Medical Laboratory Assistant

Also known as:

Laboratory Assistant, Medical

Introduction

Medical laboratory assistants (MLAs) carry out routine tasks in a medical laboratory under the supervision of a medical scientific officer. They collect blood samples from patients, and collect, sort, process and identify specimens received.

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Work Activities

MLAs help medical laboratory scientific officers (MLSOs) in their work towards diagnosis of diseases. They carry out research in areas such as clinical chemistry and haematology (the study of blood).

Their duties do not require the same level of technical skill or professional training as is necessary for state registered MLSOs. For instance, duties include:
• issuing containers for specimen collection
• sorting, processing and identifying specimens
• preparing samples and solutions
• labelling tubes and bottles
• cleaning and sterilising laboratory surfaces
• maintaining laboratory stocks
• carrying out simple laboratory tests.

In addition to laboratory based work, assistants have to do clerical duties. These include recording the arrival of specimens, inputting patient data onto computer databases, maintaining detailed records of tests, recording findings and despatching results.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

A basic understanding of medical and scientific terminology is necessary in order to follow instructions and examine test results. Numerical skills are also necessary for checking test results and performing simple calculations.

Good clerical skills are useful for maintaining records and completing reports. You will need manual dexterity for handling specimens and small items of laboratory equipment. Certain tasks are fairly repetitive.

The work demands a sense of responsibility and a disciplined approach to work. Care and attention are needed when entering, recording and cross referencing patient data against samples. Care also has to be taken to avoid breakage.

As an MLA you should be adaptable and flexible, as you may occasionally be required to work in other departments. You will need good communication skills to work in a team with other MLAs.

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Pay and Opportunities

National Health Service (NHS) employees are paid on a rising scale within defined pay bands, according to their skills and responsibilities.

In the NHS, medical laboratory assistants (MLAs) are normally on Band 2 of the Agenda for Change pay scales. From April 1, 2008 this has been £12,922 - £15,950 a year. With experience you may progress to Band 3, £14,834 - £17,732 a year, or further.

In the private sector, pay rates vary depending on the organisation and role and responsibilities, but are broadly in line with NHS rates.

MLAs usually work a 37-hour week, Monday to Friday, with occasional Saturday and public holiday work.

MLAs work in NHS medical laboratories in hospitals, in the Blood Transfusion Service and in the Health Protection Agency.

There are also opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, in government scientific research departments, the veterinary service and forensic laboratories.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

• 34% of laboratory assistants work part-time.
• 3% have flexible hours.

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