Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Medical Laboratory Aide- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Working Life
Overall Responsibility: To assist scientific personnel in the provision of a laboratory service.
A Medical Laboratory Aide (MLA) performs various tasks to support the work of scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals in a laboratory setting. They perform scientific, technical and administrative tasks to assist in the diagnosis of diseases, research, and the development of products.
A Medical Laboratory Aide (MLA) operates laboratory equipment, prepares samples, conducts tests, and ensures accurate data recording.
The demand for MLAs is expected to grow due to advancements in medical technology, increasing healthcare needs, and ongoing scientific research.
MLAs perform routine tasks to support scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals in a laboratory setting. They may work in research and development, contributing to the creation or improvement of processes, techniques, equipment, products, or materials.
Medical Laboratory Aides assist medical technicians and scientists in the diagnosis of diseases. They prepare and analyse substances, formulate chemical solutions, use computers to analyse data, and sort tissue samples. They may also support research in specialised fields such as clinical chemistry and haematology (the study of blood).
Typical duties of a Medical Laboratory Aide include:
- Issuing containers for specimen collection
- Sorting, processing, and identifying specimens
- Preparing samples and chemical solutions
- Labelling tubes and bottles
- Cleaning and sterilising laboratory surfaces
- Maintaining laboratory stock levels
- Performing simple laboratory tests
In addition to laboratory-based work, MLAs also carry out clerical duties, such as:
- Recording the arrival of specimens
- Inputting patient data into computer databases
- Maintaining detailed records of tests
- Recording findings and dispatching results
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Conduct chemical analyses of body fluids, such as blood or urine, using microscope or automatic analyser to detect abnormalities or diseases and enter findings into computer.
- Analyse the results of tests or experiments to ensure conformity to specifications, using special mechanical or electrical devices.
- Set up, maintain, calibrate, clean, and test sterility of medical laboratory equipment.
- Prepare standard volumetric solutions or reagents to be combined with samples, following standardised formulas or experimental procedures.
- Collect blood or tissue samples from patients, observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood sample.
- Supervise or instruct other technicians or laboratory assistants.
- Conduct blood tests for transfusion purposes and perform blood counts.
- Inoculate fertilised eggs, broths, or other bacteriological media with organisms.
- Obtain specimens, cultivating, isolating, and identifying microorganisms for analysis.
- Examine cells stained with dye to locate abnormalities.
Further Information
- Medical laboratory scientist- from: GradIreland
Qualities - Medical Laboratory Aide
A basic understanding of medical and scientific terminology is necessary in order to follow instructions and examine test results.
Numerical skills are also necessary for checking test results and performing simple calculations.
Good clerical skills are useful for maintaining records and completing reports.
You will need manual dexterity for handling specimens and small items of laboratory equipment. Certain tasks are fairly repetitive.
The work demands a sense of responsibility and a disciplined approach to work. Care and attention are needed when entering, recording and cross referencing patient data against samples. Care also has to be taken to avoid breakage.
As a medical laboratory assistant you should be adaptable and flexible, as you may occasionally be required to work in other departments.
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Core Competencies: Medical Laboratory Aide |
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Communication Skills |
Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact and network with all levels and stakeholders in the organisation. |
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Results Orientation |
Have initiative, diplomacy and analytical skills necessary for anticipating changes that are required and persisting until those changes are implemented. |
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Organisational Skills |
Have excellent organisational, administrative, resource and time management skills; the ability to multi task, combined with the ability to prioritise and delegate. |
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Initiative |
Have the ability to work independently on his/her own initiative and as a member of a team. |
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Problem Solving Skills |
Have good decision making and problem solving skills. |
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Adaptability and Flexibility |
Be flexible and have an on-going positive acceptance of and adaptability to changes in the services. |
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Teamwork Skills |
Have the ability to build effective working relationships with others, co-operate with colleagues to achieve goals and is sensitive to their needs. |
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Patient Focus / Service Skills |
Promotes patient safety. |
Interests - Medical Laboratory Aide
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Medical Laboratory Aide
Pathways into this occupation may be varied. Pathways may include production, manufacturing, research, and applied science.
There are multiple entry routes to becoming a Medical Laboratory Aide:
- Previous experience of work in a hospital laboratory or science laboratory.
- Be currently employed with no less than twelve months experience in the publicly funded Irish Health Service.
- Hold a Qualification to a minimum standard of QQI Level 5 (or higher) in Laboratory skills.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
Various courses are available nationwide that focus on the knowledge and skills relevant to this career. The examples and links below can help guide your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: cleanroom ops, pharma tech.
Search for FET Courses
PLC courses are full-time programs, typically one or two years in duration, leading to awards at Levels 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationwide in schools and colleges of further education.
Example search terms include: science, lab tech, applied lab techniques, lab analyst, applied science, biotech.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2–4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Lab Analyst, Lab Tech.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2–5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: science, lab techniques, applied science, lab analyst, biotech.
Search for CAO Courses
Further training and development
Throughout the HSE, there are many training and educational opportunities designed to enhance the skills of the workforce.
Information on Education and Development can be accessed by visiting www.hseland.ie
Performance Achievement (PA) helps you develop in your role and gives you the opportunity to meet with your manager to discuss your learning and development needs.
The Health Service Leadership Academy is a resource for everyone working in healthcare who is interested in leadership. The aim of the Leadership Academy is to develop leadership across the health service.
Pay & Salary - Medical Laboratory Aide
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €41k - €48k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
See HSE pay scales for more details on salary scales.
Data Source(s):
HSE
Last Updated: July, 2025
Labour Market Updates - Medical Laboratory Aide
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Chemical scientists, Biological scientists and biochemists, Physical scientists, Social and humanities scientists, Natural and social science professionals n.e.c., Research and development managers.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).
Average annual employment growth over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, although employment levels remained unchanged between 2022 and 2023. At 26%, the share of non-Irish citizens employed in this occupation was above the national average. Despite a fall in the number of online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) in 2023, scientists were the fifth most frequently occurring occupation across all online job adverts.
Employment permits issued were across various roles in industry and health including bio-process associates, QC chemists, and medical scientists. The Recruitment Agency Survey highlighted issues with recruiting process/analytical scientists and microbiologists, while Skills for Growth data identified the need for skills in good manufacturing practices (GMP), quality and validation. The number of biochemistry and chemistry awards made at third level has been growing annually for several years and reached nearly 900 and 1,000 awards respectively in 2022 (up from 580 and 800 in 2018). Similarly, the number of awards made in medical or pharma/bio-pharma fields grew to 1,400 (up from 1,300 in 2018).
A high level of demand for these occupations remains evident, with shortages expected to persist, particularly in the life sciences sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas.
Useful Contacts - Medical Laboratory Aide
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Smart Futures
- Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
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- Click Here
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Science Foundation Ireland
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ACSLM Academy of Clinical Science and Laboratory Medicine
- 31 Old Kilmainham Dublin 8 D08 V062 Ireland
- 01 9059730
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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HSE Career Hub
- Arás Sláinte Chluainín, Manorhamilton, County Leitrim
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- [email protected]
- Click Here
