Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Laboratory Technologist

A Laboratory Technologist is a professional who plays a crucial role in the field of healthcare by conducting various laboratory tests and analyses. They work behind the scenes, performing vital tasks that contribute to accurate diagnoses, treatment plans, and medical research. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Laboratory Technologists.

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Main Responsibilities of a Laboratory Technologist

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Laboratory Technologist:

Adhere to

Adhere to regulatory and accreditation standards, such as CLIA, CAP, or ISO.

Alert

Alert supervisory personnel of known or suspected quality problems.

Assist in

Assist in the delivery of laboratory sessions.
Assist in the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Assist in the development and validation of new laboratory procedures and methodologies.
Assist in the ordering of supplies and consumable items, and maintain related inventory records.
Assist / Perform assigned laboratory testing.
Assist supervisor with daily decisions using data, good judgment and experience.
Assist with / maintain animal procurement / disposition, as directed.
Assist with maintaining department supply inventory and re-orders as required.
Assist with / maintain inventory of supplies, feed and bedding, as directed.
Assist with / perform animal welfare related actions.
Assist with / perform experiments (i.e. research, 3Rs) , as directed.
Assist with / perform laboratory animal testing associated with projects.
Assist with the co-ordination and support of clinical students.
Assist with the facilitation of the Radiation Safety training program.
Assist with trouble shooting and problem solving for assays and processes.
Assist with validation in WellSky.

Calibrate

Calibrate and set up equipment prior to analysis.
Calibrate and troubleshoot laboratory equipment to ensure accurate and precise measurements.

Check

Check specimens for acceptability.

Collaborate with

Collaborate on the preparation of manuals.
Collaborate on the preparation of manuals and SOP.
Collaborate with healthcare professionals to provide consultation and assistance regarding test results.
Collaborate with laboratory staff and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.

Collect

Collect and prepare specimens for testing, ensuring proper labeling and documentation.

Communicate

Communicate effectively between departments, shifts and employees.
Communicate effectively with lead analysts and colleagues.
Communicate with physicians / nurses / healthcare professional regarding patient samples / results.

Compile

Compile and analyze data and prepare reports.
Compile results and perform data analyses for various laboratory tests.

Complete

Complete all duties following Policies and Procedures as documented.
Complete all required reading.
Complete all required reading required.

Conduct

Conduct activities related to blood and body fluid sample preparation and sample management.
Conduct genetic and molecular diagnostic tests, such as DNA sequencing and PCR.
Conduct quality control checks to ensure accurate and reliable test results.
Conduct research and stay updated on new laboratory techniques, technologies, and advancements.

Confirm

Confirm pertinent and appropriate clinical information.

Coordinate

Coordinate with the lab on scheduling and test readiness.

Create

Create / edit / revise SOPs as requires.
Create summaries and reports.

Design

Design and execute laboratory testing according standard procedures.

Discard

Discard outdated or compromised products as required.

Document

Document all maintenance performed, both scheduled and unscheduled.
Document all required information in the appropriate section of the instrument problem log.

Empower

Empower you to be a conscientious health care consumer through educational and wellness activities.

Engage

Engage in professional development activities.

Ensure

Ensure completion of pre-requisites including test scripts.
Ensure compliance with data integrity principles and documentation procedures.
Ensure / maintain the operation of various industry related control systems.
Ensure specimens are labeled according to protocol and match requisitions.
Ensure strict adherence to project plans and timelines.

Enter

Enter daily workload statistics into the laboratory information system.
Enter information into the Laboratory Information System and tracking system.

Evaluate

Evaluate test results, prepares records and reports for laboratory results.
Evaluate the accuracy and validity of laboratory test results and investigate any discrepancies.

File

File, retrieve and discard specimens / blocks / slides with a high degree of accuracy.

Follow

Follow appropriate chemical and universal blood and body fluid precautions hygiene.
Follow oral and written instructions precisely with attention to detail.
Follow procedures for the handling, movement and disposal of samples.
Follow SOPs in the completion of all duties.
Follow strict protocols and safety procedures to maintain a sterile and safe laboratory environment.

Handle

Handle varying workloads while maintaining accuracy.

Identify

Identify abnormalities in test results and takes appropriate action.
Identify incidents and non-conformances.
Identify technical and quality problems and takes appropriate action.
Identify unusual or abnormal findings and alerts the Senior Technologist / Clinical Biochemist.

Initiate

Initiate maintenance Work Orders when needed.

Interpret

Interpret test results, identify abnormalities or deviations, and report findings to medical professionals.

Introduce

Introduce / evaluate new reagents, equipment and procedures and coordinate subsequent training.

