The primary job of a clinical laboratory technician is to perform tests in order to detect, diagnose and treat diseases. They search for bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms through examination and analysis of bodily fluids and cells. They are responsible for determining the chemical contents of certain fluids, comparing blood types in preparation for transfusions and monitoring a patient’s response to drug levels in the blood throughout procedures. During the examination process a technician will also check for abnormal cells and verify specific cell counts.
The equipment used in the laboratory is quite sophisticated. It allows the technicians to perform a variety of tests simultaneously with the use of automated and computerized equipment. The use of microscopes and cell counters is also prevalent to analyze results to pass along to the physicians.
It is the job of the clinical laboratory technician to examine and evaluate all tests. It is crucial that the proper results are determined in order to correctly implement the findings. Technicians in are employed by small labs are generally able to perform a variety of tests. Those employed in larger labs are primarily specialized technicians who focus on one task.
There is a slight difference in the job of a technologist in comparison to technicians. Technologists are responsible for more of the complex research involving chemical, biological, hematological, immunology, microscopic and bacteriological tests. They work more with the chemical content and chemical reaction of specific samples. Technicians often times handle less complex tasks. They are more times responsible for the preparation of specimens and the operation of the automated analyzers and also run manual tests.
The clinical laboratory technicians that specialize in certain areas also have specific titles. Microbiology technologists or technicians examine and identify areas concerning bacteria and microorganisms. The technicians that are familiar with the chemical and hormonal contents of body fluids and those who are responsible for preparing specimens are referred to as chemistry technologists or technicians. Individuals who specialize in the collection, type and preparation of blood for transfusions are called immunohematology technologists or technicians.
Those who specialize in the immune system and track foreign particles and the body’s response to it are known as immunology technologists or technicians. The preparation of slides of body cells and those who examine the cells by the use of microscopes (mainly to detect the beginning stages of cancer) are called cytotechnologists. Those who perform testing for complex protein and nucleic acid on cell samples are molecular biology technicians.
