Interested in keeping a medical lab running smoothly? Want to juggle data entry and collecting blood samples? Consider a career as a medical laboratory assistant. Medical laboratory assistants help generate patient test results by performing various clerical and preparatory tasks.

Duties of Medical Laboratory Assistants

Duties of medical laboratory assistants include labeling and sorting tissue samples, operating lab testing equipment, collecting blood samples and body fluids, preparing slides for microscopic study, conducting simple tests on body fluids, making chemical solutions, and maintaining lab supplies. They also handle data entry, answer phone calls, and keep records.

Skills and Responsibilities

To excel in this profession, you should have the ability to follow instructions with attention to detail, work quickly and precisely, and possess good fine motor skills. Normal color vision, good communication skills, problem-solving abilities, organization skills, and knowledge of biology and medical terminology are also important. Additionally, you should be familiar with lab safety procedures, have basic computer and math skills, and be able to operate and maintain lab equipment.

Work Environment

Medical laboratory assistants may work in areas such as biochemistry, cytology, hematology, histopathology, immunology, and microbiology. Hours of work can vary, including rotating shifts and weekends.

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