About the College

Standards of Practice

Minimum Standards of Practice (Clinical and Ethical)

MLTs must meet a standard of practice. An MLT must know the theory, technique, and clinical application of laboratory analyses, and be able to perform those procedures. The MLT must be competent in judgement and interpretation, and must recognize and cope with abnormal situations related to test results, methods, and quality control. The MLT must also be professional in conduct. These standards ensure the public of safe, ethical, and competent MLT practice:

1. Provision of Service to a Client
   The MLT uses a client-centered approach to provide and facilitate effective medical laboratory service.

2. Body of Knowledge
   The MLT has an in-depth knowledge of medical laboratory science and integrates this knowledge with other disciplines.

3. Application of Knowledge and Skills

   The MLT understands the principles of medical laboratory science, basing practice on current techniques and integrates knowledge with other disciplines.

4. Safe Practice

   The MLT practices within current provincial and federal safety legislation for the protection of clients and the environment.

5. Continued Competence

   The MLT is responsible for life-long learning to ensure competence in areas of practice.

6. Ethics

   The MLT practices in accordance with the College Code of Ethics of the profession.

7. Professional Responsibility and Accountability 

   The MLT is accountable to clients and ensures professional practice meets legislative requirements and the College Standards of Practice.

Minimum Standards of Competence

The work of MLTs impacts patient care. Regardless of where and in what capacity an MLT works (bench, supervisory, management, didactic, research, administrative, etc.), the individual needs to be competent in his or her area of practice or there may be a significant risk of patient harm.

An MLT must comply with minimum competency standards to practise in the profession. These standards of competency have been established by the ACMLT, in consultation with the Alberta Health and Wellness Workforce Planning Branch, industry representatives, and practising MLTs, to assure the public of safe, ethical, and competent services. 

The standards of competency include:

• Professional accountability and patient/client relations
• Safety 
• Basic knowledge
• Quality systems, specimens, and interpretation
• Reporting of results 

In addition, the MLT must be proficient in his or her area of knowledge, such as anatomical pathology, clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, transfusion medicine, diagnostic cytology, cytogenetics, clinical genetics, histocompatibility, electron microscopy, and flow cytometry. 

The standards of competency and practice are the benchmark when investigating complaints. 

Training

Medical laboratory technology is a regulated profession in Alberta. MLTs are trained in accredited technical schools or universities, in one or several disciplines, including:

• Chemistry
• Hematology
• Transfusion medicine
• Microbiology 
• Virology 
• Histology 
• Diagnostic cytology 
• Clinical genetics

MLTs must comply with high practice standards. Every MLT must also engage in ongoing professional education to keep current with the knowledge and innovations of the laboratory in order to comply with continuing competence requirements. ACMLT sets the standards of practice and code of ethics for MLTs in Alberta, as mandated by the Health Professions Act (HPA). Registered members are responsible for ensuring that their practice meets the legislative requirements and standards for the profession. Only registered members of the ACMLT can claim the title of medical laboratory technologist (MLT).