Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians prepare and test specimens such as body tissues and other substances. They also set up equipment for laboratory experiments.

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician Job Description

Run reports for doctors to assist in their diagnosis of the disease.

Prepare and meticulously process specimens for experiments.

Maintain good housekeeping and equipment such as microscopes in the laboratory.

Supervise Laboratory Assistants, delegating tasks and ensuring adherence to protocols in the laboratory.

Maintain inventory stock of laboratory supplies and chemicals to prevent disruptions in testing procedures.

Note

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians are also known as Medical Technologists. They played an important role in analysing COVID-19 swab tests!

What you should know about Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician jobs in Singapore

Nature of Work

You will be working closely with Doctors doing diagnostic tests for patients. You must be precise and accurate throughout the testing process.

Key Advice

It will be great if you are comfortable with the sight of blood as you will be constantly handling specimens to test and diagnose.

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements
Minimally a higher Nitec in a Biotechnology-related field is required.

It is essential to have practical experience in laboratory procedures, sample analysis and operating lab equipment through internships or on-the-job training.

Being accurate and paying attention to details is important to ensure that samples are being studied or handled properly.
Possible Pathway

Possible Pathway

Skills you need to pursue a Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technician career in Singapore

Hard Skills

Laboratory Management

Efficiently organising and supervising laboratory operations, ensuring everything functions correctly.

Quality Control

Rigorously testing and validating lab equipment and processes to ensure accurate, reliable results.

Sample Processing

Proficiently handling and analysing biological samples, including preparation, testing, and data recording.

Soft Skills

Communication

Clearly and effectively exchanging information with colleagues and patients, both verbally and in writing.

Problem-Solving

Identifying, analysing, and finding solutions for unexpected issues or challenges in the laboratory setting.

Attention to Detail

Meticulously conducting tests, recording data, and maintaining equipment accuracy and reliability.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between Medical Scientists and Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians?

Both Medical Scientists and Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians work in labs and perform experiments. However, Medical Scientists usually have higher education such as master's degrees or PhDs and are involved in more advanced lab work.

On the other hand, Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians support Medical Scientists in more routine lab work.
Where can Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians work?

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians work in hospitals, research labs (such as A*STAR), and even pharmaceutical firms.
What kind of specimens do Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians often prepare and process?

Examples of specimens include blood and blood products, urine, stool, other bodily fluids, tissue samples, swabs and aspirates, and microorganisms.
What do Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians have to consider when maintaining lab equipment?

They must adhere to strict guidelines and protocols to keep equipment in optimal condition and prevent malfunctions or errors that could compromise patient care.
What kind of Doctors do Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians work with?

They work with a variety of Doctors and Healthcare professionals. Some specific examples they work with are Pathologists, Clinical Pathologists, Hematologists, Microbiologists, Oncologists, Physician Assistants, and Nurse Practitioners.