Dear Medical Laboratory Science Students, 

Welcome to the Medical Laboratory Science Program. We recognize that you have worked hard to achieve admittance to this program, and we are glad that you are here. 

Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) is a critically important area of health practice, the practitioners of which make up the fourth-largest group of health professionals in Canada and are directly responsible for the health and safety of the Canadian public. At Conestoga College, you will gain valuable skills and knowledge that will challenge, excite, and prepare you to become Medical Laboratory Professionals and enter the workforce as well-equipped graduates.  

Whether you aspire to work in clinical environments, research laboratories, public health settings, educational institutions, or the biotechnology sector in general, you have come to the right place. We are excited to have you onboard and look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. 

This handbook has been prepared to provide further information about academic standards, regulations, procedures, and processes specific to the MLS program. Please note that general information about the College can be found in the Conestoga College Student Guide, which applies to all students regardless of program. As a student, it is your responsibility to understand the contents of the Student Guide and the Handbook. If there is anything within this handbook you do not understand, please ask the Faculty, Program Coordinator, or Chair to explain. 

Use this manual as your guide and continuous reference as you proceed through the program. The MLS faculty will refer to the handbook often, but the responsibility for knowing the program standards is ultimately yours. 

We are here to help you complete this program. Please speak with us if you experience difficulty or need assistance in any area of your studies. We will do all we can to provide you with the necessary skills and support to do your best and achieve your goal of becoming a valued graduate of the MLS program. 

All the very best to you in your studies.  

Sincerely, 

​Contact Information

​​Faculty Availability

The Medical Laboratory Science Faculty are located in the Business Administration Office 1B (next to the cafeteria). Students are welcome to see individual Faculty to seek extra help, discuss coursework and assignments, or say hello. During the first several days of the semester, Faculty will explain how you can contact them outside of class time. Since Faculty have diverse teaching schedules, please make an appointment to ensure they are available. Faculty members aim to reply to email messages within 48 business hours.  

eConestoga​

All courses throughout the Biotechnology Technician program will be supported through Conestoga's online learning management system, eConestoga. This should always be a student's first point of access when looking for course information, content, schedules etc. All course material will be delivered through eConestoga and students should use this platform daily to keep up-to-date with their courses.

Being a Part of the MLS Community

The Medical Laboratory Science program provides academic study and practical training to prepare students for careers in health care. Students are expected to conduct themselves professionally throughout the program and apply it to their learning. Professionals function in an independent and interdependent environment. As a student, your fundamental responsibility is to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to be a competent Medical Laboratory Technologist upon graduation. As students preparing to become professionals, it is imperative that behaviours and attitudes reflect standards endorsed by Conestoga College and your chosen profession. As a Conestoga College Medical Laboratory Science student, you are expected to follow three areas of conduct: Academic Conduct, Professional Conduct, and Social/Behavioural Conduct. 

As a student of Conestoga College, you are a member of the College community, and as such, you have received a Conestoga Student Guide that includes Student Rights and Student Responsibilities. You must review this section and familiarize yourself with these responsibilities. It is expected that your conduct as a student will be reflective of the responsibilities listed. If you have any questions regarding any of them, please contact your Program Coordinator. 

As a Medical Laboratory Science student, you are preparing to enter a profession with a protected professional designation (College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario) with Standards of Practice that guide behaviours for all professionals within this field. It is the expectation of all students, Faculty, and administration of Conestoga College that we, as practitioners, will incorporate and function within the guidelines of these professional standards of ethical practice. 

We encourage you to think of your involvement in this program as more than just courses, labs, and tests. You have an opportunity to be a part of a larger network of faculty, students, and representatives from the industry. Being a part of this team engages you in a supportive community that will provide an excellent springboard into your future career. 

Here are some ways to deepen your experience throughout this program and fully participate in the Medical Laboratory Science team: 

• Engage in classroom dynamics: During discussions, labs, or group work, do not hold back - ask questions and get involved. 
• Participate in extracurricular Medical Laboratory Science events: fun and learning can go together. Throughout the program, look out for MLS program social events, guest speakers, and activities that will provide opportunities to network, learn, eat food, and have fun. 
• Participate in community-wide initiatives: As members of the Conestoga College community, we want to give back to the broader community around us. So, we encourage our students to participate in volunteer opportunities and fundraising events throughout the city. 
• Network: join the LinkedIn group to build connections and stay updated with job opportunities. 
• Give us your input: if you have ideas, share them. We are always looking for ways to increase the significance of the MLS team experience.  

