Medical Laboratory Technology Technical Standards

Technical Standards

1. Collecting, processing and analyzing biological specimens and other substances.
2. Performing analytical tests on body fluids, cells and other substances.
3. Recognizing factors that affect procedures and results, and taking appropriate actions within predetermined limits when corrections are indicated.
4. Performing and monitoring quality control within predetermined limits.
5. Performing preventive and corrective maintenance of equipment and instruments or referring to appropriate source for repairs.
6. Applying principles of safety.
7. Demonstrating professional conduct and interpersonal communication skills with patients, laboratory personnel, other health care professionals, and the public.
8. Recognizing the responsibilities of other laboratory and health care personnel and interacting with them with respect for their jobs and patient care.
9. Applying basic scientific principles in learning new techniques and procedures.
10. Relating laboratory findings to common disease processes.
11. Establishing and maintaining continuing education as a function of growth and maintenance of professional competence.
12. Implementing emergency procedures and administering first aid, including CPR.

CCRI will provide services and training, without discrimination, to academically qualified persons who meet the following technical standards required to participate in the Clinical Laboratory Technology Program.

Physical Requirements: The position of Clinical Laboratory Technician has been given a strength ratio of LIGHT WORK by the U.S. Dictionary of Occupational Titles (exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force 2/3 or more of the time to move objects). The position involves walking, standing and sitting for prolonged periods, as well as stooping, bending, lifting and carrying. The ability to operate and control equipment is necessary to include starting, stopping, adjusting and observing gauges, dials, etc.

Visual Observation: The student must possess visual acuity sufficient to allow for each of the following:

1. Differentiation of colors and color changes during the performance of laboratory procedures. Color blindness itself does not preclude admission.
2. Observation of patient conditions during phlebotomy procedures.
3. Differentiation and identification of specimens using microscopic techniques.
4. Reading lab instrument technical procedure manuals, standard operating procedures, specimen labels and other pertinent materials for patient care and professional practice.

Numerical Ability: Requires the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide all units of measure.

Form/Special Ability: Requires the ability to inspect dimensions of items and to visually read information and data.

Motor Functions: The student must possess motor and dexterity skills sufficient to permit each of the following:

1. Performance of venipuncture at the patient's bedside or at other designated locations.
2. Lift and handle typical hand-held medical laboratory equipment and tools.
3. Manipulate clinical laboratory instruments and equipment in a manner consistent with standards of clinical laboratory practice.
4. Perform all routine functions and tasks required in the various departments of the clinical laboratory.

Communication Skills: The student must possess verbal and non-verbal skills adequate for transmitting and receiving information from patients and hospital personnel. The student must be able to read, write, speak and comprehend English with sufficient skill to communicate.

Behavioral and Social Skills: The student must exhibit behavioral and social skills that are acceptable to the college and hospital settings. Students must be able to attend to work assignments and instructions/orders given. 

Health Form: The student must submit a completed health form to include required inoculations and physical exam before beginning clinical rotations. CPR Healthcare Provider (AHA) is required and a copy of card must be submitted to the Allied and Rehabilitative Health Department.