Medical Laboratory Technician Mock Interview
Practice 40 Medical Laboratory Technician interview questions covering quality control, instrumentation, and lab safety protocols.
Question 7 of 40
If you had a patient come to your lab stating his physician sent him to have his blood drawn, but he didn't bring a lab requisition slip, how would you help remedy the situation without neglecting other patients?
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Example Answer
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Community Answers
Heather Douglass has over 20 years of experience as a Career Coach, Recruiter, and HR Specialist. Much of her experience is as a Technical Recruiter in the healthcare industry.
Questions like these are the interviewer's way of gauging your communication and customer service skills. Keep in mind, customer service should be a high priority for anyone working in the healthcare industry. The interviewer wants to know that you are able to communicate effectively with the client and provide good care, all while following protocol.
Heather Douglass has over 20 years of experience as a Career Coach, Recruiter, and HR Specialist. Much of her experience is as a Technical Recruiter in the healthcare industry.
"This is usually an easy fix. If a patient comes to me without a lab form, I will explain to him that I need the form before I can draw his blood, but if he will give me a few minutes, I will contact the physician's office to verify the orders. I will make sure that the other lab techs are aware that I am verifying an order so that we can work together and make sure that all patients are handled in a timely manner."
Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
"First, I will explain to the patient that I need to get an order from the physician before I can draw his blood. When a patient understands why he may have to wait, the wait is not usually as frustrating. As soon as I explain the necessity of the order to the patient, I will ask my coworkers to assist with other patients while I contact the physician's office and request the completed lab requisition form. Working together makes our jobs easier and the patients feel more at ease."
Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
"In my years of experience as a lab tech, I have learned that having a calm demeanor and a willingness to communicate effectively with patients is extremely important in helping solve issues quickly and efficiently. When we have a packed waiting room, teamwork is of the utmost importance. For the patient that didn't have an official lab request, I would contact the physician's office immediately and ask if someone can enter the order into the system or fax an order to me as soon as possible. I will follow up with the patient and assure him that as soon as I receive an order, we will get him taken care of."
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Anonymous Answer
I would kindly talk to this patient and help him understand that without a requisition slip, I am unable to draw his blood. I understand that some patients do not like hearing this so I would also inform him that he needs the requisition for his own patient safety. To prevent neglecting other patients, I would inform my coworkers of the situation and ask for their help with other patients.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your response is exactly right. Professional, and still empathetic. Good balance!
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