As it is clear from its title, a medical laboratory assistant is someone who works in a lab, conducts different kinds of tests, collects samples, and performs clerical tasks, etc. This blog talks about some of the most important skills that one needs to excel as a lab assistant. If you are planning to start a career as a medical laboratory assistant or interested in any other related field, this blog will definitely help you.
If you are looking for a laboratory assistant diploma program, you can check out Edison College’s medical lab assistant course program. This 8-month medical lab assistant diploma is hybrid, and it also has a 6-week practicum. The program provides both a theoretical foundation and practical skills that include medical terminologies, clinical chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, ECG, and phlebotomy, etc.
Attention To Detail
Medical professionals, such as pathologists and x-ray technologists, usually oversee the work of medical laboratory assistants. In a scientific setting such as a lab, precision is essential. This entails carefully following lab protocols, precisely recording data, and closely examining outcomes. Using this ability reduces the possibility of mistakes, guaranteeing the validity and precision of your work.
Attention to detail is a very important skill to have for a laboratory assistant because of the handling of samples and personal data of patients in the laboratory. Medical laboratory assistants also handle different fluids like blood samples on a routine basis; therefore, it is important that everything in the laboratory is done carefully to avoid possible human errors. For instance, any mistake in the data recording after receiving a blood sample of a person can create a serious problem for the patient as well as the laboratory. Lab assistants also carry out different tests; therefore, it is crucial to do everything step-by-step to get exact results without making any possible mistakes.
Record-keeping Skills
Medical laboratory assistants do a lot of clerical work. They may be tasked to receive patients, collect patients’ data and save it on computers, etc. This kind of record-keeping in the laboratory is crucial because any mistake in the data recording or sample collection can cause serious trouble for the patients. Therefore, without these meticulous record-keeping skills, it is difficult to amicably work in a lab.
Ability To Work Under Pressure
Working in a laboratory can be difficult when you have to handle a sudden increase in a work load. For instance, there is an outbreak of viral fever in your city, and your laboratory suddenly starts receiving patients for tests. In such a situation, as a laboratory assistant, you will need to accommodate a higher number of patients and work patiently and precisely according to the situation. This is the precise skill that hospitals and labs demand from laboratory assistants in such circumstances.
Problem-solving Skills
In a laboratory context, problem solving entails determining problems with test results or lab procedures and coming up with workable remedies. This ability can boost overall efficiency and encourage effective laboratory workflow. Lab assistants often work in teams to perform their operations, and the ability to solve problems while working in a team can significantly increase your standing at the workplace.
Ability To Work With Sensitive Equipment And Materials
Modern laboratory equipment is getting smaller and smaller, but at the same time they are also becoming more sensitive. Therefore, it is important for laboratory assistants to not only have up-to-date knowledge of newer technologies but also have the ability to use them for different kinds of tests. The more familiar you are with the machines, the more accurately you can use them for the tests. Similarly, if you are accurate with your work and also show the ability to operate newer technologies, there is a higher chance that you get more opportunities to grow professionally.
It is not only about the machines; sometimes it is also about dealing with sensitive materials. For example, lab assistants also follow quality control and biosafety standards and dispose of hazardous waste with proper safety protocols, etc. Their daily routine also includes identifying potential hazards, handling chemicals, donning personal protection equipment, and disposing of trash properly. To avoid mishaps and preserve a secure workplace, it is essential to comprehend and follow safety protocols.
Conclusion
It is difficult to encompass all the necessary skills in this limited space; there are still many traits that are necessary to have a good career as a lab assistant. However, you must have got a good idea of what it is like to be working in a laboratory. If you are someone who has these abilities and also wants to work in a lab environment, then you can definitely choose a career as a medical laboratory assistant.
Join The Medical Laboratory Assistant Diploma Program at Edison College
If you are interested in making a career as a medical lab assistant, check out Edison College’s certified medical laboratory assistant course. This 8-month diploma program can open up new doors of opportunity for you because of its reputation, especially through its relevant practicum component that links its graduates with the industry. If you have questions or concerns or you need career guidance, then you can contact us today to learn more about any of these programs.
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