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Blood bank technician vs laboratory technician

The differences between blood bank technicians and 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 a laboratory technician. Additionally, a blood bank technician has an average salary of $53,664, which is higher than the $40,038 average annual salary of a laboratory technician.

The top three skills for a blood bank technician include blood bank, clinical laboratory and patients. The most important skills for a laboratory technician are patients, lab equipment, and customer service.

Blood bank technician vs laboratory technician overview

Blood Bank TechnicianLaboratory Technician
Yearly salary$53,664$40,038
Hourly rate$25.80$19.25
Growth rate-4%
Number of jobs54,13084,357
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
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 a laboratory technician do?

Laboratory technicians are medical professionals who work in the laboratory. They are responsible for the equipment in the laboratory, making sure tools are properly sanitized and sterilized after every use. They also ensure that laboratory equipment works well. Laboratory technicians may also be responsible for collecting and testing samples from patients. They prepare solutions and other chemicals that may be needed for testing. They also provide an analysis of the samples that they tested. Laboratory technicians ensure that all items in the laboratory are properly labeled and organized.

Blood bank technician vs laboratory technician salary

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

Blood Bank TechnicianLaboratory Technician
Average salary$53,664$40,038
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $72,000Between $27,000 And $58,000
Highest paying CityPalo Alto, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateMassachusettsAlaska
Best paying companyFirst Republic BankTenaska
Best paying industryFinanceHealth Care

Differences between blood bank technician and laboratory technician education

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

Blood Bank TechnicianLaboratory Technician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 60%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorMedical TechnicianBiology
Most common collegeNew York UniversityNew York University

Blood bank technician vs laboratory technician demographics

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

Blood Bank TechnicianLaboratory Technician
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 33.4% Female, 66.6%Male, 53.3% Female, 46.7%
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, 10.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 12.0% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage8%8%

Differences between blood bank technician and 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

Laboratory technician example responsibilities.

  • Lead aerobic, anaerobic and UV light testing, chemical residue testing and centrifuge to separate chemicals from water.
  • Manage patient, and corporate information with compassion and confidentiality.
  • Analyze and paid attention to detail as well as demonstrated excellent organization skills, manual dexterity and good eyesight.
  • Monitor patients' blood pressure and heart rate with EKG equipment and notify physician is something appears to be wrong.
  • Monitor several color formulations being manufacture in the production department to ensure manufacturing procedures are follow per ISO and GMP.
  • Perform age appropriate phlebotomy while working with critically or terminally ill patients, with careful respect for individual and/or cultural concerns.
  • Show more

Blood bank technician vs 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 laboratory technician skills
  • Patients, 17%
  • Lab Equipment, 8%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Basic Math, 4%
  • Test Results, 4%
  • Math, 4%

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