Laboratory technician is a skilled professional who analyses biological specimen using scientific, technical methods for the purpose of diagnosis of a disease. Their job mainly involves collection of samples, analysis, creating report of the investigation. They are trained to gain expertise in usage of machines, scientific techniques of analysis, arrangement of equipment, maintenance of equipment etc. When a doctor needs 100% confirmation about the presence of a particular disease in a patient, the doctor asks the patient to go for lab tests. Based on the lab reports and investigations, doctor confirms the diagnosis and proceeds to further treatment of the patient.
DUTIES OF A LAB TECHNICIAN:
- Lab technicians can work in blood banks. The main job in blood banks is to draw blood from donors (phlebotomy), labelling the date and other information on the collected blood sample, maintaining the records and documents of blood samples, storage of the collected blood.
- Blood grouping tests(A, B, O types), blood cell counting, testing the donor and recipient blood samples during blood transfusion, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and other blood tests are done by lab technicians.
- Platelet functioning is also analysed by lab technicians. They perform coagulation tests and report clotting time of blood, bleeding time of blood, platelet count etc. to investigate for the presence of any diseases related to blood, kidney diseases and liver diseases.
- In microbiology labs, they analyse biological specimens like faecal matter, urine, blood, sputum, synovial fluid, cerebro spinal fluid, semen and vaginal fluids to detect the presence of disease-causing micro-organisms. They analyse the specimens for any bacteria, parasites, viruses, which cause diseases. They perform culture methods to grow bacterial colonies and are also familiar with many sterilization techniques.
- Examination of these biological specimens is also helpful in investigation for the presence of parasites like protozoans, worms like tape worm, round worm, hook worm etc.
- Biochemical analysis of body fluids is also performed by lab technicians to investigate the levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, urea, bilirubin, plasma proteins, hormonal levels etc. which help in diagnosis of diabetes, kidney and liver diseases.
- They perform immunological tests like agglutination test, precipitation test, blot test etc. to examine the presence of antibodies in the blood. Recent example is the rapid test for COVID-19. They examine the presence of antigens, immunoglobulins, proteins synthesised by viruses and help in the diagnosis of auto-immune diseases, tuberculosis (TB), AIDS, allergic reactions etc.
- In pathology labs, they examine samples of tissues from effected organs, histological examinations are performed for diagnostic investigations of several diseases. They also investigate for tumours, tumour markers for diagnosis of cancer.
- After performing the tests, they prepare lab reports which help in diagnosing a disease.
- After 10+2 (Intermediate BiPC), one can go for Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology(BMLT) also called B.Sc. MLT. This is a 3-year undergraduate course.
- After 10+2, (BiPC), one can also go for Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) which is a 2-year course.
- Laboratory technician: The duties of a lab technician have already been discussed above. With experience, one can become a senior laboratory assistant.
- Assistant Lab Technician: The duties are almost same as laboratory technician like collection of samples, arranging the equipment, sterilization of the equipment etc.
- Lab supervisor: The main duty of a lab supervisor is to oversee the processes of testing, observe the condition of machinery used for testing, quality checking of the equipment, implementation of safety measures in the laboratories.
- Lab manager: Their main duty is to conduct tests, implementation and observation of safety and quality guidelines, ordering and maintenance of lab equipment stock. They play a vital role in smooth functioning of a laboratory.
- Good practical knowledge
- Good skill
- Attention to detail
- Good analytical skills
- Good memory
- Ability to multitask
- Good observation skills
- Hospitals
- Diagnostic labs
- Blood banks
- Pathology labs
- Microbiology labs
- Biochemistry labs
- Virology labs
- Urology labs
The starting salary of a lab technician ranges from Rs.15,000-Rs.50,000 per month. Based on experience and position, the salary can be as high as Rs.90,000 per month.