Clinical Laboratory Science professionals (also sometimes called Medical Laboratory Technologists or Medical Technologists) are highly skilled scientists who discover the presence or absence of disease and provide data that helps physicians determine the best treatment for the patient.

Although they are not often personally involved with patients, laboratory technologists and technicians play a crucial role in the process of providing personalized care. They generate vitally important data for identifying and treating cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and many other health conditions.
Using sophisticated biomedical instrumentation and technology, as well as highly skilled manual techniques, clinical laboratory professionals examine and analyze body fluids, tissues, and cells to identify bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms. They analyze the chemical constituents of body fluids, crossmatch donor blood for transfusions, and test blood for drug levels to measure the efficacy of particular treatments. They also evaluate test results for accuracy and help interpret them for the physician.

Clinical Laboratory Technicians (CLT), or Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLT) are associate-degreed professionals, while Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS) or Medical Technologists (MT) are baccalaureate-degreed professionals. Much of the laboratory work performed by these professionals is the same, but CLTs focus on collecting, processing, and analyzing biological specimens, performing laboratory procedures, maintaining instruments, and relating findings to common diseases or conditions.