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Clinical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists
Testing occurring in clinical laboratories has aided doctors and scientists discover new ways to diagnose and cure disease. Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians, also referred to as medical and laboratory technicians, work in clinical laboratories.
These scientists and technicians conduct experiments to study cells and body fluids. They study bacteria and other microorganisms, analyze fluid content with microscopes, test blood when blood transfusions are necessary, and conduct blood tests to determine how individuals are reacting to drug treatment. Other duties of technologists include preparing samples to be examined and locating uncharacteristic cells in samples. Technologists and technicians are trained to use state of the art technology including cell counters, lab technology, and microscopes. More labs also have computerized technology that enables technicians to perform multiple tasks at once. Once tests have been conducted, technicians and technologists refer their findings to doctors.
Because of automated equipment, laboratory professionals are assigned more tasks requiring them to utilize their analytical abilities. Technicians and technologists’ duties are determined by their education and experience level. Clinical laboratory technologists often have more complicated duties than their technician counterparts.
Clinical laboratory technologists conduct complex tests. These tests include bacteriological, hematological, immunologic, and chemical tests. They are also responsible for observing with microscopes blood to measure cholesterol and blood glucose percentages and tissue samples to locate microorganisms. Clinical laboratory technologists are also responsible for accurately determining blood types during blood transfusions.
Clinical laboratory technologists assess test outcomes, initiate new policies or change existing ones, and set up procedures to make sure test results are accurate. Some work in a supervisory role within their laboratories.
Technologists working at big laborites usually have specialized responsibilities, and those at smaller ones conduct a variety of tasks. At larger facilities, a chemistry technologist prepares and examines chemical composition in biological fluids. Microbiology technologists analyze samples to locate microorganisms. Blood bank technologists determine blood types and get it ready for transfusions, and those specializing in immunology conduct tests to determine immune system reactions to outside bodies. Cytotechnologists analyze cell and tissue samples to look for cancer. Those specializing in molecular biology perform complicated tests on cells.
Clinical laboratory technicians have less complicated responsibilities than their technologist counterparts. Technicians get specimens ready for review and perform analysis tests requiring them to pay very close attention to specific instructions. Laboratory managers or technologists usually oversee the work of technicians. Technicians often specialize or are assigned numerous duties. Examples of specialists include phlebotomists, specialists that retrieve samples of blood, and histotechnicians, specialists that prepare tissue samples for pathologists to analyze.
Work environment. Professionals working in laboratories are taught how to properly handle contaminated specimens. If safety and sanitation procedures are followed, few people will be infected with deadly diseases. To protect themselves, workers wear protective clothing.
The working environment for laboratory professionals depend on the type of tests conducted at the laboratory. Working in a laboratory can be comfortable since they are sanitary and brightly-lit, but sometimes fumes can be present in laboratories during tests. Laboratory professionals also stand for extended periods of time.
The working hours of laboratory professionals also varies among laboratories. At big hospitals or laboratories, laboratory workers may work shifts during all hours of the day and holidays. Those at smaller labs usually work shifts that change frequently instead of set shifts. Some laboratories require their employees to be available to work any hour of the day during specific days or emergencies.
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