A medical laboratory technologist is a medical professional trained to carry out laboratory analysis of body tissues and fluids collected from a patient.
After analysis, they prepare reports that are sent to physicians to help in the diagnosis of medical conditions or treatment of patients.
They are an integral part of a health team and without their services, doctors can’t accurately make a medical diagnosis.
Roles and responsibilities of a medical laboratory technologist
Medical laboratory technology is a broad field that covers microbiology, immunology, clinical chemistry, and hematology. During practice, they choose one of these sub-specialties to render their elearning experience.
They work in a laboratory and wear personal protective equipment such as laboratory coats, face masks, boots, and gloves to prevent them from contracting infections from infectious body samples.
Here are some of their core duties in the hospital or research laboratory:
Set up and operate laboratory equipment.
Prepare and standardize chemical reagents used for laboratory analysis.
Collect patient samples.
Analyze patient samples and create reports sent to doctors.
Carry out tests to monitor the patient’s response to treatment.
Perform quality control checks to ensure laboratory results are accurate.
Supervise a medical laboratory technician.
Medical laboratory technologists work shifts including weekends and holidays because their services are needed 24/7 in a health facility.