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Female laboratory technician in blue scrubs preparing test tubes for analysis in a laboratory.

Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine medical laboratory tests and operate diagnostic laboratory equipment under the supervision of Medical Laboratory Scientists and Pathologists.

Overview

Medical Laboratory Technicians perform routine medical laboratory tests and operate diagnostic laboratory equipment under the supervision of Medical Laboratory Scientists and Pathologists.

Day-to-day

  • operates equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of hearing, the heart, kidneys and nervous system
  • undertakes and assists with medical analytical procedures and assists anaesthetists and surgical teams
  • records the electrical activity of the heart, from which the heart rate is measured and pattern and rhythm is interpreted
  • prepares and stains slides and tissue sections to study the cells of blood for histological examination
  • performs diagnostic tests on tissues and fluids and analyses the chemical constituents of blood, urine, faeces and tissues
  • tests for diseases by looking for the presence of antibodies and the products of immune response in samples
  • sets up, checks and maintains operating theatres, and anaesthetic workstations, life support machines and associated equipment
  • refers prescriptions to pharmacists and assists in preparing medications.

Occupation snapshot
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Not available
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Strong
Apprenticeships may be available

To become a Medical Laboratory Technician

  • You need a formal qualification in laboratory technology, operations, skills or techniques to work as a Medical Laboratory Technician. Vocational Education and Training (VET) and university are both common study pathways.

    Find a Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine

Skills

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