Medical Laboratory Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Under general supervision and according to established policies and procedures, the Certified Medical Laboratory Technician will, with minimal supervision, perform routine & high complexity and specialized testing and quality control within their certified capabilities.  They will understand theory of most tests and will troubleshoot common technical problems.  Individual will practice exceptional customer service, answer telephone and assist with daily operations of lab and will communicate and coordinate information in a knowledgeable and courteous manner with staff, patients and families.  Maintains confidentiality with patients, staff and guests.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
•    Performs all duties in accordance with clinical, OSHA and infection control standards.
•    Adheres to and follows, including but not limited to, infection control, biohazard waste, sterilization and disinfection, medication administration and storage and controlled substance policies and procedures throughout the facility.
•    Adheres to biohazard waste policy and procedure for proper disposal of biomedical waste.
•    Applies knowledge and skills to perform a wide variety of routine & high complexity and designated laboratory tests for which competency has been established. Performs waived and moderate complexity testing.
•    Demonstrates in depth knowledge of the policies and procedures for patient preparation, sample requirements, specimen collection, and pre-analytical factors that affect sample quality.
•    Demonstrates in depth knowledge of policies and procedures for the processing of routine, specialized, and referred clinical laboratory tests, including specimen integrity, alternate specimen requirements, and minimum sample volumes.
•    Serves as technical support for all laboratory sections on specimen collection, processing, and order/entry.
•    Maintain a quality control program appropriate for the testing performed and established parameters for acceptable levels of analytic performance. Ensure the levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process
•    Assist in resolving technical issues and ensuring that the correct remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications
•    Ensure that patient test results are not reported until all corrective actions have been completed and the test system is functioning properly
•    Make observations of routine patient test performance, including specimen preparation, processing and testing
•    Assist with monitoring the recording and reporting of test results
•    Review intermediate test results or worksheets, quality control records, proficiency testing results and preventive maintenance records
•    Assist with observation of instrument maintenance and function checks
•    Assist with the assessment of test performance through testing previously analyzed specimens and external proficiency testing samples
•    Performs instrument maintenance and troubleshooting.
•    Maintains supplies needed for performance of tests.
•    Ensures all related reports, labs and other clinical information is filed and is available in patients’ medical records prior to their appointment.
•    Provides instructions to patients as instructed by physician or associate practitioner.
•    Maintain all logs and required checks (i.e. refrigerator temperatures, emergency medications, expired medications, cold sterilization fluid change, etc.).
•    Assists with training activities as needed.
•    Maintains accuracy and productivity levels as established by department standards.
•    Performs, organizes and streamlines operational tasks to reduce the potential for errors.
•    Maintains patient safety and confidentiality at all times.
•    Travels as required.
•    All other duties as assigned by Laboratory Supervisor.

WORK EXPERIENCE
•    Minimum of 1-3 years’ experience performing routine and specialized testing and quality control required. 
•    Minimum of 1-3 years of phlebotomy skills preferred.

SKILLS
•    Exceptional customer service and phone etiquette.
•    Ability to maintain effective and organized systems to ensure timely patient flow.
•    Working knowledge of medical terminology.
•    Computer proficiency and prior experience with Electronic Medical Records preferred.
•    Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
•    Requires carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds unassisted. 
•    Adequate physical ability including sufficient manual dexterity to perform the requisite healthcare services.

EDUCATION
•    Associate degree in medical technology or laboratory science.
•    Certified in one of the following: Medical Laboratory Scientist (MT), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) plus American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) credential, or Clinical Laboratory Scientist plus American Medical Technologist (AMT) credential.