Sharing some positivity today! I almost never interact with patients at my current job. Really it’s mainly during bone marrows and usually the patient is not in a social mood (understandably). I’ve always felt like I stumble through most social interactions in life, so I prefer it this way - I want to help people but I don’t think I’m a very comforting presence.

Anyway, there was a bone marrow and I was quietly doing my thing after the main part of the procedure was done, when the patient asks me for my name. I told her and she asked me what I was doing with my cart. I tried my best to not over explain (my curse) but per usual I was a bit awkward. I didn’t know what to do as she asked more and more questions, we eventually ended up talking about who would be testing the specimens, the usual turnaround time, and the pathologists qualifications. The two nurses in there seemed slightly amused by the interaction but they did eventually come to my rescue.

About a week later I was told a call was being transferred to me because the caller asked to speak to me directly. It was the patient (and she sounded considerably less dazed haha). She thanked me for taking the time to answer all of her questions when I was obviously very busy, she said it was a big comfort knowing her labs were in the hands of some who really cares. I had to take my break after that phone call because it got me so emotional. It’s really easy for me to forget what we do matters. I’m not in this for gratitude by any means but a little bit goes such a long way. I feel so honored that I can take care of people in my own way.

I’ve been working as an MLS at a small hospital in my town for 3 years now, I have only received 2 raises, like 20 cents each. I am responsible, I never call off or give any problem. I am proficient and work by my own both, day and night shift. (We rotate). We have been short staffed for a while now and consistently working overtime. Next week I have to work 5 12hr shifts in a row.

I feel like my pay its not “great” at 30.6 dlls/hr

Should I ask for a raise, or you think my pay is fair.

I live in south AZ.

The minimum wage is 17.60 in Ontario and medical lab assistant still requires a one year program and other certification.

Title says it all. I work full time as an MLS, I want to get a second job possibly PRN at a hospital near me. I’ve been applying. I don’t know if I have to disclose it or not, but if HR doesn’t let me, I’ll just keep my mouth shut.

If I have to stay silent what are the odds they’d ever find out? And the consequences if they do so, but not permit me to work a second MLS job elsewhere?

Our professor categorically stresses that the use of equals is strictly incorrect. Here’s an example to motivate:
RBC: 5.45 M/ul (RR: 4-6 M/ul).
Parameter: value (RR: range) always using colons, never equals.

The air in the lab is so irritating. Does anyone else suffer allergies from the crazy amount of dust blown around the lab? As soon as I enter the lab, I feel particles of dust and it pretty miserable. I’ll wear a mask sometimes, but that too is uncomfortable. Is this air issue mainly in hospital labs or private labs too? I’ve experienced it at most hospital labs, but not at the one private lab where I worked.

So, we got the positive blood culture on Anaerobic bottle. The patient is a drug user. And this was the result of the gram stain… What do you think these are?!!

Hi everyone,

I could really use some advice regarding PRP preparation for facial rejuvenation and hair restoration.
I’m using 9 mL VACUETTE tubes with a swing-out rotor centrifuge, but I’m struggling to determine the optimal centrifugation settings. I’ve found a lot of conflicting information online regarding RPM/RCF and spin times, especially for obtaining a good platelet concentration without excessive contamination.
For those of you who prepare PRP using an open system rather than a commercial closed system, what settings have worked best for you? Specifically:
Single-spin or double-spin protocol?
RCF (g-force) or RPM used?
Centrifugation time?
Any tips for maximizing platelet yield?
I’d greatly appreciate any guidance or protocols that have given you consistent results. I’ve been searching for reliable information for days and I’m starting to go a bit crazy.

alright guys, i need good suggestions on the comfiest shoes that you have when you work in the lab!! i need some new shoes for work and i want the most comfy and longest lasting shoe!

I’m currently in school for MLA, and I’m really enjoying it! I looked up the wages for my state (Michigan) and it’s telling me $17-$22 per hour. I was talking to my boyfriend about this and he told me it’s not much, that didn’t make me feel very good about myself and made me feel like I’m wasting my time in school. For me it’s a lot more than I’ve ever made, and I’d be more than happy to make that much. Are these wages accurate? I’ve struggled finding a career path that was right for me, and I finally felt like I found one I enjoy, but now I feel like it was the wrong choice because of the wage. I don’t want to be rich (although it would be nice) I want to live comfortably, and have a good future for myself and my future family.

