Lab Technician The laboratory technician is a key individual on the medical team. He/she will be responsible for performing several tests to assist in the diagnosis of diseases encountered in the host country. The following is a list of some of the more commonly performed procedures: • Hemoglobin (or hematocrit) • White blood count (done manually) • Blood typing for transfusion • Gram stain • Malaria smear • Routine urinalysis • Stool smear for parasites • Chemstrip BG A laboratory manual has been prepared to familiarize the technician with the tests and equipment. This manual is kept with the team's laboratory supplies. Basic equipment available includes: • Various "dipstick" strips for urine and blood determinations; • Binocular microscope; • Centrifuge; • Type and crossmatch sera; • Bacterial stains; • Manual counting chamber for white blood counts; • Appropriate phlebotomy supplies. Depending upon the team doctors, the volume of patients, and the types of diseases seen, the laboratory technician may be extremely busy or have a fair amount of slack time. If you experience the latter, you may be asked to work in other capacities (such as clinic or pharmacy aide). Please make yourself available with a willing attitude to help in any capacity. Regardless, you will be a crucially important player in serious health situations that we may encounter.