Medical Laboratory Technician

Overview

Medical Technologist, Microbiology

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

Fort Sanders Regional Overview:

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is a 444-bed hospital recognized for pairing clinical expertise with advanced medical technology to deliver exceptional care. As a Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center, we provide leading-edge treatment for stroke recovery. Our facility also offers specialized services in bariatric surgery, robotic surgery, minimally invasive spine procedures, and advanced orthopedic care.

Fort Sanders Regional is part of Covenant Health, East Tennessee’s largest nonprofit health system and a Becker’s “Top 150 Places to Work in Healthcare.” Covenant Health includes nine hospitals and nearly 150 service locations, offering employees a comprehensive benefits package with tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, certification bonuses, and leadership development programs.

Position Summary:

The Medical Laboratory Technician performs high complexity, routine and specialized clinical Lab tests for use in diagnosis and treatment of patients by physicians.  The individual will perform only those tests that s/he has been trained and found competent in performing.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and high complexity tests that the individual has been trained in, and as appropriate for testing department and shift.
• Follow the Laboratory’s procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting and maintaining records of patient results.
• Document all corrective actions taken when the test process deviates from the Laboratory’s established performance specifications. Does not report patient results until all corrective action has been taken, and test is performing as expected.
• Assist with proficiency-testing samples and maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency-testing samples are tested in same manner as patient samples.
• Adhere to Laboratory’s quality control policies; document all control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed. Performs all quality control as outlined in the procedural manuals.  Notify the Technical Specialist, Laboratory Manager, Shift Leader or Charge Tech, or Pathologist of out-of-control situations if problem cannot be resolved.
• Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results; either correct the problem or notify the Technical Specialist, Shift Leader or Charge Tech, or Laboratory Manager if the problem cannot be resolved.
• Assist in orientation, instruction and evaluation of students and new employees to the department.
• Prepare various reagents and supplies according to precise formulas as needed.
• Utilize the LIS in patient accessioning and resulting; monitors incomplete and collection lists.
• Operate, maintain and troubleshoot Laboratory equipment and instruments, as specified.
• Check Communication boards at least weekly.
• Plan work to insure maximum productivity with minimum amount of ‘carry over’ work, while keeping overtime to a minimum. Responsible for communicating to the next shift and other appropriate staff needed information about patient samples or instrument performance.
• Act as resource person for phlebotomy if trained appropriately, including outpatients.
• Maintain and disinfect work area.
• Assist with coverage of the pneumatic tube system, processing and distributing specimens.
• Handle biohazard wastes according to policy.
• Assist in evaluation and validation of testing systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:         

None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.

Minimum Experience:         

None

Licensure Requirement:      

Current Tennessee State License as a Medical Laboratory Technician. Certification by ASCP or NCA is preferred.

Physical Requirements        

Must successfully pass color blindness test.