Medical Lab Technician Interview Questions

1.1The medical laboratory technician role - the contribution to diagnosis and patient care

1.2Laboratory structure - how clinical laboratories are organised and the MLT role within them

1.3Quality management in the laboratory - accreditation, ISO 15189, and quality systems

1.4Laboratory safety - chemical, biological, and radiation hazards and safe working practices

2.1Specimen collection - phlebotomy, sample types, and the importance of correct collection technique

2.2Sample processing - centrifugation, aliquoting, storage, and the pre-analytical steps that affect results

2.3Chain of custody and specimen integrity - ensuring samples are correctly identified and handled

2.4Point of care testing - the expanding role of near-patient testing and the quality considerations

3.1Biochemistry testing - analysers, calibration, QC, and the common panels performed

3.2Electrolytes and renal function - the tests, the normal ranges, and the clinical significance

3.3Liver function tests, cardiac markers, and thyroid function - interpretation and clinical context

3.4Troubleshooting chemistry analysers - common errors, maintenance, and working with engineers

4.1Full blood count analysis - the parameters, the analyser, and identifying abnormal results

4.2Blood film examination - preparing, staining, and identifying cellular abnormalities microscopically

4.3Coagulation testing - PT, APTT, INR, and the clinical context for coagulation assays

4.4Blood transfusion - group and screen, cross-match, and the safety processes in blood bank

5.1Microbiology specimens - the range of specimens, the pathogens tested, and the culture process

5.2Sensitivity testing - the principles of antibiotic sensitivity, MIC, and reporting results to clinicians

5.3Serology and immunology - antibody testing, autoimmune markers, and infection serology

5.4Molecular diagnostics - PCR, next generation sequencing, and how molecular tests are performed in the lab

6.1Internal QC - Westgard rules, Levey-Jennings charts, and managing QC failures

6.2External quality assessment - participation in NEQAS or equivalent and using EQA to improve performance

6.3Method validation - how the MLT validates new methods before using them on patient samples

6.4Non-conformance management - recording, investigating, and correcting laboratory errors

7.1LIS fundamentals - how laboratory information systems manage test requests, results, and reporting

7.2Order entry and results reporting - the workflow from request to clinician delivery

7.3Interface troubleshooting - managing connectivity issues between the LIS and analysers

7.4Data integrity - ensuring laboratory results are correctly attributed to the right patient

8.1POCT coordination - the governance framework for tests performed outside the central laboratory

8.2POCT devices - blood gas, glucose, lactate, and the common near-patient tests

8.3Quality assurance for POCT - operator training, QC requirements, and connectivity to the LIS

8.4New technologies - automation, mass spectrometry, digital pathology, and the future of laboratory medicine

9.1HCPC registration - the standards of proficiency, continuing professional development, and fitness to practise

9.2Laboratory governance - the MLT role in audit, incident reporting, and clinical governance

9.3Supervision and training - developing junior staff and supporting trainee MLTs

9.4Career development - specialist pathways, higher qualifications, and progression in laboratory medicine

10.1Technical questions - the specific discipline (chemistry, haematology, microbiology) and quality management

10.2Practical questions - how you would handle an instrument failure, a QC failure, or a critical result

10.3Behavioural questions - attention to detail, working under pressure, teamwork, and patient safety focus

10.4Salary negotiation, evaluating a laboratory environment, and questions that reveal the training, equipment, and culture in the laboratory