Medical Laboratory Professionals: Who Works in a Lab?

 When drawing blood for a test, have you ever wondered who gets your sample and performs tests on it? Read on to learn more.

 

If your medical practitioner requests a blood test report, you'll likely book an appointment with a laboratory testing service provider to get your blood drawn. However, between all these procedures where a phlebotomist will take your blood sample and send it to a lab for testing, have you ever wondered who will actually get your sample and perform the tests on it? If so, here's everything you need to know about who works at the lab.

Who Works in a Lab?

In accordance with the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), the US federal government regulates clinical labs. The laws establishing quality standards for laboratory testing were part of the CLIA amendments that Congress passed in 1988. They hold standards for the education and training of laboratory workers so that you, the patient, have confidence in their competence to process your specimen, conduct the tests, and present accurate findings.

Within a clinical laboratory, there are various professional roles, all of which are determined by a career ladder consisting of academic and technical milestones. The prominent members of a clinical laboratory team are the technical and general supervisors, laboratory directors, technicians, and scientists/technologists. Although the terminology may differ from location to location and has undergone minor shifts over time, the medical professionals at the lab remain the same.

In addition, there are individuals responsible for managing the operations of the laboratories. Even though these professionals might not be the ones conducting tests on your blood samples, the vast majority are trained and experienced in handling the technical aspects of the laboratory. As a result, they play an essential role in ensuring that the laboratory functions smoothly and effectively.

The Bottom Line

Now that you know who works at the lab, it's time to benefit from testing services. If you reside anywhere in Maryland or the surrounding states of Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, feel free to get in with Phlebotomy On Wheels, a licensed mobile lab service provider VA with highly experienced phlebotomists. To schedule an appointment, call (443)-866-3647 or visit www.mobilebloodlabs.com.