Medical laboratory assistants (MLAs), sometimes known as clinical support workers, work throughout the NHS on wards, or in clinics and laboratories, providing support to biomedical scientists, pathologists, clinical scientists, and medical staff.

Their main duties include:

• preparing chemical and biological solutions 
• disposing of waste
• labelling, sorting and analysing tissue and fluid samples
• separating blood serum and plasma
• loading samples and operating machines
• using a computer to analyse data.

In addition they may answer telephone enquiries, keep and file records, sterilise equipment, and maintain stock levels.

Assistants can specialise in a single area, or work in a number of different fields. These include:

• biochemistry (studying chemical reactions in the body, for example, kidney failure)
• histopathology (examining the structure of diseased tissue)
• virology (analysing viruses, the diseases they cause, and vaccines)
• cytology (studying cells, their structure, function and formation, for example, screening for certain cancers)
• haematology (analysing diseases of the blood and blood forming tissues)
• immunology (examining how the immune system works, for example, with allergies)
• transfusion science (the transference of blood and blood products from one person to another).

MLAs can combine working as an assistant with another area of work such as Phlebotomy. This involves being trained on the job to extract blood from patients causing as little disturbance to existing treatment as possible, labelling the sample and delivering it to the correct lab for analysis by a biomedical scientist for example. Phlebotomists may work towards the NVQ in Health (Blood Donor Support) level 2 or 3 which include units relevant to this field.

MLAs can work in the blood transfusion service, hospitals, public health service laboratories or research laboratories.

Hours and Environment

Medical laboratory assistants work 37.5 hours a week, which may include some evening or weekend work. Part-time work may be available.

Work is based in laboratories, clinics, or with patients on the wards. It involves standing or sitting for long periods, and bending and carrying heavy batches of samples.

Conditions are clean and sometimes sterile. Protective coats, gloves, glasses and masks may be necessary at times.

Skills and Interests

To be a medical laboratory assistant, you should:

• be interested in science, particularly biology and chemistry
• be efficient and accurate in your work
• be able to concentrate for long periods
• be able to reassure nervous patients
• be able to work as part of a team
• have a mature approach to your work
• have a responsible and diligent approach to work.

Entry

There are no standard entry requirements for MLAs and employers will vary in their specifications. Four or more GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) in subjects such as English, maths and science may be beneficial; equivalent qualifications may also be accepted.

The Association of Medical Laboratory Assistants (AMLA) can provide detailed advice and guidance on education and training for MLAs; see Further Information section for contact details.

Training

Training for MLAs mainly takes place on the job.

Certificates of Competence are awarded within the NHS when you are assessed as being capable of performing your duties safely; useful when changing employers or progressing in your role.

As an MLA you may work towards achieving vocational qualifications such as:

• Certificate in Laboratory Technical Skills
• NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Clinical Laboratory Support
• NVQ/SVQ levels 1, 2 or 3 in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities.

National Occupational Standards are being developed for this field which will form the basis of further competence-based training for healthcare scientists.

Apprenticeships may be available for those under the age of 24. In England these are currently Apprenticeships (level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeships (level 3). To find out more about these, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk

Apprenticeships may be different in other areas. For further information see Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland

Opportunities

Medical laboratory assistants can progress into different roles. They may be able to extend their responsibilities or specialise as a cardiological technician/cardiographer, cervical cytology screener, or phlebotomist.

Most MLAs work in NHS hospitals, however, phlebotomists may find similar work in the blood transfusion service, university laboratories, and government research departments.

With experience and relevant vocational qualifications, it may be possible to progress to the role of medical technical officer; please see relevant job profile.

There is no direct progression route available for MLAs wishing to become biomedical scientists, however, if you meet the entry requirements for a biomedical science degree you may be able to study this part-time whilst continuing to work. Contact the Institute of Biomedical Science for more details; see Further Information.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only. 

The starting salary of a medical laboratory assistant can be around £11,500 a year.
More experienced assistants can earn around £15,000.
Senior assistants at the top of the pay scale earn around £17,000.

Further information

12 Coldbath Square
London
EC1R 5HL
Tel: 020 7713 0214 PO Box 376
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655 Tel: 08000 150 850
Email: learning@nhscareers.nhs.uk

12 Coldbath Square
London
EC1R 5HL
Tel: 020 7713 8050