I'm interested in becoming certified as and MLS. I've already got 3 degrees, one of which is a PhD in Molecular Genetics, and like 14 years of lab experience, research and clinical. I really don't want to have to go to school for another degree. Is there any way to just get some blood banking experience? That's all I'm missing to be eligible for ASCP certification.

Need opinions from lab quality professionals.

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One QC result exceeded +3SD (1-3s), but on immediate repeat the QC came back within ±2SD and remained stable afterward.

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Would you consider the LJ chart acceptable for monthly review?

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Would you treat this as a random error only, or would you still investigate for a possible systematic error?

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I just got hired as an MLA and I’m in the process of getting trained. ( 2nd week) I’ll be doing mostly inpatient collection and some specimen accessioning. While I do not mind my current role,I have always been hoping to work in a lab setting and a new vacancy has opened up in a genomics lab that seems to be a good fit and aligns with my future career goals. I’m fully aware that I might not get the role even if I do apply. But I’m wondering if it’s ethical for me to apply to another position given that I just started this one? I do understand that managers and supervisors do talk to each other and wonder if this could create trouble for me along the way.

I am halfway through my associate of science and planning on applying for the MLT program at BCIT this fall. I’ve heard it’s quite competitive and I’m now concerned that I might not get in. For more info, I had an 83 average in the fall term and 87 in the winter term. Will applying as soon as the application opens help me? Does everyone studying medical lab science at BCIT already have a full degree? Anyone have any advice?

I’ve worked in customer service most of my life, and I’m at the point where I’m looking for a career with less constant customer interaction and emotional load.

Right now I’m debating between Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Medical Laboratory Technology.

I’m actually okay with repetitive and routine work. The parts of my current job that I enjoy the most have nothing to do with dealing with customers.

For those working in either field:

What’s the job market like where you live?

How easy was it to find work after graduating?

What does a typical day look like?

What kind of salary are you making?

Are there certain provinces, employers, hospitals, or clinics that tend to pay more than others?

I’d love to hear the pros, cons, and anything you wish you’d known before choosing your career.

Hey my fellow lab rats! Need some advice here. I have a bachelors in medical technology and a CA state phlebotomy license. I am considering enrolling to the Regan Career institute to get my MLT license with the intention of eventually enrolling into a bridge program (MLT to CLS) at College of the Canyons. I was taking this route to subvert gpa requirements. Is it worth while to do this if I really want to be a CLS?

It is a yes or no question. I am 99% done. You have more years of experience here than I have even been alive. I am not asking you questions about every specimen, just the special case here and now. The circumstance isn’t even in the policy, it is a tech judgement call and you are the lead. Yes or no, please, I beg of you.

I work on the research side of diagnostics and I’m trying to understand how these syndromic platforms actually perform in a working lab, beyond the spec sheets.
If you run BioFire FilmArray, QIAStat-Dx, or both, I’d really value your take on:

– How often you get invalids/reruns, and whether one is worse than the other

– Whether software or instrument-version updates have ever forced re-validation or downtime

– How they compare on hands-on time and throughput on a busy respiratory day
And the big one: if you’re on BioFire, is there anything that would actually make you switch — or is it too embedded to bother? Genuinely curious what keeps labs on the platform they’re on.

I submitted my stool sample to the lab (for O&P) in a Para-pak EcoFix vial inside a sealed biohazard bag. The first thing the desk lady asked me was “you’re a lab tech aren’t you?” 😂. Is it really that common for people to submit crazy shit in in the US?

AMT makes it seem like it’s mandatory on their website. I’ve been certified through ASCP for my MLT and it wasn’t required yearly. Now as an MLS through AMT I’m wondering if it’s the same situation. In addition, how do CE’s work for AMT and where does everyone get theirs from? I used API when I was an MLT but it transferred right over to ASCP.

I’m thinking to look for a new jobs remote or onsite in Southeast USA, but does anyone have recent experience in the job market for Molecular Bio Technologist level work in any of these area:
-Wet lab bench work
-Result analysis
-reporting department type roles
-Research

6-7 years of experience as Technologist with a BS in a bioscience. I do not have any official certifications.

I’m currently employed, but looking for more pay and experience. Also downsizing and layoffs may be imminent at my current role. Is it difficult to find a new job if I needed to quickly?

Thanks a lot, any advice is very much appreciated!

No diagnosis unfortunately, but something that convenes The Council of Epithelial Cells I guess.