General Medical Laboratory Technologist · 2020. 2. 25. · Critical Thinking The medical laboratory technologist applies critical thinking skills to constructively investigate, evaluate

Competencies Expected of an Entry-LevelGeneral Medical Laboratory Technologist

CSMLS Competency ProfileGeneral Medical Laboratory Technologist

Revised January 2015

Effective with the June 2019 CSMLS Examination

CEXM-359-H1 – January 2020

© Copyright CSMLS 2015

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science.

Contact Information

Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science

Mailing address:

33 Wellington Street North

Hamilton, ON L8R 1M7

Telephone Fax

(905) 528-8642 or

(800) 263-8277(905) 528-4968

Email Website

[email protected] www.csmls.org

mailto:[email protected]

www.csmls.org

Table of Contents

Code of Professional Conduct ............................................................................................... 1

Examination Blueprint ............................................................................................................... 2

Assumptions about Medical Laboratory Science ................................................................. 3

General MLT Competency Categories .................................................................................. 4

Category 1: Safe Work Practices ............................................................................................ 5

Category 2: Data and Specimen Collection and Handling ............................................... 6

Category 3: Analytical Processes ........................................................................................... 7

Category 4: Interpretation and Reporting of Results .......................................................... 10

Category 5: Quality Management ....................................................................................... 11

Category 6: Critical Thinking .................................................................................................. 12

Category 7: Communication and Interaction .................................................................... 13

Category 8: Professional Practice ......................................................................................... 14

Page 1 CSMLS Competency Profile - General Medical Laboratory Technolgist January 2020

Code of Professional Conduct

• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsarededicatedtoservingthehealthcareneedsofthepublic.Thewelfareofthepatientandrespectforthedignityoftheindividualshallbeparamountatalltimes.

• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsworkwithotherhealthcareprofessionals,toprovideeffectivepatientcare.

• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsshallpromotetheimageandstatusoftheirprofessionbymaintaininghighstandardsintheirprofessionalpracticeandthroughactivesupportoftheirprofessionalbodies.

• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsshallprotecttheconfidentialityofallpatientinformation.

• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsshalltakeresponsibilityfortheirprofessionalacts.

• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsshallpractisewithinthescopeoftheirprofessionalcompetence.

• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsshallendeavourtomaintainandimprovetheirskillsandknowledgeandkeepcurrentwithscientificadvances.Theywillupholdacademicintegrityinallmattersofprofessionalcertificationandcontinuingeducation.

• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsshallsharetheirknowledgewithcolleaguesandpromotelearning.

• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsshallbeawareofthelawsandregulationsgoverningmedicallaboratorytechnologyandshallapplytheminthepracticeoftheirprofession.

• Medicallaboratoryprofessionalsshallpractisesafeworkproceduresatalltimestoensurethesafetyofpatientsandco-workersandtheprotectionoftheenvironment.

Revised November 2011 © CSMLS

Page 2CSMLS Competency Profile - General Medical Laboratory Technolgist January 2020

Examination Blueprint

CSMLSGeneralMLTexamsarebasedonthisplan.

Category Mark %

1. Safe Work Practices 5-7%

2. Data and Specimen Collection and Handling 5-7%

3. Analytical Processes 30-35%

4. Interpretation and Reporting of Results 20-25%

5. Quality Management 20-25%

6. Critical Thinking 5-10%

7. Communication and Interaction 3-5%

8. Professional Practice 5-7%


Assumptions about Medical Laboratory Science

The Medical Laboratory Technologist

Uponsuccessfulcompletionofbothanaccreditedprogram/CSMLSpriorlearningassessmentandtheCSMLSnationalcertificationexaminations,theMedicalLaboratoryTechnologist:

• hasdevelopedabroadknowledgebaseandpracticalskillsthatenablethemtoanalyzespecimens,assessandreportlaboratoryresultsaccordingtoinstitutionalpoliciesandprofessionalstandards

• appliescriticalthinkingandproblemsolvingstrategiestoensurebestpractices

• practicesandpromotestheprinciplesofcontinuousqualityimprovementincludingprofessionaldevelopmentandusingpersonalinitiativetoimprovelaboratorypractice

