Medical lab techs perform regular laboratory testing under supervision of pathologists or technologists. These tests help to diagnose and in effect treat or prevent various diseases. The technician may first collect a sample of some body fluid needed to test for a certain ailment. Once the sample is labelled, it is tested to check for any abnormality in the sample.

A medical lab tech's routine work includes preparation of samples and operation of machines that automatically performs the analysis of collected samples. Their job also includes setting up, cleaning and regular maintenance of all laboratory equipment like microscopes, autoclave and centrifuges etc. In addition to this, a lab tech may also prepare standard solution which is used in the laboratory. This solution is a mixture of various chemicals added in a specific proportion. Once the analysis is complete, the technician prepares a detailed report to be submitted to a pathologist or supervisor for approval. Once the pathologist has checked the report, it is given to the patient or respective physician directly to throw further light on the patient's ailment.

A medical lab tech must be very careful while performing each test as these could be the key answer in diagnosing a problem. Also, there is no scope of any errors while preparing reports as a small mistake could be fatal for the diagnosis of a patient. Hence, a lab tech could have a substantial role in saving a person's life by an accurate analysis of blood work or urine samples. Sometimes medical lab techs are required to do a routine test for patients suffering with fatal diseases to analyse drug levels in the blood to show how the patient is responding to medication. Another common yet very important task a medical lab tech usually conducts is matching of blood type while transfusion. These jobs might sound small yet are very important because they require a certain degree precision At times a medical lab technician is also required to handle potentially hazardous materials to successfully perform the analysis and hence must follow strict rules and protocols whenever handling fluid or tissue specimens that could put them in any danger.

A medical lab tech's job is an indoor job with a regular 8 hour shift. Proper training with certification is required for the job. The industry of clinical pathology has a lot of scope these days with good jobs available for medical lab techs in Hospitals, Clinics, Private laboratories, Military and even in Research and Development of various pharmaceutical companies. A lab tech can even do a specialization course in immunology, virology, microbiology, chemistry, haematology or even blood banking for better career scope and salary. The difference between a medical lab technician and a medical lab technologist is education with the latter being a bachelor degree holder from any reputed college though both the technician and technologist can be trained in a specialised branch of clinical laboratory. A medical lab tech usually assists a medical technologist in more complex tasks. A medical lab tech should be a careful person with a keen eye and an ability to follow instructions with precisions and extreme care.