Learn

Learn and comply with regulatory requirements such as USDA, FDA, EU.

Liaise with

Liaise with internal and external customers.
Liaise with other programs for lab use.
Liaise with School of Health and Life Sciences Bio-med tech.

Lift

Lift / Carry up to 30 pounds Occasionally (34-65%).

Maintain

Maintain accurate records of all maintenance and service calls.
Maintain a clean and organized work area, including proper waste disposal.
Maintain and repair all hydronic and air flow test systems.
Maintain and update laboratory records, including patient data, test logs, and inventory records.
Maintain and uses all Reference Standard as required by applicable procedures.
Maintain clean work area while adheres to established safe work practices.
Maintain competence through training and competency testing.
Maintain confidentiality with all information entrusted to the position.
Maintain inventory and equipment for the Animal Health Program.
Maintain patient confidentiality and accuracy of documentation.
Maintain policy and procedure manuals in accordance with licensing and IQMH Accreditation standards.
Maintain required competencies through participation in the competency assessment programs.
Maintain sanitary and safe work area.
Maintain specified laboratory documents required by various accreditation agencies.
Maintain strict confidentiality and ensure the privacy of patient information.
Maintain strict standards of patient privacy and confidentiality.
Maintain stringent pre and post PCR containment procedures at all times to prevent contamination.
Maintain technical competency and participates in continuous learning and quality improvements.
Maintain the confidentiality of health information on all patients.
Maintain up-to-date pending logs to ensure that all specimens have been processed accordingly.

Manage

Manage program inventories.
Manage the disposal of all laboratory waste as specified in EHS procedures.

Monitor

Monitor and direct daily workflow; and displays leadership and teamwork skills.
Monitor and maintain adequate amounts and proper usage of laboratory supplies.
Monitor and maintain laboratory inventory, ensuring an adequate supply of reagents and consumables.
Monitor and oversee orientation and training of staff and internal / external clients.
Monitor department supply inventory & acts appropriately to maintain.
Monitor processes and alert supervisory personnel of known or suspected quality problems.

Operate

Operate and maintain common laboratory equipment / instruments.
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including analyzers, microscopes, and centrifuges.
Operate and perform testing and maintenance on technical equipment.
Operate basic laboratory and hematology instruments.

Participate in

Participate in after-hours On Call rotation.
Participate in in-service education.
Participate in proficiency testing and quality assurance programs.
Participate in recruitment, selection, retention and performance appraisal of staff, as required.
Participate in the validation and implementation of new laboratory equipment and technologies.
Participate in trouble shooting and problem solving for routine tests and processes.

Perform

Perform all quality control and assurance practices and maintain records as required.
Perform and documents preventive maintenance procedures and instrument function checks.
Perform and documents quality control and assurance programs.
Perform blood typing, cross-matching, and compatibility tests for blood transfusions.
Perform chemical analyses and drug testing on various samples.
Perform complex routine laboratory testing independently.
Perform data entry, data retrieval and prepares laboratory worksheets and reports.
Perform Health Inspector duties as required by LMC Health and Safety guidelines.
Perform laboratory procedures and analyze results according to established policies.
Perform laboratory tests and experiments to analyze body fluids, tissues, and other samples.
Perform operation, maintenance, and calibration of laboratory analyzers and equipment.
Perform PCR, molecular, and other specialized testing.
Perform pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical functions in Haematology.
Perform pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical functions in Transfusion Medicine.
Perform preventive maintenance procedures at each workstation as required.
Perform quality control procedures.
Perform routine and preventive maintenance of equipment.
Perform routine microbiological / immunological testing of specimens on technologist level.
Perform routine & specialized Hematology & Chemistry laboratory procedures.
Perform self audits and submit procedure manuals revisions.
Perform statistical analysis and interpret data for research studies and publications.
Perform Stem Cell Product Processing and Quality Control testing according to applicable SOPs.
Perform training as needed.

Prepare

Prepare and analyze cultures, samples, and specimens for microbiological studies.
Prepare and analyze cytological samples for cancer screening and diagnosis.
Prepare and analyze histological samples for pathological examination.
Prepare and sorts specimens for technical analysis.
Prepare and standardized solutions according to USP and / or official procedures.
Prepare aseptic and non-aseptic media for other groups within QO.
Prepare procedure manuals.
Prepare reagents, standards and quality control materials to be used for test procedures.
Prepare samples for NextGen sequencing.
Prepare supplies and biological specimens for use during laboratory sessions.
Prepare supplies for laboratory sessions.

Process

Process in-house and send-out test requests.

