NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE, No. 135 — 10 DECEMBER 2015

• Blood Donor Services
• Blood Transfusion Services
• Cytogenetics
• Cytology
• Embryology
• Haematology
• Histology
• Immunology/Virology
• Microbiology
• Molecular Diagnostics/Genetics
• Mortuary Practice
• Phlebotomy
• Point of Care Testing
• Specimen Services

Medical laboratory science also includes:

• Medical laboratory management
• Medical laboratory science research and development
• Medical laboratory science teaching
• Medical laboratory quality management

Medical laboratory science is practised in diagnostic medical laboratories within both the public and private
health sectors, and blood donor facilities. In a small number of circumstances medical laboratory science
practitioners may work in the health sector but outside of the diagnostic medical laboratory setting and will
require appropriate mechanisms to be in place to support their ongoing practice and competence.

Scopes of Practice

Medical Laboratory Scientist (Provisional Registration)

Medical Laboratory Scientists (“scientists”) collect, test and analyse human biological material to support patient
diagnosis, management and treatment. They are skilled in the selection of appropriate samples and preparation
for testing and analysis, and in the use of sophisticated laboratory equipment. Scientists analyse and interpret
laboratory results and report their findings to referring clinicians. In certain circumstances they also advise of the
need for further relevant testing.

While scientists typically practise in one or two of the disciplines within the medical laboratory science profession,
their breadth and depth of training may allow them to practise across all disciplines (with appropriate training
and demonstrated competency). This is with the exception of scientists practising embryology: Due to the
specialised nature of embryology-related qualifications, scientists practising in that discipline will typically have
their practice limited to embryology.

Provisional registration is applied when a practitioner has appropriate qualifications but lacks the required
relevant New Zealand experience to practise independently as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. Scientists who hold
provisional registration are required to complete a period of supervised practice during which time they gain
work-based knowledge and experience (including laboratory equipment and protocols). The period of supervised
practice for each applicant is determined by the Council and will be no less than three months and no greater
than two years. Supervision is provided by an approved registered Medical Laboratory Scientist or other
registered health practitioner who holds a current practising certificate and has expertise and knowledge in the
relevant discipline.

Medical Laboratory Scientist (Full Registration)

Medical Laboratory Scientists collect, test and analyse human biological material to support patient diagnosis,
management and treatment. They are skilled in the selection of appropriate samples and preparation for testing
and analysis, and in the use of sophisticated laboratory equipment. Scientists analyse and interpret laboratory
results and report their findings to referring clinicians. In certain circumstances they also advise of the need for
further relevant testing.

While scientists typically practise in one or two of the disciplines within the medical laboratory science profession,
their breadth and depth of training may allow them to practise across all disciplines (with appropriate training

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