Program Description

Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs) play an integral role in the healthcare system by conducting sophisticated laboratory tests and with diagnosis, treatment, and disease prevention. A nationwide shortage of MLTs in Canada makes job opportunities favourable for prospective Medical Laboratory Science program graduates.
This program provides students with the skills, technical knowledge, fundamental understanding, and employability traits for careers in MLS and specifically as an MLT
This three-year advanced diploma program provides students with a diverse learning environment that utilizes classroom education, laboratory sessions, immersive simulation, e-learning, the use of state-of-the-art laboratories, and real-world experience through clinical placements. It will prepare students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and clinical reasoning ability required as an MLT.
Throughout the program, you will take various science courses, emphasizing laboratory analysis in five areas of MLS practice and courses to understand the ethical and professional behaviours required to work in a fast-paced, patient-centred environment. Using a competency-based approach, you will apply your learning by demonstrating complex techniques on bodily fluids, blood samples, and tissue specimens while honing your skills to work and practice sound decision-making within stressful environments. MLS is a field that is continually changing and requires ongoing engagement in reflective practice and lifelong learning
It is important to note that the practice of Medical Laboratory Technology is strictly regulated in most Canadian jurisdictions. As a student of the MLS program, you are eligible for student membership with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) at a reduced cost.
The Conestoga College program is currently under accreditation review as a new program.
After completing its accreditation program, upon graduation, you will be eligible to write the CSMLS General MLT Certification Exam and become a Certified Medical Laboratory Technologist. This exam is administered through the CSMLS and costs $985 (CSMLS Member Price). Upon completing your certification exam, you will be eligible to register with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) and obtain permission to practice as an MLT.
Please note that the MLS program has registered for Accreditation with Equal (Accreditation Canada), and its initial accreditation is ongoing. A site visit to assess the program has been tentatively scheduled for October 2025.
As a Medical Laboratory Sciences diploma graduate, you may choose to continue your studies and complete a degree at Conestoga College within the Bachelor of Applied Biotechnology, Bachelor of Environmental Public Health, or Bachelor of Applied Health Information Science Program.
Students may also choose to continue their studies at other Canadian Universities at a distance, including Memorial University of Newfoundland (Bachelor of Technology), Athabasca University (Bachelor of Science (Post Diploma) Human Science Major), and Ontario Tech (Bachelor of Allied Health Sciences.)

Program Philosophy

Excellence in Medical Laboratory Science

The fundamental responsibility in health sciences is to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to be a competent caregiver upon graduation. As students prepare to become healthcare professionals, their behaviours and attitudes must reflect their chosen profession's professional and ethical standards. As educators and health professionals, we believe that students deserve to be treated with respect, and as a student, it is important that you understand that you are capable of success.
We understand that you are working hard to achieve your goal of becoming a medical laboratory technologist. Because of this, we aim to engage you with material and skills that directly respond to the national occupational profile of your chosen profession so that you can immediately relate to a career, an interest, or prior knowledge. We believe that adults benefit greatly from a safe, nurturing classroom and an educator who truly cares about their success. Caring about student success means that educators acknowledge different learning approaches and interests, and we believe it will be difficult to engage and motivate our students if we are not pointing out real-world connections to our learners.
Conestoga College's Medical Laboratory Science Program incorporates the above philosophy into our program by:

• Accommodating individual situations, as appropriate for emerging adult learners;
• Encouraging students to develop behaviours necessary in the workforce and the Medical Laboratory profession, including responsibility for self and one's actions, honesty, integrity, and punctuality;
• Adhering to the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Sciences Code of Professional Conduct;
• Designing courses and lab experiences to support students in obtaining the required competencies for practice as an entry-level Medical Laboratory Technologist;
• Providing a variety of learning experiences and using a variety of evaluation methods;
• Supporting the integration of theory and practice;
• Engaging students actively in their learning process;
• Building on previous successes to enhance the student's confidence as a learner.

