Frequently Asked Questions

What is an MLT?

A medical laboratory technologist is a regulated health professional who has completed an educational program in laboratory sciences, has passed a national certification exam and is a member of the CMLTO.

What’s the difference between a medical laboratory technologist (MLT) and a medical laboratory assistant/technician (MLA/T)?

According to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, the professions vary in the application of knowledge, skill and judgement. Click here to view a chart that outlines the responsibilities of each role. At present, MLA/Ts are not a regulated health profession. To read the CMLTO position statement on the proposed regulation of medical laboratory assistants/technicians, click here.

What do MLTs do?

MLTs conduct tests on bodily fluids like blood and urine. They may also be involved in other specialized areas like transfusion science (blood banking), molecular genetics (studying chromosomes, DNA and RNA from cells of body fluids and tissues to diagnose genetic diseases) and cytology (e.g., analyzing pap smears). The results from these tests help doctors diagnose and monitor many medical conditions.

Does a person have to be an MLT to take blood samples?

No, provided the blood is being taken at a licensed lab or in a hospital, the person taking your blood does not have to be an MLT. In fact, a medical laboratory assistant/technician is most often the person taking your blood. MLTs are however authorized to take blood samples.

Is the College a school?

No, the CMLTO is the regulatory body for medical laboratory technologists practising in Ontario.

What does the College do?

The College is the licensing body for MLTs in Ontario. Qualified individuals must be registered with the College to work as MLTs in Ontario. MLTs are accountable to the College for their professional actions.

Does the College regulate labs in Ontario?

No, the College only regulates MLTs.

Are labs regulated in Ontario?

Yes, laboratories in Ontario are regulated. Each lab, whether private or in a hospital must hold a license from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The CMLTO works together with the Laboratory Services Branch of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Quality Management Program - Laboratory Services (QMP-LS) to develop and monitor best practice standards.

How do I make a complaint?

Click here for more information.

Can I order tests for myself?

No, a lab may only conduct tests that are ordered by a doctor or other authorized health professional.

What kind of tests do MLTs perform?

MLTs conduct thousands of different tests to help diagnose and treat disease. In specialty areas of the medical laboratory, MLTs conduct tests on cells taken from the body to detect cancer, and conduct blood typing and blood compatibility tests for cross-matching for blood transfusions.

Will I get a copy of my lab results?

You will not get a copy of your results from the lab. The lab sends your results to your physician. You may request copies of your lab reports and other health records from your physician or the patient records department of any hospital you attended.

I need to get my blood taken. How do I find a lab or specimen collection centre?

Usually, patients get their blood taken at a specimen collection centre. Your doctor will give you a requisition to take with you. The collection centres are often operated by community (private) labs. For a listing and locations, click here.

How do I register with the CMLTO?

Click here to read the frequently asked questions document about registration.

If I am a medical laboratory technologist from another country, what do I need to do to practice in Ontario?

Click here to access the frequently asked questions document or click here to see access the career map.