Lab TechnicianA medical lab technician conducts tests to help diagnosis, detect and treat diseases. Examples are the simple Pap test which has saved thousands of lives since its invention in the 1930s.
In a medical facility, the lab technician routinely receive samples of bodily fluid from physicians and use the fluid to run tests such as blood or urine tests. Blood samples may also be used to prepare slides for later inspection under a microscope. Tests may be done by machine or by hand. Sometimes chemical analysis is done to determine the presence or absence of vital substances required in the healthy functioning of the body.
Careful recordkeeping and handling of potentially hazardous materials is necessary for the lab technician. Reports are written, compiled and presented to the medical personnel requesting the information. In the event of abnormal cells, sometimes the lab technician will work with a pathologist.
The work is indoors, usually during normal working hours and may be somewhat restricted in movement. Uniforms are often worn as well as protective clothing gloves and occasionally footwear.
Training and certification is required in order to complete the duties of the lab technician successfully. Training can sometimes be obtained on the job, but is more common through degree programs at vocational schools, the military, or community colleges.
Wages vary depending upon the area of the country, but generally are in the range of $2500 monthly. The major employers are hospitals, medical laboratories and medical laboratories. Nationally there are over 147,000 lab technicians, and the number is expected to grow over the next 5 years.
For more information you may contact American Medical Technologists, 710 Higgins Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068, Phone: 847.823.5169, http://www.amt1.com/
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