Program Outcomes

Becoming Competent Practitioners

Through successful completion of this program, the graduate will have reliably the ability to:

1. Perform clinical laboratory procedures and analytical techniques according to approved safety guidelines, established protocols, and existing legislation.
2. Assess and verify sample data to ensure appropriate specimens are collected and handled according to established protocols in preparation for laboratory analysis.
3. Perform complex analytical procedures and assess results on a variety of specimens to aid in the diagnosis, treatment, care, and management of patients’ clinical conditions.
4. Evaluate pertinent laboratory data to interpret, document, and report laboratory results and draw conclusions.
5. Practice and promote the principles of quality management in accordance with established policies, processes, and protocols.
6. Constructively investigate, evaluate, and problem-solve processes to recommend and undertake corrective measures for identified technical errors and equipment malfunctions causing anomalous results.
7. Interact with clients, patients, and other health care professionals using effective communication, teamwork skills, and inter-professional collaboration to provide quality laboratory analysis service.
8. Comply with the legal and ethical requirements of practice and protect the patient’s right to confidentiality and a reasonable standard of care.

Program Summary Map (2023/2024)

Diverse Learning Structure

The Program Map identifies four key learning approaches utilized within the MLS program:

Standard Delivery

Students will participate primarily in lecture and laboratory sessions that resemble a traditional academic approach over 14 weeks. Students will explore the fundamental aspects of laboratory practice and develop their laboratory skills. Students will split their time between the classroom and laboratory setting and can be expected to participate in on-campus and online activities.

Block Delivery 

Much like the standard delivery semester, students will participate primarily in lecture and laboratory sessions that resemble a traditional academic approach; however, in this instance, students may complete several of their courses in a compressed time before moving on to the remainder of their courses for this term. For example, students may complete three courses over seven weeks, followed by the remaining three, or they may complete a course before moving on to the next in sequence. Students will continue progressively building their laboratory skills and expanding their understanding of medical laboratory science. Students will split their time between classroom and laboratory settings during these semesters and be expected to participate in on-campus and online activities.

Immersive Simulation Semester

During the simulation semester, students will participate in laboratory sessions replicating a working clinical laboratory environment. Each course during the semester will consist of an approximately three-week block and be completed in a pre-determined sequence. Students will engage in various laboratory activities that will allow them to demonstrate their developing competence in laboratory technology and evaluate their competency using a combination of assessment methods. This semester will be completed entirely on campus and within the laboratory space, and students will be required to demonstrate competence in all skills.

Clinical Practicum

During the clinical practicum, students will be provided with an opportunity to engage in clinical practice at one of Conestoga College’s clinical partners. Much like the simulation semester, each course will consist of an approximately three-week block and be completed in a pre-determined sequence in consultation with the clinical partner. Detailed information relating to the clinical practicum can be found here. During the clinical practicum, students will be able to engage in supervised laboratory practice under the direction of preceptor technologists and be provided with an opportunity to demonstrate their competence as entry-level technologists. After completing the clinical practicum rotations, students will engage in a final two-week seminar to prepare them for their national certification exam.

Program Map

​Employment Opportunities

Graduates of Conestoga College programs have been very successful at gaining employment in the biotechnology, health, and life sciences sectors. While Medical Laboratory Science is a new program at Conestoga College, graduates can expect favourable hiring conditions locally, regionally, and nationally. These favourable conditions result from present and predicted national shortages of certified medical laboratory technologists.

It is important to note that Medical Laboratory Technology is regulated in Ontario (and most other Canadian provinces). To practice as a Medical Laboratory Technologist in Ontario, Conestoga College’s program graduates must complete the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) general certification exam and register with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO). To qualify for registration, graduates must meet all additional requirements the provincial regulatory authority sets forth. Additional information related to registration in the province of Ontario may be found here.

While the Conestoga College program graduates are not required to register for practice, registration with the regulatory authority allows maximum employment potential.

​Attendance and Punctuality

Health & Life Science Programs are centred around a competency-based curriculum with defined learning objectives emphasizing the theoretical and practical skills required to enter the profession. Considering the learning complexities and emphasis on skills obtained in the lab setting, students in the Medical Laboratory Science program must attend classroom, lab, and tutorial sections as scheduled.   

Therefore, students absent from class or lab place themselves in academic jeopardy of meeting the competency-based learning objectives stipulated by the program outcomes. 

