A Biomedical Laboratory Technician or Biomedical Engineering Technician is a skilled individual trained to carry out laboratory tests and operate laboratory equipment under the supervision of a certified laboratory technologist. They examine body fluid samples in a laboratory setting to detect parasites, bacteria, and other microorganisms that may be causing the patient’s disease. In order to diagnose and treat patients, laboratory tests are carried out in toxicology, hematology, chemistry, microbiology, and immunology. Biomedical engineering technicians work in various healthcare facilities including hospitals, offices of physicians, research laboratories, health clinics, veterinary laboratories, medical diagnostic laboratories, and biotechnology companies.

Tasks:

1. Provide test results for patient diagnosis and treatment by operating laboratory equipment
2. Keep the laboratory and all equipment clean
3. Prepare the laboratory equipment and specimens for tests
4. Collect patient’s body fluids for lab test and analysis
5. Analyze and record test results in order to issue reports that utilize graphs, charts, and narratives
6. Assist medical laboratory technologists in less complex laboratory tests and procedures
7. Organize work by matching computer orders with specimen labelling; sorting specimens; checking labelling; logging specimens; arranging reports for delivery
8. Maintain quality results by running standards and controls, verifying equipment function through routine equipment maintenance and advanced trouble shooting; calibrating equipment utilizing approved testing procedures; monitoring quality control measures and protocols
9. Contribute to a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers by following established standards and procedures
10. Maintain patient confidence by keeping laboratory information confidential

Key skills for Biomedical Engineering Technician:

• Creating a safe and effective environment
• Thoroughness
• Capacity for calm and reasoned judgment
• Attention to detail
• Confidence with technology and systems/processes
• Strong work ethic

Average Salary (2013):

United Kingdom: £25,000 per year
United States of America: $40,000 per year
Australia: AU$52,000 per year

Qualifications and training required:

To become biomedical laboratory technician you must finish a medical laboratory technician program. Future employees are required to complete at least an a 2-year education program provided by a community college, technical school, vocational school, trade school or university. There are also 1-year certificate programs available from hospitals for those already in related fields, such as nursing.

Because biomedical laboratory technicians do not have the same type of extensive education as a laboratory technologist, they are restricted in the duties they can perform, e.g. they cannot perform complex lab tests. It is therefore advisable for laboratory technicians to pursue further education to become a medical laboratory technologist.