Medical Laboratory Technology Frequently Asked Questions

The program is an intense program which requires students to complete 20-30 hours of homework per week.

MLTs wear personal protective equipment daily to protect themselves from biohazardous materials they work with such as blood, urine, feces and cerebral spinal fluid. MLTs are very aware of the biohazard materials they work with and take steps to reduce infecting workspaces and others.

Yes. MLTs perform invasive venipunctures and capillary punctures to collect blood samples from patients.

MLTs will prepare samples such as blood, bodily fluids and tissues for diagnostic testing.

MLTs analyze samples using sophisticated technology, instruments and computers, as well as perform manual techniques to obtain patient results.

Yes. MLTs require physical dexterity (especially hand dexterity) to perform manual techniques and invasive procedures.

Yes. MLTs must enter accurate patient and test data into computer systems. They must adhere to strict policies and procedures to ensure accuracy of diagnostic testing is maintained. They must record every precise detail throughout their analytical procedures and perform precise, accurate proven analytical procedures. MLT’s do not perform “experiments”.  They are known to document and thoroughly check their recordings.

No. MLTs work as team members in busy ever-evolving technical environments.

MLTs frequently perform multiple procedures simultaneously which requires strong organizational skills and effective time management. MLTs also have strong skills in math, organization, adaptability and communication while maintaining meticulous attention to detail and high standards.

MLTs must make critical decisions when evaluating analytical results for accuracy and validity. Additionally, they must correlate the results to clinical states prior to releasing test information to physicians. Physicians rely on the laboratory results to diagnose, treat, monitor and prevent disease.

Yes. MLTs identify cells and elements (such as blood, tissue, urinary crystals/casts, bacteria, etc.) using a microscope. These include but are not limited to stages of maturity and abnormalities.

Yes. MLTs work in a rapidly changing technological field. Because of this, new procedures are often developed to reflect the rapid pace of change in the workplace and continual learning throughout their career.

Yes. MLTs work a variety of shifts which may include early mornings (5 or 6 a.m.), days, evenings, weekends, nights and statutory holidays.

MLTs must attain the knowledge, skills and training necessary to perform diagnostic testing within a variety of medical laboratory sciences/areas (called disciplines) including:

• Anatomic Pathology (Histotechnology)
• Clinical Chemistry
• Hematology
• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• Transfusion Science
• Specimen collections
• Immunology

Yes. MLTs must challenge a national certification exam after graduation to be eligible to work within the profession.

Yes. MLTs must be licensed with the Saskatchewan Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists (SSMLT) to work in Saskatchewan. Candidates seeking a license must meet the SSMLT requirements for membership policies such as Language Requirement Policy, Proof of Good Character policy and Evidence of Photo ID policy. See SSMLT.org for more details.

• Wears personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves when handling patients’ specimens (human and biohazard), chemicals, reagents and equipment.
• Makes critical decisions with accuracy.
• Maintains concentration for long periods of time in a rapidly changing environment.
• Requires good hand eye coordination.
• Sustains long periods of standing at analytical instruments and/or sitting at a microscope for the majority of an 8-hour shift.
• Communicates and interacts professionally with a variety of people including (but not limited to):
  • Combined laboratory and x-ray technologists 
  • Doctors
  • Medical laboratory assistants
  • Nurses
  • Other MLTs
  • Patients and their families
  • Pharmacists
  • Phlebotomists
  • Students