• practicestoensurethesafetyofpatients,colleagues,self,andtheenvironment

• contributestothehealthcareandeducationofthepublic,promotespatientwelfareandrespectspatientdiversity,dignity,andconfidentiality

• isanintegralmemberofthehealthcareteamwhosharesknowledgethatisessentialtotheprevention,diagnosis,treatmentandmonitoringofdisease,promoteslearning,andcollaborateswithotherprofessionalsinprovidingeffectivepatientcare

• isresponsibleandaccountableforprofessionalactsandpracticesaccordingtostandardsofpracticeaswellaslegislationandregulationsgoverningtheprofession

• abidesbytheCSMLSCodeofProfessionalConduct

• useseffectiveinterpersonalskillstomaintainaprofessionalrelationshipwithcolleagues,patients/clientsandhealthcareprofessionals

• usesallavailableresourcestoprovideserviceinatimely,accurate,andcost-effectivemanner.

The Client/Patient

Theclient/patientisanyindividualwhointeractswiththemedicallaboratorytechnologist,e.g.patient,patientrepresentative,healthcareprofessionals,otherlaboratoryprofessionals.

The Environment

TheMedicalLaboratoryTechnologistispreparedtoworkinavarietyofsettingsincluding,butnotlimitedto,hospitals,privateandgovernmentlaboratories,industry,andeducationalinstitutions.

TheMedicalLaboratoryTechnologistpracticesinasafeenvironmentthatisdynamicandevolving.


General MLT Competency Categories

Categories Description

1. Safe Work Practices Themedicallaboratorytechnologistconductstheirprofessionalpracticeaccordingtoestablishedprotocols,safetyguidelines,andexistinglegislation.

2. Data and Specimen Collection and Handling

Themedicallaboratorytechnologistverifiesrelevantdataandensuresthatappropriatespecimensarecollectedandhandledaccordingtoestablishedprotocols.

3. Analytical Processes

Themedicallaboratorytechnologistunderstandstheprinciplesandperformsanalyticaltechniquesandassessesresultsonavarietyofspecimens.

NOTE:Theterm“common”isusedinreferencetobloodgroupantigens,micro-organisms,etc.andshouldbeinterpretedasthosewhichoccurfrequentlyinthepopulationandareencounteredonaregularbasisinclinicalpractice.Thecompetenciesshouldbeinterpretedintheirbroadestsenseandnotlimitedbytheconceptofthefivelaboratorydisciplines.

4. Interpretation and Reporting of Results

Themedicallaboratorytechnologistusesscientificknowledgeandskillstointerpret,documentandreportlaboratoryresultsaccordingtoestablishedprotocols.

5. Quality Management

Themedicallaboratorytechnologistpracticesandpromotestheprinciplesofqualitymanagement.

6. Critical Thinking Themedicallaboratorytechnologistappliescriticalthinkingskillstoconstructivelyinvestigate,evaluateandproblemsolve.

7. Communication and Interaction

Themedicallaboratorytechnologistinteractsusingeffectivecommunication,teamworkskillsandinterprofessionalcollaborationwithpatients/clientsandotherhealthcareprofessionals.

8. Professional Practice

Themedicallaboratorytechnologistmeetsthelegalandethicalrequirementsofpracticeandprotectsthepatient’srighttoareasonablestandardofcare.Professionalresponsibilityencompassesscopeofpractice,accountability,andprofessionaldevelopment.


Category 1: Safe Work Practices

Themedicallaboratorytechnologistconductstheirprofessionalpracticeaccordingtoestablishedprotocols,safetyguidelines,andexistinglegislation.

Number Competency

1.01 Appliestheprinciplesofroutinepractices

1.02 Usespersonalprotectiveequipment,e.g.gloves,gowns,mask,faceshields,aprons

1.03 Applieslaboratoryhygieneandinfectioncontrolpractices

1.04 Minimizespossibledangersfrombiologicalspecimens,laboratorysuppliesandequipment

1.05 Useslaboratorysafetydevices,e.g.biologicalsafetycabinets,fumehoods,laminarflowcabinets,safetypipettingdevices,safetycontainersandcarriers,safetyshowers,eyewashes