In order to be respectful to both fellow students and faculty, students are expected to arrive on time for class and laboratory periods. Students who arrive 10 minutes after the laboratory period has begun will not be allowed to enter the lab as they will have missed all pertinent procedural and safety instructions.  

Missed Evaluations 

There may be a reason you must be absent from class on the date of a scheduled assessment (test, quiz, laboratory exercise, in-class assignment etc.). Please read the following section carefully to ensure that you understand when it is appropriate to miss an evaluation and the proper steps for informing your instructor/professor of the absence. 

Acceptable Reasons for Absence 

1. Illness: Students experiencing health concerns that prevent attendance should notify their professor of their absence in advance. 
2. Quarantine: Students who have been told to quarantine by Public Health should stay at home for the full amount of time specified. Absences must be reported on the Student Portal, and the student should notify their professors by email.  
3. Compassionate Leave: Requests for leaves of absence to attend to family illness, death or family problems are considered. These requests will be submitted to the professor, who will consult with the Program Coordinator and Chair if necessary. 
4. Jury Duty: Any student who receives a summons for Jury Duty should bring the document to the Chair to assess if it can be arranged to have the subject excused if such duty interferes with the progress in the program. 
5. Religious Holidays: Students are permitted by Conestoga policy to be absent from class to observe a recognized religious holiday. Any student who cannot attend classes or participate in an examination, study, or work requirement on some particular day or days because of religious beliefs will be allowed to make up the work missed or do alternate work/examinations subject to timely notification. It is the responsibility of the student to: 
   1. Plan ahead and be aware of the dates of all examinations and other course obligations; 
   2. Advise the faculty member that they will be seeking accommodation to observe a recognized religious holiday and make a request in writing to your Program Coordinator within the first three weeks of the semester and before the date of assessment that falls on the religious holiday. The Chair must approve exceptions based on extenuating circumstances. 

Unacceptable Reasons for Absence 

Vacation and work commitments are unacceptable reasons for missing a test/examination/lab or any other type of evaluation. Missing any assessment for any reason other than those listed in the "acceptable reasons for absence" section above will result in a grade of zero for the missed evaluation. 

Reporting Absences 

Notification for Absence from Evaluations: 

Students must notify their instructor/professor of an absence from any evaluation, test, quiz, lab etc., for any reason. Alternative assessment arrangements will only be made if the notification procedure below is followed and the reason for the absence meets the above criteria for Acceptable Absences. 

• Notification must be received prior to the start of the evaluation. 
• Failure to do so will result in a mark of zero being assigned. 

Notification Procedure 

Log in to the student portal, click the Absence tab, and indicate that you will be absent from class on a day with an evaluation. You will receive a confirmation email that you have recorded your absence for that day. 

Note: 

• Your professor will be aware of your absence from an evaluation by your lack of attendance and because you have entered your absence using the online Absence Recording System on the Student Portal. 
• The Absence Recording System shows you as absent for the day, starting from when you record your absence. (For example, if you record your absence for that day at 11:00 a.m., the system will show you as absent for all classes starting after 11:00 a.m. that day.) If you are then going to be present again for some later class, you will need to bring your presence to your professor's attention in that later class.) 
• The earliest that you may record your absence for a particular day is after 8:00 pm on the preceding day. 

Follow-up after Reporting Your Absence from an Evaluation: 

• You must make contact immediately with faculty (via your Conestoga email address) to explain the reasons for your absence and to arrange an alternative assessment strategy assuming your absence is deemed valid. Please note that the program coordinator will consult with your professor to determine the approach for the alternate assessment. 
• If there is a concerning pattern of absence, you will be asked to meet with the program coordinator. This may result in you needing documentation verifying the reason for your absence. 
• Faculty will then make alternative evaluation arrangements as appropriate. 
• Students are required to complete the alternative evaluation as scheduled. 
• If the evaluation is conducted in the testing centre, you will be asked to show your student card before you are permitted to write the test. 
• Tests will be made up in the College Testing Centre or through individual arrangements with program faculty. 

