Medical Laboratory Tech

The Medical Laboratory Tech works under the supervision of a physician or medical tech and will perform tests to help in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.  The Tech may prepare samples for analysis, using equipment to locate microorganisms, monitor tests and procedures, analyze the chemical content of fluids, match blood for transfusions, and test for drug levels in the blood.

The professional MLT must have the ability to relate to people, demonstrate a commitment to the patient and possess the capacity for calm and reasoned judgment. Good communication skills are essential in order to facilitate consultative interaction with other health care team members, technical service matters and to educate the patient and their family. The Medical Laboratory Tech will demonstrate moral and ethical attitudes necessary for maintaining the confidentiality of patient information and in order to gain the confidence of the patient and their professional associates.

Most MLT’s work in a hospital, private laboratory setting or a physician’s office lab. The Medical Laboratory Tech would be able to perform routine clinical laboratory tests done in chemistry, immunohematology, hematology, microbiology, immunology and coagulation. The responsibilities of the MLT may include:

Daily instrument maintenance and quality control.

Sample testing.

Decisions regarding sample collection and handling

Knowledge of critical values

Collection and interpretation of data

Accurate reporting of data and maintenance of records

The MLT will have many and diverse functions in areas of pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytic processes. The level of analyses performed can range from point of care testing to complex testing involving all major areas of the laboratory. Additionally, information processing, training and quality control within the laboratory are all parts of the job of the MLT.