Medical Laboratory Technician

Overview

Obtains and/or prepares specimens for laboratory testing.  Performs automated and non-automated laboratory tests providing quality lab results for inpatient and outpatient customers to aid in diagnosis and treatment of patients, according to established policies and procedures. Must meet the standards for high complexity testing.

Responsibilities

Performs both basic and advanced emergency, therapeutic, and diagnostic laboratory procedures with knowledge regarding age specific laboratory needs of the neonatal, pediatric, adult, and geriatric patient.

Calibrates, standardizes, operates, maintains, and troubleshoots various instruments following established procedures. Performs quality control to ensure proper functioning of instruments, reagents, and procedures.  Recognizes instrument malfunctions or out-of-control test results and takes appropriate corrective action.

Responsible for all documentation required for the tasks performed, including review and troubleshooting of quality control, linearity tests, correlations, proficiency testing results, and specimen rejections.

Adheres to infection control and safety practices according to policies and procedures

Responsible for training and teaching theory and practical applications to others as directed by laboratory management. Participates and /or assists in teaching continuing education courses.

Inventories, orders, and stocks supplies. Checks, inspects, and ensures proper storage and handling, while minimizing waste.

Must serve as primary or secondary responsible person in at least two assigned areas or instruments for the purpose of maintaining the assigned areas in survey readiness. That responsibility may include all or part of maintenance, quality control, training, competencies, and procedures for the assigned area. These duties should be shared equally with another assigned team member.

Answers inquiries about test results, methodology, specificity, sensitivity, interpretation and resolves billing and order errors as they are identified.

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Certification (MLT) is required within 18 months after employment from one of the following agencies:  American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), the National Certifying Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel (NCA), the American Medical Technologist (AMT), or the American Association of Bio-analysts (AAB). If an employee does not meet the certification requirement within 18 months of employment, he/she will no longer qualify for this position.  Requires BLS certification within 90 days of employment and thereafter. Must be able to read and write English. .