Medical Laboratory Technician Job Description

What is the job description of a Medical Laboratory Technician? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Medical Laboratory Technician? What does a Medical Laboratory Technician do?

Job description of a Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical laboratory technicians work with doctors on the diagnostic process. When a person is ill, the most accurate information about what is making them sick lives in their bodies. Blood and tissue cells can be tested in order to reveal what truly afflicts a person and whether a treatment is working.

A medical laboratory technician is a trained professional that runs these clinical laboratory tests on samples collected from patients such as blood, urine, stool, biopsy. The results of a medical laboratory technician’s tests are then interpreted by physicians. The accuracy of the test is essential for patients to receive effective medical care.

This Medical Laboratory Technician job description example includes the list of most important Medical Laboratory Technician duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Medical Laboratory Technician profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Medical Laboratory Technician Duties and Responsibilities

Medical Laboratory Technician job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Collect and analyse body fluids or tissues using microscope or automatic analyser to detect abnormalities or diseases
  • Conduct blood tests and perform blood counts
  • Examine cells and cultures to find abnormalities.
  • Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment
  • Analyse results of tests
  • Record test data
  • Work with a pathologist when abnormal cells are found
  • Prepare standard solutions or reagents to be combined with samples
  • Construct, maintain and operate standard laboratory equipment, for example centrifuges, titrators, pipetting machines and pH meters
  • Keep equipment in a clean and serviceable condition and ensure the safe removal of waste
  • Ensure the laboratory is well-stocked and resourced and that everything is clearly and correctly labelled
  • Keep up to date with technical developments, especially those which can save time and improve reliability
  • Conduct searches on identified topics relevant to the research
  • Follow and ensure strict safety procedures and safety checks.

Medical Laboratory Technician Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Medical Laboratory Technician job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Minimum of an Associate’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Chemistry, Biology or related field
  • Possessing certification/licensure in the field
  • Ability to draw blood
  • Ability to stand the sight of bodily fluids
  • Able to work together as part of a team
  • Able to maintain a safe, clean work environment
  • Superb documentation skills
  • Great verbal communication skills and able to explain complex medical terms simply

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Medical Laboratory Technician starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Medical Laboratory Technician job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Medical Laboratory Technician may also reference it in preparation for the interview.