Post job

Blood bank technician vs assistant laboratory technician

The differences between blood bank technicians and assistant laboratory technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a blood bank technician and an assistant laboratory technician. Additionally, a blood bank technician has an average salary of $53,664, which is higher than the $35,556 average annual salary of an assistant laboratory technician.

The top three skills for a blood bank technician include blood bank, clinical laboratory and patients. The most important skills for an assistant laboratory technician are patients, ladders, and computer lab.

Blood bank technician vs assistant laboratory technician overview

Blood Bank TechnicianAssistant Laboratory Technician
Yearly salary$53,664$35,556
Hourly rate$25.80$17.09
Growth rate-1%
Number of jobs54,130116,488
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age4444
Years of experience1212

What does a blood bank technician do?

A blood bank technician is typically a trained phlebotomist who works with donors and patients on a daily basis. They are primarily in charge of collecting blood and other components, labeling and storing them according to protocols, and preparing them for transfusion. They also work at laboratories to test and analyze different samples, assess potential donors, and maintain extensive records. Moreover, a blood bank technician assists donors or patients by answering inquiries, providing instructions, and helping them be at ease during the procedure.

What does an assistant laboratory technician do?

The primary responsibility of a lab assistant is to help scientists and technologists. Lab assistants are assigned to prepare and monitor tests and experiments in research or medical laboratory. They analyze data and establish reports based on test results. Also, they set up the tools and equipment used in the lab. It is also part of their job to clean the lab rooms--knowledge in lab management, communication skills, attention to detail, and medical-related management.

Blood bank technician vs assistant laboratory technician salary

Blood bank technicians and assistant laboratory technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Blood Bank TechnicianAssistant Laboratory Technician
Average salary$53,664$35,556
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $72,000Between $21,000 And $57,000
Highest paying CityPalo Alto, CAManchester, NH
Highest paying stateMassachusettsCalifornia
Best paying companyFirst Republic BankPatterson-UTI Energy
Best paying industryFinance-

Differences between blood bank technician and assistant laboratory technician education

There are a few differences between a blood bank technician and an assistant laboratory technician in terms of educational background:

Blood Bank TechnicianAssistant Laboratory Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianBiology
Most common collegeNew York UniversityUniversity of Maryland - College Park

Blood bank technician vs assistant laboratory technician demographics

Here are the differences between blood bank technicians' and assistant laboratory technicians' demographics:

Blood Bank TechnicianAssistant Laboratory Technician
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 33.4% Female, 66.6%Male, 71.6% Female, 28.4%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.2% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 11.9% White, 53.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between blood bank technician and assistant laboratory technician duties and responsibilities

Blood bank technician example responsibilities.

  • Lead aerobic, anaerobic and UV light testing, chemical residue testing and centrifuge to separate chemicals from water.
  • Function in all areas of testing, maintenance and quality control in hematology and chemistry.
  • Provide emergency coverage in hematology, chemistry, coagulation, blood gas, urinalysis, and HIV labs.
  • Perform ABO for adults, and babies, RH typing, antibody screening by tube or gel technique.
  • Complete blood typing, antibody screening, compatibility testing, and antibody identification procedures entering all data into patient file.
  • Review patient history and results testing in hospital LIS.
  • Show more

Assistant laboratory technician example responsibilities.

  • Lead aerobic, anaerobic and UV light testing, chemical residue testing and centrifuge to separate chemicals from water.
  • Work with non-gynecological specimens including thin prep, cytospins or formalin and cellient cell blocks.
  • Work in cytology lab performing prep duties of surgical fluids, FNA aspirates and pap smears.
  • Verify test requirements utilizing LIS.
  • Obtain insurance authorization and provide patients resources regarding insurance coverage and financial responsibilities.
  • Collect, identify, categorize, and analyze bodily fluids relate to non-gynecological cytology.
  • Show more

Blood bank technician vs assistant laboratory technician skills

Common blood bank technician skills
  • Blood Bank, 16%
  • Clinical Laboratory, 15%
  • Patients, 10%
  • Compatibility, 8%
  • Blood Samples, 6%
  • Laboratory Procedures, 5%
Common assistant laboratory technician skills
  • Patients, 23%
  • Ladders, 11%
  • Computer Lab, 8%
  • Vital Signs, 7%
  • EKG, 6%
  • CPR, 5%

Browse healthcare practitioner and technical jobs