Laboratory Absences 

• Repeated laboratory absences are unacceptable. The Medical Laboratory Science program is skills-based, and without laboratory attendance, an individual cannot develop the hands-on competencies required to proceed through the program. Students must make up 100% of the course lab session to the satisfaction of the course instructor to receive a passing grade in any core medical laboratory science course. Those who are ill are expected to follow proper procedure (as outlined above) to report their absence, and for these students, considerations will be made as to how to ensure course standards are met.  
• If an individual is regularly absent from laboratory sessions (regardless of whether absences are for the same course or span across several courses), this will result in a formal meeting with the program coordinator and program chair and could jeopardize an individual’s ability to receive a course credit regardless of their ability to achieve a passing grade in the course. 
• To be eligible to write the Final Exam (including Supplementary Exam if eligible) and receive a passing grade in a course that contains a laboratory session, students must complete all scheduled laboratory sessions in that course to the satisfaction of the course instructor. Students who miss one or more laboratory sessions due to extenuating circumstances may be granted an opportunity to complete the session(s) at an alternate time. 
• An absence from a laboratory period is only considered valid if the reason for the absence is one of the approved reasons listed in the above acceptable reasons for absence section and if the proper procedure for reporting the absence is followed (see Notification Procedure above): including reporting the absence on the student portal prior to the start of the lab and contacting the professor prior to the start of lab. (Please note, documentation to verify your absence may be required for the absence to be considered valid.) All other lab absences, such as those not reported on the portal or those with illegitimate reasons for being away, will be considered invalid.  

Conestoga College will endeavour to ensure that students with a valid absence from a laboratory will be provided with an opportunity to make up the laboratory session; however, it is important to recognize that a student who misses an excessive amount of laboratory sessions may be required to withdraw from the program regardless of the validity of the absence. 

• Due to the compressed nature of block delivery, simulation, and clinical practicum courses, students are advised that missing a considerable amount may require the student to withdraw from the program. 
• Any student who skips a lab, or chooses not to attend for an invalid reason, must recognize that course completion rests not only on final grades but also on course competencies. Lab absences will result in failing to meet a given course's required laboratory skill standards and could result in a student not earning the course credit. 

​​Student Expectations

• Students adhere to the published Standards of Conduct (Academic and Social) in Conestoga College's Student Guide for the current academic year.
• Students interact with peers, faculty, and the wider Biotechnology community in a way that fosters trust, respect, collaboration, and innovation.
• Students continually strive to improve the application of professional knowledge.
• Students understand, uphold, and promote the ethical standards of the profession.
• Students maintain competence while striving to improve the quality of their skill set.
• Students protect the integrity of the Health and Life Sciences Programs and the College community by behaving and interacting in such a way that demonstrates respect and professionalism.
• Students seek clarification from faculty/administration when unsure of any of these standards.

If a student violates the Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy, it will be dealt with according to the procedure outlined in the Student Guide. This procedure involves submitting a Student Rights and Responsibilities Reporting Form to the Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRR) office as outlined in the Students Rights and Responsibilities Procedure.  

Achievement

• The student is expected to successfully complete all course requirements. 
• Students must attain a minimum 65% passing grade in all core Medical Laboratory Science courses. 
• In addition to written evaluations, many MLS program courses will apply a competency-based evaluation. This evaluation must be successfully completed regardless of the overall course grade, and competency failure will result in a failing course grade. 
• To be promoted to simulation or clinical placement semesters (semesters 6 and 7), the student must have completed all prerequisite courses of all previous semesters. 
• The student is expected to apply theory and skills to practice competently per the current National Competency Profiles (NCP) guidelines and current professional practice guidelines within all lab, simulation, and clinical placement settings. 
• Regular attendance is mandatory to achieve a "pass" in laboratory practice experiences. Repeated absences in lab-based courses will be brought to the attention of the Program Coordinator and Chair and could jeopardize student promotion. 
• The student is expected to uphold behavioural and professional practice standards throughout the program, particularly during clinical practicum when student actions may directly affect the health and safety of patients. 
• The student is expected to apply theory and skills to practice competently according to the level identified in the learning outcomes. 

Discontinuance - Program Standard

Program Standards are developed, which define the expected academic performance requirements of students who are progressing through the program. Students who fail to meet the documented standards of performance may be discontinued from the program.

Students will be evaluated based on program standards, which are well-defined for the program and each course. Students who are assessed as failing to meet program standards (academically, technically, or ethically/behaviourally) will be discontinued from the program on the recommendation of the Academic Chair. Such students are entitled to appeal the discontinuance decision following the College's appeal process.

