Medical Laboratory Technologists
On the Job
Medical Laboratory Technologists work in laboratories. They conduct tests on blood and other bodily fluids to diagnose diseases. They may supervise other laboratory staff.
Physical Demands 
This career requires good eyesight.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Conduct research to increase knowledge about medical issues.
- Enter patient or treatment data into computers.
- Determine protocols for medical procedures.
- Analyze laboratory findings.
- Analyze laboratory specimens to detect abnormalities or other problems.
- Communicate test or assessment results to medical professionals.
- Follow protocols or regulations for healthcare activities.
- Communicate test or assessment results to medical professionals.
- Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
- Maintain medical facility records.
Typical Working Conditions
- Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Having telephone conversations.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
- Frequent decision-making.
- Exposure to disease or infections.
- Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Exposure to contaminants (like gases or odors).
- Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
- Working with a group or team.
- Responsibility for others' health and safety.
- Dealing with unpleasant or angry people.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.
