When a doctor orders a series
of tests on a patient,
it’s the job of medical and clinical laboratory
technologists and technicians to prepare
and perform those tests to help detect diseases
or abnormalities.
These professionals analyze body fluids,
tissue, and cells.
Using powerful medical equipment,
they look for bacteria, parasites,
and abnormal cells.
They also analyze cholesterol levels,
and cross-match blood samples
for transfusions,
documenting their results in reports
or patient medical records.
Since they regularly handle
samples and medical instruments
contaminated by infectious microbes,
they wear protective goggles,
gloves, and masks
to minimize the risk of contagion.
In larger labs and hospitals,
technologists and technicians tend to specialize
in areas like blood work or microbiology.
Most work full-time.
In general, technologists
supervise the work of technicians.
Technicians need an associate’s degree
in clinical laboratory science,
and technologists
need a bachelor’s degree in medical technology
or life sciences.
Licensure is required in some states,
and certification is often preferred
by employers.
The work can be stressful,
especially when they must perform
complex tests accurately
and in a limited time.
However, they gain satisfaction from knowing
they’ve provided the vital information
doctors need to save lives…
or cure diseases.