Students who have been discontinued from the Medical Laboratory Science program will not be given priority for re-admission to the program when re-applying to level 1.

Students who have been discontinued from the program more than once will need to meet with the Coordinator and Academic Chair of the program prior to re-applying to the program. If re-admitted to the program, the student will likely need to adhere to the conditions specified within a learning plan for success.

Part-Time Studies – students who have been discontinued cannot re-enter the program as part-time students and take courses from a level higher than the level from which they were discontinued. For example, if a student was discontinued at the end of Level 2, they cannot take courses from Level 3 or 4 as a part-time student.

Students can be discontinued according to the following reasons:

1. Failing to meet academic program standards by failing two or more courses in the same term.
2. For violating documented ethical standards of practice.
3. For inappropriate behaviour that jeopardizes the study or safety of other students.
4. For having two or more failed courses throughout the program (i.e., not necessarily in the same term).
5. For failure to attend all required laboratory or clinical sessions.

Procedure

1. The professor notifies the Program Coordinator of the reasons a student is suggested to be discontinued (e.g., failure to complete course requirements successfully, missed laboratory sessions, inappropriate behaviour).
2. The program coordinator reviews the reasons and recommends options to the academic chair. Options may include:
   • The development of a learning plan for the student
   • Approval of supplemental work
   • Discontinuance
3. The program chair and/or coordinator meet with the student to explain the reason(s) for the chosen option, and if discontinuance is recommended, the student completes the Discontinuance Form. A copy of the form is forwarded to the Registrar.
4. If applicable, the registrar forwards the student a letter outlining the discontinuance and explaining the steps in requesting an appeal.

Voluntary Withdrawal

Voluntary withdrawals from the Program are supported from an academic perspective. Students assess their capabilities in meeting the academic requirements of a program and may decide to withdraw. However, it is important to recognize that the program's cohort model and competitive admissions may create difficulties in completing the program at an alternate time for students who choose to withdraw.

The need for extended personal leave, medical circumstances, or financial constraints may be necessary reasons for a student to pursue program withdrawal. For these and other reasons, voluntary withdrawals are approved and supported with the option of re-applying for admission, but future admission is not necessarily guaranteed (each circumstance will be considered on a case-by-case basis).

The Program Chair will review and approve requests for voluntary withdrawals from the program. The student will initiate the withdrawal by informing the Program Chair of their intention to withdraw from the program. Students who choose to withdraw from the program are not guaranteed readmission to the program but will be assessed on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the Program Coordinator and Program Chair.

Readmission to a Program

Students must apply for readmission when they have been absent from their program for one semester or longer (unless an Intention Form has been completed by returning students only) or when the student has withdrawn or been discontinued. Upon readmission, students are placed into the current program of study, which determines graduation requirements, and they must pay careful attention to any program changes that may be imposed by their admission to the current program of study. Students are subject to the college and program policies and procedures in place at the time of readmission.

Students applying for readmission to Level/Semester one must do so through Ontario Colleges. Students applying for readmission to a level beyond Level/Semester one must do so using a Conestoga College Program Application Form. Applicable fees will be charged.

The application for readmission will be reviewed based on the student's academic eligibility, program readmission requirements, and space availability. The student will be informed in writing of the decision.

For additional information, refer to the Academic Administration  page on the readmission procedure.

Health and Safety (WIL Experiences)

Healthcare professionals can find themselves in high-risk, physically, and emotionally demanding situations. The student must remain alert to the possibility of personal injury, hazardous situations, the potential for exposure to contaminants, infectious diseases, and delayed stress reactions.

Students are expected to follow all health and safety policies, regulations, and safe work practices of the clinical training partner and the College.

Student health and safety will be emphasized during the training program. The information in this section is to be used as a reference for the student if he/she/they may require assistance related to health and safety.

More detailed information regarding infection prevention and control, hand hygiene, and radiation monitoring will be available in the operational procedures at each clinical site.

In most cases where personal protective clothing is required, either by the nature of the work, by law or for infection control purposes, the clinical site will provide the necessary supplies (e.g., masks, disposable gloves, etc.).

Students in MLA/T and MLS programs must purchase safety goggles for use when handling chemicals.

