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
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%
Page 3 CSMLS Competency Profile - General Medical Laboratory Technolgist January 2020
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.
Page 4CSMLS Competency Profile - General Medical Laboratory Technolgist January 2020
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.
Page 5 CSMLS Competency Profile - General Medical Laboratory Technolgist January 2020
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
Page 6CSMLS Competency Profile - General Medical Laboratory Technolgist January 2020
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
Page 7 CSMLS Competency Profile - General Medical Laboratory Technolgist January 2020
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
3.04.01 Assessesresults,identifiessourcesofinterferenceandinitiatescorrectiveaction
3.05 Appliesprinciplesofelectrophoresisandchromatography
3.05.01 Assessesresults,identifiessourcesofinterferenceandinitiatescorrectiveaction
3.06 Appliesprinciplesofosmometry
3.06.01 Assessesresults,identifiessourcesofinterferenceandinitiatescorrectiveaction
3.07 Appliesprinciplesofimmunoassays
3.07.01 Assessesresults,identifiessourcesofinterferenceandinitiatescorrectiveaction
3.08 Demonstratesknowledgeofprinciplesofmassspectrometry
3.08.01 Assessesresults,identifiessourcesofinterferenceandinitiatescorrectiveaction
Page 8CSMLS Competency Profile - General Medical Laboratory Technolgist January 2020
3.09 Appliesprinciplesofparticleanalysisusedincommonhematologyinstrumentation
3.09.01 Assessesresults,identifiessourcesofinterferenceandinitiatescorrectiveactionand/orfollowuptesting
3.09.02 Performsmanualcountingprocedures
3.10 Demonstratestheknowledgeofprinciplesofflowcytometry
3.10.01 Assessesresults,indentiessourcesofinterferenceandinitiatescorrectiveaction
3.11 Appliestheprinciplesofhemostasistoperformcoagulationtesting
3.11.01 Assessesresults,identifiessourcesofinterferenceandinitiatescorrectiveactionand/orfollowuptesting
3.12 Performsqualitativeandquantitativebiochemicalanalyses
3.12.01 Assessesresults,identifiessourcesofinterferenceandinitiatescorrectiveactionand/orfollowuptesting
3.13 Preparesblood,bodyfluidsandotherclinicalspecimensformicroscopicexamination
3.14 Identifiesandevaluatesthemorphologyofcellularandnon-cellularelementsinmicroscopicpreparations
3.14.01 Differentiatesbetweenclinicallysignificantandinsignificantfindings
3.14.02 Assessesresults,identifiessourcesofinterferenceandinitiatescorrectiveactionand/orfollowuptesting
3.15 Appliesprinciplesofimmunologytothedetectionofantigensandantibodies
3.16 Performstestingtoidentifycommonredbloodcellantigensandantibodies
3.16.01 Interpretsresultstodeterminephenotype/genotype
3.16.02 Differentiatesbetweenclinicallysignificantandinsignificantantibodies
3.16.03 Performscompatibilityanalyses
3.16.04 Assessesresults,identifiessourcesofinterferenceandinitiatescorrectiveactionand/orfollowuptesting
3.17 Preparesandissuesbloodproducts
3.17.01 Assessescompatibilityofdonor/product
3.17.02 Ensuresproperstorageofbloodproducts
3.17.03 Evaluatesthequalityofbloodproducts
3.17.04 Evaluatestheappropriatenessofthebloodproductforthepatient’sclinicalsituation
Page 9 CSMLS Competency Profile - General Medical Laboratory Technolgist January 2020
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
Page 10CSMLS Competency Profile - General Medical Laboratory Technolgist January 2020
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
Page 11 CSMLS Competency Profile - General Medical Laboratory Technolgist January 2020
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
Page 12CSMLS Competency Profile - General Medical Laboratory Technolgist January 2020
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
Page 13 CSMLS Competency Profile - General Medical Laboratory Technolgist January 2020
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
Page 14CSMLS Competency Profile - General Medical Laboratory Technolgist January 2020
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
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