How to Answer: How do you handle confidential and sensitive patient information in the lab?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Medical Laboratory Technician job interview.
36. How do you handle confidential and sensitive patient information in the lab?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Every lab stores a large amount of data, including test results and other confidential patient information. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), laboratory employees are legally required to securely acquire, analyze, transmit, and store data to ensure the integrity, security, and confidentiality of patients' medical information and health records. If found violating HIPAA regulations, employees and business owners can be held liable for releasing sensitive information. Describe how you handle sensitive and confidential patient information by following your organization's policy and procedures as outlined by HIPAA. For example, you may have signed a confidentiality agreement when you were hired by a former employer and taught to shred confidential documents when they are no longer required. Another way to handle confidential information is to store electronic documentation on a secure network, view it only on secure devices, and share the information with colleagues only when necessary and authorized.
Written by Krista Wenz on September 24th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"I have not yet worked in a laboratory but learned about data protection and patient privacy during my training. I was taught that no matter where I work, labs are legally required by HIPAA to securely store and transmit electronic patient data and that I must keep all patient information confidential. If I need to share information with someone other than the patient, I need written approval from the patient to do so. I also will not talk about the patient or their results with anyone else, including my employer and colleagues."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 24th, 2023
Answer Example
"As a lab technician, it is important to me to handle confidential and sensitive patient information with the utmost care. I treat all information the same way I would want others to treat my personal information. To ensure this information is kept secure and confidential at all times, I follow strict protocols and procedures. This includes using secure computer systems, password-protected files, and limiting access to patient records. I only talk about patient information with authorized individuals and never share it with anyone not authorized to receive it. It's crucial to protect patient privacy, and I take all necessary steps to ensure that their information is kept safe and confidential."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 24th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I recognize the significance of safeguarding confidential and sensitive patient information and take working with confidential information seriously. I always make sure my patients' records are kept secure on password-protected computers and only accessible to authorized personnel. I also adhere to strict protocols for labeling and tracking specimens to prevent any errors or mix-ups. In addition, I never divulge patient information outside of work and always comply with HIPAA regulations. Safeguarding the privacy and trust of our patients is paramount in the lab, and I prioritize it above all else."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 24th, 2023