Clinical lab techs (MLT/MLS)
For medical laboratory technicians and scientists, students and career changers. Everything here cites the official source.
Reference only, not legal or clinical advice. Follow your laboratory's procedures, your laboratory director and your state's rules.
Start here
- Find your licensure and ASCP route (Lab Career & State Licensure Path Finder)
- Understand CLIA test complexity (CLIA test complexity explained)
- Use free lab calculators (Best free lab calculators)
- Track your renewals
Career & Licensure Path Finder
Does your state license lab personnel, and which federal CLIA testing rules your education meets. Every state fact links to the official page.CLIA complexity explained
Waived, moderate and high complexity tests, how FDA categorizes them, and who may perform them.Best free lab calculators
Free browser calculators for dilutions, molarity, buffers and centrifuge speed.Ask a lab question
Lab-only queue. Researched answers that cite official sources.
Does your state license lab personnel, and which federal CLIA testing rules your education meets. Every state fact links to the official page.CLIA complexity explained
Waived, moderate and high complexity tests, how FDA categorizes them, and who may perform them.Best free lab calculators
Free browser calculators for dilutions, molarity, buffers and centrifuge speed.Ask a lab question
Lab-only queue. Researched answers that cite official sources.
How lab testing is regulated
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulates laboratory testing performed on humans in the U.S. through the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program, and the rules are stricter for more complicated tests (CMS: CLIA). Federal law sets minimum qualifications for testing personnel, and some states add their own license on top. Our Path Finder shows both for your state.
Sources
- CMS: Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)
- 42 CFR 493.5 Categories of tests by complexity
All your renewals in one place
Free Credential Renewal Calendar: next due dates, CE notes and calendar reminders for the tech credentials you hold, with every rule linked to its official source.