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Career of the week; Medical Lab Scientist
What are Medical Laboratory Scientists and what do they do?
Who are we?
Medical Laboratory Scientists and Technicians work in clinical laboratories testing patient samples to aid doctors in their diagnosis. Over 70% of medical decisions are based on laboratory results.
What do we do?
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We examine and perform tests on blood, tissue and fluid samples taken from patients.
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We interpret the results and report them to the doctor
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Maintain and use laboratory equipment from the simplest pipettes to large automated analysers with built-in robotics
We have different roles…
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Phlebotomists collect samples from the patients. A good phlebotomist is reassuring and caring towards the patient and pays close attention to detail.
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Pre-analytical technicians have a good general knowledge of the testing done across all laboratory departments. They register, prepare, and distribute samples to the correct department for testing.
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Medical Laboratory Technicians prepare samples and perform tests within their own speciality. They are heavily involved in equipment calibration and maintenance.
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Medical Laboratory Scientists work within their chosen speciality, performing tests on patient samples and reporting clinically relevant results to doctors. There are different specialities…
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Biochemistry – Analysis of the patient’s body chemistry using sophisticated instrumentation.
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Haematology – Study of the blood and bone marrow cells, and the clotting proteins present in blood.
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Immunology – Study of the immune system and associated disease, often through the measurement of antibody production.
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Microbiology – The culture of bacteria and fungi, and the identification of parasites that cause human disease.
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Molecular Biology – Use PCR technology to find genes to identify infectious pathogens, leukaemias and other diseases.
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Histology – Prepare, process and stain tissues to investigate cancers and other tissue diseases.
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Cytology – Prepare, stain and examine cells for the presence of cancer cells.
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Cytogenetics – Work with chromosomes and DNA to provide information about congenital disease, metabolic disorders and cancer genes.
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Transfusion Science – Make blood components from donated blood, investigate it for infectious agents, and cross-match patient blood for safe transfusion.
What qualifications do you need?
Our Phlebotomists and Technicians are trained over a 2-year period while working and take an exam to gain NZ registration.
Scientists undertake a 4-year degree at either the Auckland University of Technology or the University of Otago. This includes two 16-week placements in a laboratory within the specialities of your choice.
