64-Medical and pathology laboratory technicians

Job Title: 

Medical and pathology laboratory technicians

Job Description: 

Take and process samples, conduct tests and specified procedures, prepare and examine tissues, solids and fluids, and perform other functions associated with the operation of diagnostic medical laboratories.

Summary: 

Medical and pathology laboratory technicians perform routine and sometimes complex clinical tests of the human body on specimens of bodily fluids and tissues, as well as solids in order to obtain detailed information about the health of a patient or cause of death. May study, analyze and monitor these and write routine reports in accordance with requirements. Use a range of laboratory equipment, technologies instruments as well as defined mediums (such as chemicals), techniques and practices to conduct controlled tests in an endeavour to determine causes and affects. May in some cases assist in performing autopsies. In some instances may be required to be registered or certified to be permitted to work by a government authority, agency or approved certifying body.

Tasks: 

Job activities and tasks include:

  • conducting chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, and spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal and abnormal components
  • operating, calibrating and maintaining equipment used in quantitative and qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, and computer-controlled analysers
  • entering data from analysis of laboratory tests and clinical results into records-keeping systems and reporting results to medical practitioners and other health professionals
  • analyzing samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction
  • setting up, cleaning, and maintaining laboratory equipment
  • analyzing laboratory findings to check the accuracy of the results
  • establishing and monitoring programs to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results and developing, standardizing, evaluating, and modifying procedures, techniques and tests used in the analysis of specimens
  • obtaining specimens, cultivating, isolating and identifying microorganizms for analysis
  • examining cells stained with dye to locate abnormalities
  • inoculating fertilized eggs, broths, or other bacteriological media with organizms.
Knowledge: 

Specialist knowledge of principles, concepts and techniques in field of work and/or discipline

  • Higher knowledge of analyzing, planning, organizing and establishing policies, strategies, projections and/or conditions in the field of work and/or discipline
  • Broad knowledge of research principles and methods
  • Broad knowledge of high level governance of systems, processes and procedures including legislative, regulatory, standards, codes and conventions
  • Knowledge of recent developments in the field of work and/or discipline
  • Knowledge of principles, concepts and techniques in management, economics, finance, statistics and fiscal disciplines related to the field of work
  • Knowledge of political, government, legislative and regulatory systems related to the field of work
  • Knowledge of laws, regulations, standards codes and conventions of the UAE and specific Emirates related to the field of work and/or discipline and more general subjects including OHSE and cultural understanding and awareness
  • Knowledge of principles, concepts and techniques in sensitively responding to and observing complex ethical issues
  • Effect information technology, management information systems, management techniques and tools for optimal field of work performance
  • Skills in research, analysis, consultation and synthesis of information to evaluate policies, strategies, projections and/or conditions and develop suggestions and/or relevant options
  • Manage broad level relationships and coordinate related activities of respective stakeholders
  • Broad skills and experience in policy analysis, formulation and research, in a sensitive and confidential environment
  • Produce concepts and convey suggestions from the spectrum of development experience
  • Negotiation cultural sensitivity and diplomatic skills
  • Use of information, tools, resources to support complex work achievement
  • Work sensitively and effectively in a multi-cultural environment
  • Work with others to develop solutions to complex problems
  • Communicate with effect, and a proven record of developing and maintaining active partnerships across an organization and with diverse external clients and other key stakeholders
  • Developed higher oral and written communication, interpersonal and representational skills, and a proven ability to use these skills to prepare and present clear, concise, high quality advice
  • Well developed leadership and effective organizational skills, with capacity to organize and sustain improvements within a team environment, as well as the ability to work flexibly and cooperatively as a member of a team
  • Personal drive and integrity, the ability to self-manage and the capacity to identify and control risks associated with change, as well comply with ethical standards
  • Achieving results within tight timelines, and capacity to implement new policy directions
  • Highly developed organizational skills, including the ability to organize priorities and meet tight deadlines
    • Work Context: 

    Typically, work regular business hours, although there maybe requirements for weekend work, evenings or shift work to attend patient and medical requirements. They tend to spend most of their time working in purpose built laboratories, hospitals or medical centres and often may travel to regional locations to conduct laboratory activities for patients and/ or medical related establishments or staff. Typically, handle a range of products and samples that may be hazardous (such as chemicals) and/or infectious tissues, solids and fluids. Maintaining high level of self-hygiene and avoiding direct exposure to infectious patients is a primary consideration.

    Education: 

    Advanced or Higher Diploma in laboratory operations, medical laboratory technology or related field of work/discipline, higher qualification or equivalent.

    Required Work Experience: 

    3 - 4 years and above.

    Probable Employers: 

    Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, The National Rehabilitation Centre, SEHA, Mubadala Health Care

    Occupational Size: 
    Less than 5,000
    Expected Earnings: 

    Above the industry average

    Projected Growth: 
    Very good
    Alternate Titles: 

    Examples of job titles:
    Blood-bank technician - Cytology technician - Medical laboratory technician - Pathology technician
    Examples of some related occupations:
    Forensic science technician - Pathologist - Veterinary technician - Phlebotomist - Audiometrist - Forensic scientist - Laboratory worker - Microbiologist - Medical laboratory technician (MLT) - Medical laboratory technician (medical lab tech) - Laboratory assistant
    (lab assistant) - Laboratory technician - Phlebotomist - Clinical laboratory scientist - Laboratory supervisor - Non-registered technician - Laboratory associate (lab associate) - Toxicology laboratory technician - Medical technologist (MT) - Medical laboratory technologist (medical lab tech) - Clinical laboratory scientist (CLS) - Clinical laboratory manager - Microbiologist - Clinical laboratory technologist - Cytology laboratory manager - Medical technician - Research assistant - Pathology laboratory director - Attending pathologist - Anatomic pathologist - Associate pathologist - Cytopathologist - Dermatopathologist - Forensic pathologist - Oral pathologist - Operating theatre technician - Physical science technical officer - Veterinary nurse

    UAE Industry Groups: 
    Community, health and social services
    International Careers(ISCO): 
    Similar O*NET Careers (USA) : 
    Source Of Info: 
    Occupations and Careers Handbook for UAE Nationals(Copyright NQA ). Referenced from New York University, Abu Dhabhi