Medical Lab Tech - Microbiology

Primary Location:

University Hospital - UMC

Address:

530 South Jackson Street
Louisville, KY 40202


Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Job Description Summary:

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
• Collect blood specimens and perform hematology, chemistry and microbiology testing in house.
• Perform other in house tests as ordered, including urinalysis, microscopy, rapid strep screens and throat cultures.
• Collect, process and prepare specimens to be sent to reference laboratory.
• Communicate with reference laboratory as needed regarding specimens, procedures, supplies.
• Utilize Allscripts Electronic Health Record as required for reporting tests and communicating with providers.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration and standardization of laboratory instruments.
• Perform and report quarterly proficiency testing.
• Perform and document quarterly medical records check to confirm quality assurance per Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA). Also assist in preparation for CLIA inspection/certification (minimally every two years, or for unannounced inspections).
• Keep daily and monthly statistics of laboratory tests.
• Maintain inventory/order laboratory supplies.
• Maintain Quality Assurance of laboratory. Ensure integrity of reagents and controls by carefully keeping track of expiration dates.
• Maintain neat, clean, orderly laboratory.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.

Job Description:

Essential Functions:

• Analyzes patient samples according to approved standards of testing

• Performs and records quality control procedures to ensure accuracy of test results

• Maintains equipment to ensure accurate, consistent results in the performance of tests

• Processes laboratory specimens as needed

• Properly prepares and identifies samples for laboratory testing

• Monitors the recording and reporting of test results including reporting critical results

• Accurately reports patient results in the Electronic Health Record (EHR)

• Performs clerical duties needed for the department (includes accessing information in the EHR, filing reports/slides/specimens, answering phones, tracking specimens)

Shift Requirements:

Shift Length (in hours): 8 hours, 10 hours or 12 hours depending on unit/location

# Shifts/Week: 3 -5

Overtime Required: ☐ Infrequently     ☒ Sometimes   ☐ Often  

Other Functions:

• Identifies and reports any safety hazards or concerns

• Makes suggestions for improvements of policies and procedures

• Performs teaching and training duties of position to other staff and potential employees

• Develops and assists in writing training guides and standard work documents

• Maintains compliance with all company policies, procedures and standards of conduct

• Complies with HIPAA privacy and security requirements to maintain confidentiality at all times

• Performs other duties as assigned

Important Note:

Additional duties may be required for specialized areas (e.g. blood bank, cytology); please see your supervisor for department specific addenda.

A Note on Required Qualifications:

• Only one of the listed certifications is required, not all.

• The individual must have a Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science field or medical technology from an accredited institution, or must otherwise satisfy CLIA certification standards.

Additional Job Description:

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
•    Certified as a Medical Technologist by the Board of Registry of ASCP or National Certification Agency (NCA) or American Medical Technologist (AMT)
•    Minimum 1-year experience
•    Experience in a physician office setting preferred
•    Experience working with a pediatric population preferred
•    Experience with an Electronic Health Record (E.H.R.)  preferred 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES
•    Self-directed and self-motivated with the ability to multitask
•    Demonstrates knowledge of laboratory equipment and safety including the use of hazardous chemicals, biological safety cabinets, and personal protective equipment.
•    Must have knowledge of CLIA rules and regulations to assure lab is CLIA certified.  Complete any paperwork required.   
•    Must have good analytical judgment.
•    Ability to work under pressure, strong problem-solving skill, and attention to detail.  
WORKING CONDITIONS
•    There will be a combination of standing, walking and sitting in this position.  Must be able to get up and down out of a chair without difficulty, as there will be movement between blood collection and working with laboratory instruments. 
•    Strength is needed to hold patients during specimen collection.  
•    Exposure to blood borne pathogens and respiratory conditions is possible in this position.
•    Physical effort and physical work environment
    Light work
    Daily carrying, lifting (up to 20 pounds), pulling, pushing 
    Daily crouching, stooping
    Daily feeling, handling, reaching
    Daily spoken expression, visual acuity
    Daily noise (children crying)
    Spends 75% or more of her/his time inside