1.06 Labels,dates,handles,stores,anddisposeschemicals,dyes,reagents,andsolutionsaccordingtolegislation,e.g.WHMIS

1.07 Handlesanddisposessharps

1.08 Stores,handles,transportsanddisposesbiologicalandotherhazardousmaterialsaccordingtolegislation

1.09 Usesdisinfectionandsterilizationmethods

1.10 Minimizespotentialhazardsrelatedtodisinfection/sterilizationmethods

1.11 Appliesmeasuresinresponsetolaboratoryaccidents/incidents

1.12 Appliesspillcontainmentandcleanupproceduresforbiologicalandotherhazardousmaterials

1.13 Respondsappropriatelytoworkplaceemergencies

1.14 Reportsanddocumentsallincidentsrelatedtosafetyandpersonalinjury

1.15 Appliesproperergonomicprinciplestominimizeriskofinjury


Category 2: Data and Specimen Collection and Handling

Themedicallaboratorytechnologistverifiesrelevantdataandensuresthatappropriatespecimensarecollectedandhandledaccordingtoestablishedprotocols.

Number Competency

2.01 Verifiesrelevantinformationisprovidedfortestrequest

2.02 Providesinformationtotheclientonspecimencollection,transportationandstorage

2.03 Confirmstheidentityofthepatientandperformsvenipunctureandcapillarybloodcollectiontoobtainappropriatesamplesforlaboratoryanalysis

2.04 Performssamplecollectionandchainofcustodyproceduresrelatingtospecimenswithlegalimplications

2.05 Adherestoestablishedprotocolsforlabelingandtraceabilityofspecimens

2.06 Deliversspecimenstakingintoaccountpriorityandstability

2.07 Assessessuitabilityofthespecimenfortesting

2.08 Verifiesthatthepertinentdataonthespecimenandrequisitioncorrespond

2.09 Accessionsspecimensintolaboratoryinformationsystems

2.10 Adherestoguidelinesforspecimenretention,storage,transportationanddisposal

2.11 Preparesspecimensforanalysis

2.12 Identifies,documentsandinitiatescorrectiveactionforpre-examination(pre-analytical)errors


Category 3: Analytical Processes

Themedicallaboratorytechnologistunderstandstheprinciplesandperformsanalyticaltechniquesandassessesresultsonavarietyofspecimens.

Number Competency

3.01 Appliestheprinciplesofmicroscopy:• brightfield• fluorescence• polarizing• inverted

3.02 Appliesthephysicalandchemicalprinciplesofstaining

3.02.01 Assessesthequalityofstainingandinitiatescorrectiveaction

3.03 Appliesprinciplesoflightmeasuringsystemsusedincommoninstruments:• absorptionspectrophotometry• reflectometry• turbidimetry

