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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.

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 employers are looking for

  • Communication Skills

  • Pathology

  • Chemistry

  • Computer Literacy

  • Quality Assurance and Control

  • Sample Preparation

Careers to explore