What is the work of a medical laboratory?
Christopher Davis
Updated on March 31, 2026
Medical laboratory scientists have a wide variety of responsibilities and duties, including: Examining and analyzing blood, body fluids, tissues, and cells. Relaying test results to physicians. Establishing quality assurance programs to monitor and ensure the accuracy of test results.
What is the role of a medical laboratory scientist?
A medical laboratory scientist, also known as medical laboratory technologists or clinical laboratory scientists, is a health care expert who performs tests on body fluids, tissues and cells samples to help diagnose, treat, manage, or prevent diseases.
What kind of jobs can you get with a medical laboratory science degree?
Career Opportunities
- Biological Technician.
- Blood Bank Technologist.
- Chemical and Materials Scientist.
- Chemical Technician.
- Clinical Chemistry Technologist.
- Cytotechnologist.
- Immunology Technologist.
Is medical laboratory scientist a good career?
In high demand, clinical laboratory science offers rapid advancement, multiple employment opportunities, and a competitive salary. It’s a great career opportunity!
What degree is needed to work in a medical lab?
Medical laboratory scientists typically need a bachelor’s degree (four years), including courses in chemistry, biology, microbiology, math, and statistics.
What qualifications do I need to work in a hospital lab?
You’ll need:
- knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals.
- knowledge of biology.
- the ability to work well with your hands.
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail.
- the ability to use your initiative.
- the ability to work well with others.
- administration skills.
- maths knowledge.
Are medical laboratory scientists in demand?
Medical laboratory scientists are in high demand, and government economists expect job growth for medical scientists, to be much faster than the average for all careers through 2020. The Human Genome Project and research in bioterrorism also have increased demand for medical laboratory scientists.
What is the cut off mark for Medical Laboratory Science?
The minimum UTME/JAMB cut off mark for medical lab science in Ahmadu Bello University is 200… This means as a student, you need to score at least 200 to be eligible for ABU post UME.
How many years is medical laboratory science course?
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science Degree (BMLS) The BMLS degree programme runs for 5 years for Joint Matriculation entry candidates and 4 years for direct entry candidates. The BMLS programme is being handled by the professional Medical Laboratory Scientists in the cadres of Professor to Lecturer II’s cadre.
Are medical lab scientists happy?
Medical and clinical laboratory technologists are one of the least happy careers in the United States. As it turns out, medical and clinical laboratory technologists rate their career happiness 2.8 out of 5 stars which puts them in the bottom 16% of careers.
Who are the people in the medical laboratory?
There are many types of laboratory professionals, including: Medical Laboratory Scientists. Medical Laboratory Technicians. Cytotechnologists. Histotechnologists. Phlebotomists. Molecular Biologists. Pathologists’ Assistants.
Do you need a license to work in a medical lab?
Some states may also require laboratory personnel to be licensed. To learn the requirements in your state, visit the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS) website. Additionally, some states may require medical lab techs to become certified in order to obtain licensure.
What do you do in a medical laboratory?
What Is a Laboratory Professional? Laboratory personnel examine and analyze body fluids, and cells. They look for bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms; analyze the chemical contents of fluids; match blood for transfusions; and test for drug levels in the blood that show how a patient is responding to treatment.
Is there a future for medical lab technicians?
The bright future of this field is indicated by the 14 percent projected increase in employment for medical lab techs through 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 1 That’s twice the projected national average for all occupations. That stat alone should pique your interest about this career.