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

exam@csmls.org 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: certification@csmls.org • Website: www.csmls.org

© Copyright CSMLS 2015