Medical Laboratory Technician - Working conditions
Kaihangarau Taiwhanga Rongoā
Working Conditions
Medical laboratory technicians work in hospitals or community laboratories.
Medical laboratory technicians may come into contact with infectious body fluids and dangerous chemicals.
Equipment
Equipment medical laboratory technicians may use includes:
- specialised machines for analysing blood and fluids
- microscopes, test tubes, Petri dishes, Bunsen burners and other laboratory equipment
- computers
- protective clothing.
A medical laboratory technician uses a Bunsen burner to sterilise equipment
Alex Burge incubating blood samples
Hours
Medical laboratory technicians usually work regular hours, but may have to work weekends or evening shifts.
Contact with people
Medical laboratory technicians work in teams under the supervision of medical laboratory scientists and pathologists. They have regular contact with medical staff and other health professionals.
Updated
September 2009
