Medical laboratory technicians must have good analytical judgment and the ability to work under pressure. Close attention to detail is also essential for medical laboratory technicians because small differences or changes in test substances or numerical readouts can be crucial to a diagnosis. Manual dexterity and normal color vision are highly desirable, and with the widespread use of automated laboratory equipment, computer skills are important. MLTs collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue and other substances. Their duties include less complex routine tests and laboratory procedures, such as:

• Preparing specimens for testing
• Analyzing body fluids such as blood, urine and tissue samples, and recording normal or abnormal findings
• Using automated equipment and computerized instruments capable of performing a number of tests at the same time
• Working under the supervision of medical laboratory technologists or laboratory managerse.