Medical Laboratory Technician

FTE/Scheduled Weekly Hours:

0.00 / 0 / All Shifts - PRN (United States of America)PRN

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS
1.    Performs and interprets routine diagnostic procedures in chemistry, hematology, microbiology, serology, and immunohematology.  
2.    Ensures high quality results of testing in an expeditious manner that promotes cost containment.  
3.    Responsible for recognizing results or problems that require referral to the supervisory staff or     Pathologist.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1.    Performs diagnostic laboratory procedures (pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical)

• Performs routine medical testing to provide data for use in diagnosis and treatment of patient conditions.
• Performs phlebotomy procedures for hospital inpatients and outpatients, as needed.  Visits account sites, including nursing homes for obtaining samples.
• Collects, prepares, and processes specimens according to procedure, noting any abnormalities in the general appearance of specimens.
• Assists in processing as needed by aliquoting specimens and preparing them for reference labs as directed.

2.    Accurately utilizes the laboratory information system to capture specimen data.  

• Captures specimen processing details in the computer system, accurately documenting specimen release to the reference laboratory.
• Organizes work by matching computer orders with specimen labeling; sorting specimens; checking labeling; logging specimens; result entry; keeping work surfaces clean and orderly
• Reports critical values “hold and call” results according to policy.
• Reviews reference laboratory reports for accuracy before the electronic release of the report.
• Has minimal errors related to reporting of results. When errors occur, provides proper follow up and reconciliation.

3.    Equipment and Quality Control

• Analyzes quality control data for each procedure, records values on appropriate log sheets, and reports to supervisor when results are outside two standard deviations.  Assists and consults with other technicians in regards to steps to be followed to investigate quality control problems.
• Performs calibration as scheduled or required and helps ensure they are completed in a timely manner.
• Helps to investigate new methods, procedures, and equipment and standards of care as assigned by the manager.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Assists with equipment maintenance tasks as needed and daily, weekly, monthly tasks. 
• Identifies when test systems are not performing within laboratory’s established acceptable levels of performance. Takes immediate action to correct problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results.  Consults lab management as needed to correct analytical systems.

4.    Regulatory and Safety Responsibility

• Follows CLSI/CLIA and organizational policy in completing all procedures.
• Performs proficiency testing surveys.
• Assists with daily review of patient charts for completeness and compliance of diagnosis with Local Medical Review Policies.
• Follows department safety policies and procedures. Utilizes safety equipment.
• Assist with special projects and data collections as needed or assigned. Includes, but not limited to, turn-around time reports, development and review of Levey Jennings graphs, reporting of disease through Iowa Disease Surveillance System (IDSS) portal, and other supervisor duties. 

5.    Education and Competency

• Keeps current in the profession by reading new procedures and manuals, reviewing procedures on a regular basis, reading available technical periodicals and textbooks.
• Assists with the orientation of new staff, as well as provides instruction and supervision to students when assigned.  Shares knowledge with other team members.
• Maintains knowledge of new testing methods, products and instrumentation, and remains informed on all current technologies.
• Assists with annual performance and competency reviews of laboratory and nursing staff. Assists in the development of competency review materials. Works with the Education department to develop training standards. (Waived testing and non-moderate complex testing only.)

6.    Fiscal Responsibilities

• Utilizes Kanban inventory system when supplies, test kits, or reagents need to be reordered. Assists with reporting of items that are running low or when the last box of something is opened and needs ordered.
• Assists department in operating within the budgetary constraints by performing duties in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
• Assists with inventory assignments and supervises the receipt and documentation processes when supplies arrive. Notifies the manager when a standing order has not arrived. Is familiar with the purchasing system and helps resolve problems as needed or in the absence of the manager.
• Performs billing duties by reviewing and checking charges for accuracy.
• Participates in new method validation studies.

7.    Works collaboratively, and in a professional manner, with physicians, hospital departments and other professionals, including lab staff regarding test results and concerns.

• Coordinates all work efforts to ensure patient/physician needs are met and hospital/department policy is followed.
• Works as a team player by helping with workload leveling. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Experience, and Training

• Must possess an Associates degree in chemical, physical or biological science or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution. 
• Certification is preferred within 6 months of hire as a Medical Laboratory Technician through the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP), National Credentialing Agency (NCA), or comparable certification agency.
• Prior experience in Laboratory setting is preferred.
• Experience with and/or knowledge of medical terminology is preferred.
• Must possess effective communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to learn and navigate computer systems including the online training modules, the employee timesheet and the performance appraisal system. Job specific systems are also required.
• Must possess valid Iowa driver’s license as applicable to the position.
• Must be able to read, speak, and write fluent English.

Physical Requirements

• Sitting – Approximately 25% of shift.
• Standing – Approximately 50% of shift.
• Walking – Approximately 50% of shift.
• Lifting – Approximately 50 pounds.
• Twisting – Infrequent.
• Bending – Infrequent.
• Squat/Kneel – Approximately 25% of shift.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

1. May come in contact with hazardous chemicals or treatment modalities.

2. The possibility exists of exposure to communicable disease due to working in a healthcare environment.

3. Involvement in patient care may result in unavoidable work-related illnesses.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  A review of this description has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties.  All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions.  Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by his/her manager.

Requirements are representative of the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities.  To perform this job successfully, the employee will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.  All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship with the Waverly Health Center.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.  A review of this description has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties.  All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions.  Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by his/her manager.

Requirements are representative of the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities.  To perform this job successfully, the employee will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.  Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.  All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship with the Waverly Health Center.