3.03.01 Assessesresults,identifiessourcesofinterferenceandinitiatescorrectiveaction

3.04 Appliesprinciplesofelectrochemicalsystemsusedincommoninstruments:• ionselectiveelectrodes• conductanceelectrodes


3.05 Appliesprinciplesofelectrophoresisandchromatography


3.06 Appliesprinciplesofosmometry


3.07 Appliesprinciplesofimmunoassays


3.08 Demonstratesknowledgeofprinciplesofmassspectrometry



3.09 Appliesprinciplesofparticleanalysisusedincommonhematologyinstrumentation

3.09.01 Assessesresults,identifiessourcesofinterferenceandinitiatescorrectiveactionand/orfollowuptesting

3.09.02 Performsmanualcountingprocedures

3.10 Demonstratestheknowledgeofprinciplesofflowcytometry

3.10.01 Assessesresults,indentiessourcesofinterferenceandinitiatescorrectiveaction

3.11 Appliestheprinciplesofhemostasistoperformcoagulationtesting


3.12 Performsqualitativeandquantitativebiochemicalanalyses


3.13 Preparesblood,bodyfluidsandotherclinicalspecimensformicroscopicexamination

3.14 Identifiesandevaluatesthemorphologyofcellularandnon-cellularelementsinmicroscopicpreparations

3.14.01 Differentiatesbetweenclinicallysignificantandinsignificantfindings


3.15 Appliesprinciplesofimmunologytothedetectionofantigensandantibodies

3.16 Performstestingtoidentifycommonredbloodcellantigensandantibodies

3.16.01 Interpretsresultstodeterminephenotype/genotype

3.16.02 Differentiatesbetweenclinicallysignificantandinsignificantantibodies

3.16.03 Performscompatibilityanalyses


3.17 Preparesandissuesbloodproducts

3.17.01 Assessescompatibilityofdonor/product

3.17.02 Ensuresproperstorageofbloodproducts

3.17.03 Evaluatesthequalityofbloodproducts

3.17.04 Evaluatestheappropriatenessofthebloodproductforthepatient’sclinicalsituation


3.18 Describesandinvestigatestheadverseeffectsoftransfusionaccordingtoestablishedprotocolandinitiatesfollow-upaction

3.19 Performsanalysestodetectandidentifycommonclinicallysignificantmicro-organisms

3.19.01 Selectsappropriateculturemediaandenvironmentforisolation

3.19.02 Describescommonclinicallysignificantmicro-organismsaccordingtobodysite

3.19.03 Confirmsidentificationusingstainingtechniques,biochemical,serologicalandautomatedtestingmethods

3.19.04 Appliestheprinciplesofinstrumentationtothedetectionofmicro-organisms

3.20 Performsantimicrobialsusceptibilityanalyses

3.20.01 Assessesresults,identifiessourcesoferrorandinitiatescorrectiveactionand/orfollowuptesting

3.21 Appliesmoleculardiagnosticprinciplestoidentifynucleicacidsequences

3.21.01 Assessesresults,identifiessourcesofinterference/errors,initiatescorrectiveactionand/orfollowuptesting

3.22 Performstissuepreparationtechniques:• Grossing• Processing• Embedding• Sectioning(paraffinandfrozen)

3.22.01 Assessesqualityofthepreparationandinitiatescorrectiveactionand/orfollowup

3.23 Performstechniquestodemonstratecellularandnon-cellularcomponentsintissueandbodyfluids

3.23.01 Assessesqualityofthetechniqueandinitiatescorrectiveactionand/orfollowup

3.24 Operatesandmaintainsstandardlaboratoryequipment/instruments

3.24.01 Preparesreagents,calibrators,standardsandqualitycontrolmaterials

3.25 Describestheroleofthelaboratoryinpoint-of-caretesting

3.25.01 Performspoint-of-caretechniques,assessesresults,identifiessourcesofinterferenceandinitiatescorrectiveaction


Category 4: Interpretation and Reporting of Results

Themedicallaboratorytechnologistusesscientificknowledgeandskillstointerpret,documentandreportlaboratoryresultsaccordingtoestablishedprotocols.

Number Competency

4.01 Recognizestherelationshipbetweenanalyses,diagnoses,clinicalinformationandtreatmentbyassessingresultsonthebasisof:

• specimenintegrity• referencevalues• criticalvalues• methodlimitations,e.g.dynamicranges,interferences,specificity,

sensitivity• patientdeltachecks• clinicalconditions• otherlaboratoryfindings

4.02 Reportsresultsthatmeetqualitycontrolcriteria

4.03 Identifiesunexpectedorimplausibleresultsandtakesappropriateactionpriortoreporting

4.04 Recognizesandactsoncriticalvalues

4.05 Documentsresultsaccurately

4.06 Accountsforalltestsrequested


Category 5: Quality Management

Themedicallaboratorytechnologistpractisesandpromotestheprinciplesofqualitymanagement.

Number Competency

5.01 Demonstratesknowledgeofqualitysystemsessentials(QSE)

5.02 Followsestablishedprotocolsasdefinedinpolicy,processandproceduremanuals

5.03 Assessesqualitycontroldataandcalibrationdata

5.04 Usesstatisticstomonitorandtracktheacceptabilityofqualitycontrolresults

5.05 Identifies,documentsandreportsdeficienciesthatmayaffectthequalityoftesting

5.06 Performsanddocumentspreventativemaintenanceaccordingtoestablishedprotocols

5.07 Recognizesmalfunctionsinequipment/instruments,initiatesanddocumentscorrectiveaction

5.08 Participatesincontinuousqualityimprovementactivities

5.09 Demonstratesknowledgeofriskmanagement

5.10 Participatesininternalandexternalqualityassuranceactivities,e.g.proficiencytesting,audits,accreditation

5.11 Demonstratesknowledgeofinventorymaintenance

5.12 Demonstratesinformationmanagementskills,e.g.computer,laboratoryinformationsystemsandrelatedtechnology


Category 6: Critical Thinking

Themedicallaboratorytechnologistappliescriticalthinkingskillstoconstructivelyinvestigate,evaluateandproblemsolve.

