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they are also required to ensure that the instruments they use are in working order. These scientists also draw connections between laboratory findings and common diseases or a patient’s medical condi- tion(s). Working on behalf of patients, together with the patients’ physicians and the rest of their medical teams, they review and interpret test results, integrate data, do problem- solving, and consult on the condition and treatment of patients.

Responsibilities The primary duties of a medical laboratory scientist include:

• Analyzing bodily fluids, such as blood and urine, and tissue samples; recording normal or abnormal findings; and sending these results to the ordering physicians. • Studying blood samples for transfusions. They do this by identifying the number of blood cells in a given sample, the cell morphology, or the blood group, blood type, and compatibility with other blood types needed for a transfusion to work proper- ly for the patient. • Operating laboratory equipment properly, maintain- ing that equipment, and keeping laboratory equip- ment up to safety standards. • Logging the results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures, and discussing them with physicians.

Medical laboratory scientists may conduct research, not

What Do Medical Laboratory Scientists Do?

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