Day in the Life
Clinical laboratory
personnel are trained to work with infectious specimens. When proper
methods of infection control and sterilization are followed, few hazards
exist. Protective masks, gloves, and goggles often are necessary to
ensure the safety of laboratory personnel.
Working conditions vary
with the size and type of employment setting. Laboratories usually are
well lighted and clean; however, specimens, solutions, and reagents used
in the laboratory sometimes produce fumes. Laboratory workers may spend
a great deal of time on their feet.
Hours of clinical laboratory
technologists and technicians vary with the size and type of employment
setting. In large hospitals or in independent laboratories that operate
continuously, personnel usually work the day, evening, or night shift
and may work weekends and holidays. Laboratory personnel in small
facilities may work on rotating shifts, rather than on a regular shift.
In some facilities, laboratory personnel are on call several nights a
week or on weekends, in case of an emergency.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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