Number Competency

6.01 Demonstratesknowledgeofadynamicenvironment;adaptsandrespondstochange

6.02 Recognizesthatchangeinitiatedinoneareamayimpactotherareasofhealthcareservices

6.03 Engagesinreflectivepractice;stopsandthinksaboutpractice,consciouslyanalyzesdecisionmakinganddrawsconclusionstoimprovefuturepractice

6.04 Organizesworktoaccommodatepriorities

6.05 Maximizesefficientuseofresources,e.g.time,equipment,personnel

6.06 Demonstrateseffectiveproblemsolving/trouble-shootingstrategiesandinitiatesappropriatefollowup

6.07 Contributestoimplementationstrategiesthatintegratetimelines,resourcemanagementandcommunicationrelatedtoprojectsorresearch/studies

6.08 Practicesevidence-baseddecision-makingskillssuchasliteraturereview,dataanalysisandresearchmethodologies/studies


Category 7: Communication and Interaction

Themedicallaboratorytechnologistinteractsusingeffectivecommunication,teamworkskillsandinterprofessionalcollaborationwithpatients/clientsandotherhealthcareprofessionals.

Number Competency

7.01 Practiceseffectivecommunicationwithcolleagues,patients/clientsandotherhealthcareprofessionals:

• Activelistening• Verbalcommunication• Non-verbalcommunication• Writtencommunication• Conflictmanagement• Identifyingbarrierstoeffectivecommunication• Usingtechnologyappropriatelytofacilitatecommunication

7.02 Demonstrateseffectiveteamworkskills

7.03 Demonstratesinterdisciplinary/interprofessionalteamskills:• Communication• Collaboration• Roleclarification• Reflection

7.04 Demonstratesadaptiveskillswheninteractingwithpatients/clients


Category 8: Professional Practice

Themedicallaboratorytechnologistmeetsthelegalandethicalrequirementsofpracticeandprotectsthepatient’srighttoareasonablestandardofcare.Professionalresponsibilityencompassesscopeofpractice,accountability,andprofessionaldevelopment.

Number Competency

8.01 Maintainsconfidentialityofhealthcareinformation

8.02 Complieswithlegislationsthatgovernmedicallaboratorytechnology

8.03 Recognizeslimitationsofowncompetenceandseeksactiontoresolve

8.04 Obtainsinformedconsentpriortoprocedureandrespectsapatient’srighttorefuse

8.05 Recognizespotentiallydangeroussituationsandunderstandstherighttorefuseunsafework

8.06 Takesresponsibilityandisaccountableforprofessionalactions

8.07 Recognizestheneedforandparticipatesincontinuingeducationandtraining

8.08 Promotestheimageandstatusoftheprofessionofmedicallaboratoryscienceasmembersofthehealthcareteam

8.09 Recognizeshowethicalissuesinthehealthcareenvironmentaffectthemedicallaboratorytechnologistandclients

8.10 Demonstratesknowledgeofthehealthcaresystem,professionallaboratoryorganizationsandtheirresponsibilities

8.11 Demonstratesknowledgeofthedeterminantsofhealthandtheirimplicationsforthelaboratorysystem

8.12 Respectsthediversity,dignity,values,andbeliefsofpatients/clientsandcolleagues

8.13 Demonstratesknowledgeofinterpersonalskills:• Recognizessignsofindividualandgroupstress• Recognizessignsofpatientstress• Exhibitsempathywhenassistingpatientsandcolleagues

Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science

33 Wellington Street North Hamilton, ON L8R 1M7

Telephone: (905) 528-8642 or (800) 263-8277 • Fax: (905) 528-4968

Email: [email protected] • Website: www.csmls.org

© Copyright CSMLS 2015

mailto:[email protected]

www.csmls.org