What is the full form of MLT

MLT: Medical Laboratory Technician

MLT stands for Medical Laboratory Technician. It is a term related to the health sector. The medical laboratory technicians work behind the scenes in order to provide proper diagnostics for the disease. They form a group that works to produce meaningful results. They use advanced biomedical instruments and some man-made processes to perform the tests and bring out the results. These results are essential in diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases. Studies say that all the medical decisions taken on a patient are 70% dependent upon these lab test results. Hence, Medical Laboratory Technicians play a vital role.

Work of a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

The Medical Laboratory Technician performs various functions which are diverse in nature and multi-levelled. They have to collect the samples, process the samples, analyze the biological specimen of the piece, follow principles and methodologies, perform assays on the sample, solve problems, co-relate the clinical process and outcome, troubleshooting techniques, principles and practices of quality assessment in all of the significant areas. The major areas in which they work include haematology, immunohematology, molecular biology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, and immunology.

The practice of Medical Laboratory Technicians is independent and also collaborative. As defined in the profession, they are accountable for their deeds. These Medical Laboratory Technicians possess the necessary information and skill. They always try to learn as much as they can through laboratory professionals, healthcare professionals, and other people in laboratory practice. Hence, these lab technicians are very educated and proficient in their work.

Skillset required for becoming Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

A particular skill set is needed for every single thing. Likewise, certain skills help the technician to work and win over the challenges they might face. The skills include:

1. Analytical Skills
2. Communication Skills
3. Problem Solving Skills
4. Quantitative Skills

Medical Laboratory Technicians need to have this essential ability to connect with people, provide calm and reasoned perception, and display self-commitment to the patient for his or her speedy recovery. There is the utter need to have proper communication skills, which are required for consulting the healthcare team, providing customer service, maintaining external relations, and educating the patient. These professionals also need to have ethical and moral attitudes and characteristics needed to increase and keep up the patient's confidence in the treatment; this helps achieve the trust of professional associates as team members and from the community.

Educational requirements and details regarding the Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT)

The course, named B.Sc. MLT, which is a Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology, is required for starting a career as a lab technician. It is a three-year course for students between 17 - 23 years of age who have received a maximum of 50% in 10+2 from any recognized board of studies. Admission to this course is made through various entrance exams of the particular institute, along with the required marks in the 10 + 2. Access to this course is also given directly based on merit as it comes under the B.Sc. courses and hence has similar processes. This course deals with sophisticated study concerning the technology used in the modern medical sciences and makes the students understand the necessity of a laboratory in the world. The generic subjects that are taught in the course and are covered in most universities are as follows:

1. Human Anatomy
2. Human Physiology
3. Health Education & Health Communication
4. C.P.C. Software Lab

Graduates of Medical Laboratory Technology are taught to use the clinical laboratory test to recognize, diagnose and cure the disease(s) and other medical conditions. Hospitals, Defense, Research Centers, etc., have massive job opportunities for these graduates from B.Sc. MLT. They get the roles of Biochemist, Clinical Laboratory Technician, Clinical Laboratory Technologist, Lab Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technician, Medical Laboratory Technologist, Medical Phlebotomist, Phlebotomist, etc. The various roles played by the graduates through B.Sc. MLT graduates are as follows:

1. T.C.T. Scan Technician
2. Dental Machine Technician
3. R.I. Technician
4. Optical Laboratory Technician
5. Radiology Technician

Indian colleges to pursue B.Sc. MLT in India

Below is the list of some of the top colleges with B.Sc. Medical Lab Technology course in India:

1. S.M.S. Ramaiah Medical College Bangalore
2. P.U. (Lovely Professional University)
3. Teerthanker Mahaveer University Moradabad
4. Jaipur National University
5. Tamil University Thanjavur
6. Thiruvalluvar University
7. Symbiosis International University
8. NIMS (National Institute of Medical Sciences)
9. Loyola College
10. Mount Carmel College
11. Ramjas College, Delhii
12. D.G.D. Goenka University, Gurgaon
13. Amity University, Noida
14. Presidency College, Chennai
15. Christ University, Banglore