Medical Lab Technologist and Medical Lab Technician

When it comes to the challenge and rewards of medicine and science, the medical laboratory technologist (MLT) has the best of both worlds. Medical laboratory technologists work in all areas of the clinical laboratory including:

• Blood banking
• Chemistry
• Haematology
• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Cytology
• Histopathology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetic

They perform a full range of laboratory tests – from simple premarital blood tests, to more complex tests to uncover diseases such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and cancer. They are also responsible for confirming the accuracy of test results, and reporting laboratory findings to pathologists and other physicians. The information that a medical laboratory technologist gives to the doctor influences the medical treatment a patient will receive.

Also known as clinical laboratory scientists (CLS), medical laboratory technologists operate complex electronic equipment, computers, and precision instruments costing millions of dollars. Working under the supervision, a medical laboratory technician (MLT) performs routine tests in all areas of the clinical laboratory. A medical laboratory technician searches for basic clues to the absence, presence, extent, and causes of diseases. This skilled individual is responsible for performing laboratory tests efficiently and accurately for high-quality patient care.