Medical Technologist / CLS

Description

Job Summary

The Medical Technologist is responsible for the processing of laboratory specimens and reporting of results in all areas of the clinical laboratory including maintaining laboratory records, following laboratory policies and procedures, and maintaining quality control practices. All testing must meet the CLIA ’88 criteria for specimen processing, test performance, quality, and reporting test results.

Duties and Responsibilities

· Collects patient blood samples by capillary puncture, arterial puncture or venipuncture.  Collects select swabs and washings for culture and immunological testing.  All specimens will be collected to obtain an optimal specimen for testing using approved safety supplies and techniques including latex gloves, safety needles, etc.

· Conducts quantitative and qualitative chemical and immunological analyses of body fluids such as blood, urine, feces and spinal fluid.

· Performs blood cell counts and procedures in hematology as well as coagulation studies.

· Conducts blood tests for blood bank/transfusion purposes.

· Performs Therapeutic phlebotomies according to FDA good manufacturing practices.

· Performs arterial blood gas analyses, as needed.

· Performs complete processing of aerobic and anaerobic microbiological cultures, including gram stain interpretation.

· Navigates efficiently and effectively through the Healthland Clinical Lab Information System to ensure all appropriate data is entered accurately and retrievable for the physician.

· Navigates efficiently and effectively on the Internet to research supplies, place supply orders, submit proficiency testing data, retrieve proficiency testing results, and seek and participate in pertinent educational material; uses other laboratory related websites as necessary.

· Participates in all quality assurance activities as required by CLIA’88 which includes, but is not limited to, maintaining records of procedure and instrument performance, patient results, quality control, and proficiency testing programs for all analyses performed on patient samples.  Follows defined protocol for investigating out-of-control runs and corrective action taken.

· Reviews laboratory reports for testing performed in-house and by reference laboratories for extraordinary results and clerical errors before they are reported to the patient’s medical record.

· Operates, calibrates, maintains, troubleshoots, and makes minor repairs on automated equipment and instruments in the laboratory including complete documentation of all activity and corrective action taken.  Works closely with instrument manufacturers’ technical services to keep instrumentation functions optimal.

· Identifies and documents problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either correct the problem or notify a technical supervisor.

· Keeps current on all procedures performed by reviewing policy and procedure manuals at least annually.  May participate in procedure manual updates as assigned.

· Shares emergency call-back with coworkers during hours when the laboratory is normally closed, including weekends and holidays with a response time of less than 20 minutes.  Rotates as staffing needs dictate through all weekday and weekend shifts as well as 7 days on and 7 days off in a pay period.

· Aids the technical supervisor in supply inventory as required to maintain consistent laboratory operations.

· Maintains strict patient confidentiality at all times and complies with all HIPAA regulations.

· Participates in hospital Continuous Quality Improvement programs and additional hospital committees as selected, i.e., Safety Committee.

· Actively engage in quality improvement activities.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

· Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemistry or Biology.

· State Licensure as a Medical Technologist in the following specialties; blood bank, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, serology/immunology.

· Medical Technologist MT (ASCP) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) (ASCP) Certification.

· An approved internship program or one year of experience.

· Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

· Basic computer knowledge.

· Familiar with regulations of CLIA ’88, OSHA, FDA, AABB, and other Laboratory Regulatory agencies, and ability to strictly comply with pertinent policies.

· Must be able to pass any and all background checks required by law.

Preferred Requirements

· Bilingual (Spanish and English)

Skills/Competencies

· Basic computer knowledge and abilities.

· High level of communication with coworkers, supervisors and patients.

Work Environment

The work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts and is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles.  Personal Protective Equipment will be provided and employees are expected to comply with their required use.  The employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock.  The noise level in the work environment is sometimes loud.  Other conditions include Blood-Borne Pathogens, and Physical, Chemical, and Respiratory Hazards.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.  The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.