Medical Laboratory Technician

Classification Specifications – H.15
Medical Laboratory Technician – 9607

November 2008

Series Concept

Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) perform a limited variety of laboratory tests in various areas of the clinical laboratory to provide data for use in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, of human disease; and perform other related duties as required.

Medical Laboratory Technicians perform waived and moderate complexity laboratory tests by manual methods or by using various mechanical or electronic devices; perform mathematical calculations; make minor repairs on laboratory instruments; provide quality control surveillance at various levels; prepare reports and maintain records of laboratory results to determine the reasons for non-conformance to established patterns; prepare patient data through manual reporting or electronic data handling; utilize knowledge of the physiological significance of test results to describe the condition that causes diseases, but not the disease itself; assist in the training of, technologist trainees, and various other licensed and unlicensed classes; and perform other related duties as assigned.

The Medical Laboratory Technician series is differentiated from the Hospital Laboratory Technician series by the presence of licensure requirements and performance of tests and examinations classified as waived and moderate complexity by the Food and Drug Administration. It is differentiated from the Clinical Laboratory Scientist series primarily in that incumbents may not perform highly complex tests as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Class Concepts

Medical Laboratory Technician

Under supervision, incumbents perform a wide variety of repetitive technical procedures of the kind described in the series concept. This is the only level in the series where positions are allocated; incumbents perform the full range of duties from specimen procurement through data analysis and reporting.

Minimum Qualifications

Possession of a medical laboratory technician license issued by the California State Department of Health.

Specific qualification requirements are approved for positions by the Human Resources Director in accordance with the provisions of Personnel Policies for Staff Members.