What does a Clinical Laboratory Scientist do?
Clinical laboratory scientists analyze various biological specimens and are responsible for testing samples and reporting the results to physicians. They collaborate closely with patients and medical laboratory technicians to diagnose and monitor disease and a therapy’s effectiveness. They work in medical facilities like hospitals or public health laboratories and examine and analyze blood, body fluids, tissues, and cells. They relay test results to appropriate staff members, including physicians, and need familiarity and ease-of-use when utilizing microscopes, cell counters, and other high-precision lab equipment.
Clinical laboratory scientists cross-match blood for transfusions when necessary and monitor patient outcomes. They perform differential cell counts and check for abnormal cells to help diagnose conditions including anemia or leukemia. They establish quality assurance protocols and ensure test results are accurate. Clinical laboratory scientists need a bachelor's degree in medical technology or clinical laboratory science, completion of a clinical laboratory program, or an internship through a hospital-based program as part of their education. They also need certification as a clinical laboratory scientist.
- Contribute to informed consent forms development and other study related documents.
- Ensure completeness and quality of data submitted from study sites.
- Confer with managerial staff for resolution of problems, if necessary.
- Anticipate, identify and proactively support site in resolving issues as they occur.
- Perform test calibrations and run QC material at appropriate intervals.
- Work with external experts to develop abstracts, manuscripts and study design presentations.
- Review site activities and quality through on-site and off-site visits.
- Initiate, author, and/or contribute to SOP development, implementation and training.
- Contribute significantly to study team and coaches site staff to enhance site and hub performance.
- Maintain proper inventories and correctly use supplies and reagents.
- Participate and present at Investigator meetings or similar.
- Assist in documentation and maintain, effective department QA/QC programs and monitors.
- Perform complex procedures for clinical diagnostic purposes.
- Utilize inspection tools to include (Thermometer, light meter, and flashlight.)
- Resolve problems using national and international regulations, guidelines, and investigator interaction.
- Maintain, documents and evaluate QC to assure accuracy of test results to meet federal and state criteria.
- Perform laboratory procedures as required and serves as an expert resource for technical issues.
- Lead the day to day operations of the community, including full P and L responsibility.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in laboratory science, biology, engineering or medical technology or equivalent experience.
- Experience with ASCP, R Language, C# and BCLS software and systems.
- A critical thinker and collaborator.
- Sound judgment, decision making, and problem solving skills.
- Strict attention to detail.
- Is a professional at all times and Demonstrated a positive attitude.
- Familiar working with slides, statistics, computing, and calibration.
Clinical Laboratory Scientist Salaries
Average Base Pay
Clinical Laboratory Scientist Career Path
Learn how to become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Clinical Laboratory Scientist Insights
YORKTEST“There are some really great people in the lab who make the job a lot more enjoyable.”
Invitae“The people supporting this mission are great to work with and collaborate well with one another.”
Kaiser Permanente“Everyone seemed happy to have a student and never made me feel like I was in the way.”
Ascension Health“Good luck getting the remaining techs to pick up shifts if there is no substantial monetary bonus.”
Eurofins Scientific“some of the people are really nice and friendly.”
LifeStream Blood Bank“People are nice and helpful.”
AstraZeneca“I like their emphasis and career development and felt like my managers genuinely cared about me and my development.”
Associated Regional and University Pathologists“Schedule is not good but its pretty reasonable”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Clinical Laboratory Scientist
When working as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Laboratory Information Systems, ASCP, Written Communication, Database and Excellent Communication.
- Clinical Research Associate
- Clinical Research Specialist
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Systems Analyst
The most common qualifications to become a Clinical Laboratory Scientist is a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.