pass a state examination. Some states may require you to become certified to obtain licensure. To learn the specific licensure requirements in your state, try to contact state boards of occupational licensing and state health departments or visit the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science website.

4. Obtain certifications

Although it isn't a requirement, many employers prefer candidates with certifications from a professional organization. Two common organizations for certifications are the American Association of Bioanalysts Board of Registry (ABOR) and the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The ABOR certification validates your ability and knowledge to conduct routine medical laboratory tests. To earn this, a high school diploma or equivalent is necessary. You also meet one of the training or education and experience requirements, document your laboratory training and pass a written examination. Once you earn it, you then renew your associate member section membership every year.

The ASCP offers over 20 professional certifications for technologists, MLTs and pathologists' assistants. Certification shows potential employers you have the experience and knowledge to work safely in a laboratory. ASCP certifications usually require candidates to have a bachelor's or an associate degree. The certification requirements vary across specializations, but most include a combination of experience, education and training. The ASCP credential remains valid for three years, and maintenance requirements vary depending on your specialization, but all require a minimum number of practice hours and continuing education.

5. Pursue continuing education

To advance as an MLT, pursuing higher education often is essential. Consider obtaining a bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science or medical technology to work as a clinical laboratory scientist or medical technologist. To qualify for the medical technologist or medical laboratory scientist program, you may demonstrate language proficiency and pass a psychiatric examination.

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