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Field Description
Clinical laboratory testing plays a crucial role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease in patients. Across the world, laboratory tests help determine the presence, extent, or absence of disease and monitor the effectiveness of treatment. An estimated 60 percent to 70 percent of all decisions regarding a patient's diagnosis and treatment, hospital admission and discharge are based on laboratory test results.
Clinical laboratory scientists (also referred to as clinical laboratory technologists or medical technologists) and clinical laboratory technicians (also known as medical laboratory technicians) perform most laboratory tests.
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More About Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Clinical laboratory scientists analyze test results and relay them to physicians. They perform complex chemical, biological, hematological, immunologic, microscopic and bacteriological tests, requiring significant analytical and independent judgment.
Clinical laboratory scientists perform a wide variety of functions including:
- Microscopic examination and analysis of blood, body fluids (e.g., urine, peritoneal fluid, cerebrospinal fluid), tissues and cells
- Identification of bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms
- Analysis of body fluids for chemical analytes such as glucose and cholesterol
- Cross match blood for transfusion
- Monitor patient outcomes
- Perform differential cell counts looking for abnormal cells to aid in the diagnosis of anemia and leukemia
- Utilize sophisticated equipment and instruments which can perform a number of tests simultaneously, as well as microscopes, cell counters, and other high-precision laboratory equipment
- Write standardized operating procedures, and establish quality assurance programs to monitor and ensure the accuracy of test results.
Career Opportunities
The job forecast for CLS graduates is very positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics sites that, "Employment of clinical laboratory scientists is expected to grow between 14 percent between 2006 and 2016, faster than the average for all occupations. The volume of laboratory tests continues to increase with both population growth and the development of new types of tests."
Clinical laboratory scientist’s analytical, scientific and technical skills are a valuable and desired asset for employment opportunities. At Mayo Clinic, Clinical Laboratory Scientists interested in advancement opportunities may choose from several tracks:
- Development
- Technical
- Education
- Quality
- Management
Earning Potential
Mayo Clinic offers competitive salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, median annual wage-and-salary earnings of clinical laboratory technologists were $51,720 in May 2007. The middle 50 percent earned between $43,200 and $61,140. The current 2009 salary range for the clinical laboratory scientists at Mayo Clinic is $48,119 to $72,189, with a mean annual salary of $60,154. Mayo Clinic, Clinical Laboratory Science graduates are eligible to start 3% higher into the range.
Professional Organizations
Visit the following Web sites to learn more about clinical laboratory science:
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