Medical Laboratory Assistant CV Guide: Expert Tips and Real Examples
Also known as: MLA, biomedical laboratory assistant, clinical lab assistant, laboratory support worker, pathology support assistant, clinical specimen processor
A Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) serves as a backbone of diagnostic services, ensuring that specimens are handled with precision before they ever reach a microscope or analyser. Your Medical Laboratory Assistant CV must demonstrate more than just an interest in science; it needs to prove your command over laboratory safety protocols and your meticulous attention to detail.
This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for highlighting your technical skills, from reagent management to automated analyser maintenance. By following these steps, you can create a CV that captures the attention of laboratory managers and biomedical scientists in any NHS Trust or private clinic setting.
What does a Medical Laboratory Assistant do?
Medical Laboratory Assistants are integral members of the pathology team, working under the direct supervision of biomedical scientists. Their primary focus is the pre-analytical phase of testing, which involves receiving, identifying, and preparing biological samples for analysis. This role requires a high degree of accuracy to ensure that the patient data matches the specimen labels perfectly, preventing diagnostic errors.
Beyond sample prep, MLAs are responsible for the housekeeping of the lab environment. This includes calibrating sensitive equipment, loading chemical reagents into automated systems, and maintaining clean workspaces. They also handle administrative duties like inventory tracking and result data entry, ensuring the facility operates at peak efficiency.
Key Responsibilities:
- ➜ Receiving and logging patient specimens into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
- ➜ Performing primary processing and centrifugation of blood, urine, and tissue samples.
- ➜ Calibrating and performing routine maintenance on high-throughput analysers.
- ➜ Managing stock levels for chemical reagents and specialised lab consumables.
- ➜ Preparing biological samples for safe transport to external reference laboratories.
- ➜ Following strict COSHH and health and safety regulations to prevent cross-contamination.
How to write a Medical Laboratory Assistant CV
Your CV should reflect the same organisation and accuracy required in the lab. Focus on translating your technical tasks into measurable outcomes that show you can handle high-volume environments without compromising safety.
01 CV Structure
Start with a clean header containing professional contact information. Follow with a professional summary that highlights your years of experience and specific laboratory settings. The core of the document should be your professional experience, followed by a dedicated skills section, and finally your academic credentials and certifications.
02 Professional Summary
The summary is your 30-second personal statement. Mention the type of laboratory you have worked in (e.g., Haematology, Microbiology) and your strongest technical competency, such as LIMS proficiency or sample processing speed.
Example Summary
Detail-oriented Medical Laboratory Assistant with over eight years of experience in high-volume pathology departments. Proven track record in maintaining automated analysers and ensuring 100 per cent accuracy in specimen accessioning. Expert in LIMS data entry and biosafety protocols within UKAS-accredited environments.
Example Achievement Bullets
- ➜ Processed over 450 specimens daily with a 0.01 per cent error rate in patient identification labelling.
- ➜ Reduced reagent waste by 15 per cent through the implementation of a new FIFO inventory tracking system.
- ➜ Streamlined the pre-analytical workflow, resulting in a 20-minute reduction in turnaround time for urgent orders.
- ➜ Successfully passed three consecutive UKAS inspections with zero citations in assigned workstation areas.
Experience Guidelines
Lead with your most recent role and use active verbs. Instead of saying you 'collected samples,' describe the volume and the specialised techniques you used to maintain quality control.
Education Guidelines
List your highest degree first. If you have a degree in Biology, Chemistry, or Biomedical Science, highlight relevant coursework such as Organic Chemistry or Microbiology.
Key skills for a Medical Laboratory Assistant
Technical & Lab Skills
Compliance & Safety
Medical Laboratory Assistant CV example
The following example illustrates a senior-level MLA CV that emphasises technical mastery and process improvement within a large NHS Trust.
Notes for adapting this example:
Note how the candidate uses specific software names and metrics. Adapt these sections by inserting the specific analysers and LIMS brands you have operated personally.
Practical Tips for Your CV
Mention your familiarity with specific laboratory software like WinPath or Clinisys.
Quantify your workload by stating the average number of samples handled per shift.
Highlight experience with specific laboratory departments like Histology or Immunology.
Ensure you mention adherence to UKAS and ISO 15189 standards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Neglecting to mention specific lab equipment or analyser brands.
Vague descriptions of sample volume instead of using hard numbers.
Failing to list certifications such as the IBMS Certificate of Achievement.
Overlooking safety compliance mentions such as COSHH or GDPR training.
Grammatical errors that suggest a lack of attention to detail.
FAQ about Medical Laboratory Assistant CVs
What is the average salary for a Medical Laboratory Assistant?
In the United Kingdom, the salary for a Medical Laboratory Assistant typically ranges from £22,000 to £28,000 per year, often aligned with NHS Agenda for Change Bands 2, 3 or 4. Higher compensation can be found in London-based roles or specialised private laboratories. (Source: Estimated market data)
Do I need a degree to be a Medical Laboratory Assistant?
A degree is not strictly required; many enter with GCSEs or A-Levels. However, having a Level 3 diploma or a degree in a science subject like Biology can significantly improve your prospects and allow for quicker progression to Senior MLA roles.
Should I include phlebotomy skills on my MLA CV?
Yes, it is highly beneficial. Many MLA roles in the UK include combined duties or require an understanding of venepuncture to help investigate issues like haemolysed samples or incorrect tube types.
Vitae.
Build a Medical Laboratory Assistant CV that gets callbacks
Use the guide for structure, then tailor your CV per job so recruiters see relevance fast.
Start freeLast updated: 12/21/2025