Promote

Promote teamwork within the department and laboratory and demonstrates APL values at all times.

Provide

Provide a clean, safe work environment for students and staff in the laboratories.
Provide general operating, troubleshooting, and maintenance support to the programs.
Provide guidance and support to healthcare professionals and colleagues regarding laboratory tests and procedures.
Provide guidance to laboratory assistants and support staff.
Provide instruction and collects specimens ensuring sample integrity.
Provide laboratory bench coverage and / or case-checking as required.

Reach

Reach with hands and arms.

Receive

Receive, inspect, sort and label client samples.
Receive, label and analyze samples (blood, toxic, tissue etc.).

Recognize

Recognize discrepancies and take appropriate action.
Recognize and assists with the resolution of technical problems.

Record

Record the results in the logbooks, assay and expiration date according to established procedures.

Refer

Refer discordant findings to appropriate personnel for further follow-up.

Register

Report

Report maintenance Work Orders when needed.

Respond to

Respond to phone inquiries from clients such as hospitals, clinics and physicians.

Retrieve

Retrieve stored samples from lab departments to add-on sendout testing, as requested.

Review

Review documentation for accuracy and completeness.
Review production records / reports to ensure critical control points and time limitations are met.
Review results & consults appropriate reference sources when needed.

Run

Run / coordinate individual test streams.

Screen

Screen Cytology cases and perform other tasks as required.

Seek

Seek opportunities to improve services by identifying and evaluating technological enhancements.

Set-up

Set-up and dismantle laboratory equipment as required for laboratory sessions.
Set-up and take down of laboratory equipment as required.
Set-up manual and robotic PCR runs.

Sterilize

Sterilize glassware and other materials for use in laboratories.

Summarize

Summarize, interpret and evaluate laboratory statistics, including workload unit data.

Support

Support preceptors training NAIT students.

Take

Take appropriate action and ensures follow up, as required.
Take appropriate action and ensures proper follow up, as required.

Test

Test set-up / data audit / data validation.

Train

Train and supervise laboratory assistants and technicians.

Travel

Travel to other SGS locations or client location may be required from time to time.

Troubleshoot

Troubleshoot and repair equipment or components.
Troubleshoot instrumentation or experiments.

Understand

Understand and perform basic laboratory techniques / procedures as per training and SOPs.
Understand company policies and procedures, i.e., Safety, SOP's and cGMP's.

Use

Use of PCR Technology to perform molecular assays.
Use personal protective equipment (e.g. gloves, lab coats) as specified in EHS procedures.

Utilize

Utilize regular feedback to identify and implement improvement.

Work with

Work closely with lab staff and LIS staff.
Work safely, following lab safety SOP requirements at all times.
Work suitable to the maintenance of a healthy work / life balance.
Work with Animal Husbandry Leader, Maintenance and Engineering to improve equipment operation.
Work with Maintenance and Engineering to improve equipment operation.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Laboratory Technologist:

Proficiency in conducting various laboratory tests and analyses.
Knowledge of laboratory equipment operation and maintenance.
Understanding of laboratory safety protocols and procedures.
Experience in specimen collection, preparation, and labeling.
Ability to interpret and analyze test results accurately.
Familiarity with quality control procedures and proficiency testing.
Knowledge of laboratory information systems and data management.
Proficiency in conducting research and staying updated on advancements in the field.
Understanding of regulatory and accreditation standards in laboratory settings.
Experience in troubleshooting and calibrating laboratory equipment.
Familiarity with molecular biology techniques and genetic testing methods.
Knowledge of microbiological culture techniques and diagnostic procedures.
Proficiency in histological sample preparation and analysis.
Understanding of chemical analysis techniques and drug testing procedures.
Knowledge of cytological screening and diagnostic methods.
Experience with statistical analysis and data interpretation.
Familiarity with laboratory inventory management and supply ordering.
Understanding of interdisciplinary collaboration and effective communication in a healthcare setting.
Proficiency in using laboratory software and computer applications.
Knowledge of regulatory compliance and proficiency in documenting and maintaining records.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Laboratory Technologist:

Attention to detail and strong observational skills.
Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Effective time management and organizational skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic laboratory environment.
Strong work ethic and commitment to accuracy and precision.
Compassion and empathy for patients and colleagues.
Excellent interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
Continuous learning mindset and dedication to professional development.

Conclusion

Laboratory Technologists play a vital role in the healthcare system by conducting laboratory tests and analyses that contribute to accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. By fulfilling their main responsibilities and possessing the most in-demand hard and soft skills, these professionals ensure the reliability and integrity of laboratory results, promote patient care, and contribute to advancements in the field of healthcare.