Refer to the Personal Protective Equipment, Droplet Precautions, Contact Precautions and Airborne Precautions at your clinical training site for additional information.

Gloves

• Gloves must be worn for contact with blood, body fluids, secretions and excretions, mucous membranes, draining wounds or non-intact skin, or when the potential for touching these materials exist.
• Gloves must be worn when performing invasive diagnostic procedures such as blood gas sampling, phlebotomy or handling bodily fluids.
• Each pair of gloves must only be used once.
• Gloves must be changed between patients/clients and between different activities or procedures for the same patient/client.
• Gloves must be removed immediately after completion of care or task at the point of use and before touching clean surfaces. Hands should be washed immediately after removing gloves.

Gowns

• For some procedures, the use of gowns may be required if there is a risk of blood, body fluids, secretions, etc. or when contamination of your clothes may occur.
• Wear a gown appropriate for the activity. Remove soiled gowns as promptly as possible, discard them appropriately and wash hands.
• Refer to the Operational Procedures at the clinical training site for additional information.

Masks, Face Shields, and Eye Protection

• Some program areas will be required to purchase eye protection and will be expected to wear them when appropriate for patient/client care or chemical handling.
• A fluid-resistant mask and eye protection or face shield must be worn to protect mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth during procedures if there is a risk of splashes or sprays of blood, bodily fluids, secretions or excretions.
• Safety goggles suitable for chemical use, ANSI Z87.1 or CSA Z94.3.1, must be worn if handling hazardous chemicals.
• Check SDS and the label on the bottle for appropriate PPE. Refer to Operational Procedures and Safety Manual at the clinical training site for additional information.

Mask Fit testing for N95 Masks

• Mask fitting protects users from transmissible airborne infections (e.g., tuberculosis). Students in the MLS program area must be Mask Fit Tested for N-95 masks before entering the clinical practicum.
• The student is required to ensure they comply with fitting testing requirements. Students will be provided wallet cards identifying the type of mask they have been fitted to. Students must carry their wallet cards to the clinical site.
• Students must be mask fit tested prior to the beginning of the practicum.

Radiation Protection Apparel

• Radiation protective apparel is provided for the safety of those working in radiography areas and their patients/clients.
• If required by a clinical site, lead and lead-equivalency garments, including aprons, gloves, collars, shields, and glasses, will be available and must be worn by Medical Laboratory students as applicable for the procedure being performed and in keeping with the policy and procedure of the clinical site.

Latex Sensitivity

• Latex allergy has increased and occurs with relatively high frequency in certain populations, especially with health care workers, certain patients/clients, and workers who may be required to use latex products in their day-to-day work environment
• Efforts should be taken to minimize latex exposure. Anyone with a sensitivity to latex must:
  • Notify their liaison technologist/preceptor.
  • Use only non-latex gloves.
  • Avoid all latex-containing products.

Sharps – Use and Disposal

• Punctures and cuts are common injuries among health care workers who handle sharp objects like needles. These sharps-related injuries may lead to a serious or even life-threatening infection if the object causing the puncture is contaminated with blood, blood products, or other body fluids from patients/clients with bacterial or viral infections.
• Sharps include anything that might cut, graze, or prick the skin, such as needles, lancets, or sharp instruments. To reduce risk, use safe work practices, including the following:
  • Handle sharps as little as possible.
  • Discard sharps immediately after use.
  • Do not pass sharps from one person to another.
  • Sharps must be disposed of in approved Sharps Waste containers.
  • Needles must not be recapped or removed from disposable syringes.
  • Never force material into the container. When contents reach the fill line, seal the container.
  • Never retrieve items from nor place your hands in a sharp's container.
  • Do not fill beyond the mark indicated on the label. Filling beyond 2/3 of the container’s capacity increases the risk of injury.
  • Never attempt to catch falling objects such as knives, scalpels, and scissors.

Stress and Coping

• Students will be exposed to various clinical training sites where emergencies, complex, and possibly life-threatening illnesses/accidents occur. Students may witness trauma, invasive procedures, death or dying, observe unprofessional behaviour or other situations that could cause strong emotional reactions.
• Not all incidents are of the same significance, and not all individuals respond similarly. Reactions will vary, and delayed reactions are possible.