Lab Technologist/Technician Microbiology

Job Description Summary

We are seeking a Microbiologist with bench experience sufficient to independently perform, distinguish, and interpret: specimen and colony gram stains, normal flora versus pathogenic bacteria morphologies on routine and selective media, selection and isolation of pure colonies for identification and susceptibility testing from mixed plated growth for aerobes and anaerobes, able to associate various biochemical tests with their correct applications, normal and abnormal sensitivity patterns (automated mic, Kirby Bauer, and E-test), utilize CLSI antimicrobial guidelines for sensitivity results, troubleshoot extent of workup and additional antibiotic testing, ability to associate body site, disease state, and bacterial pathogen.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

EXPERIENCED MICROBIOLOGY BENCH READER SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Able to independently perform bacterial identification from plated growth by using gram stain, colonial morphology, on routine and selective media.
• Able to independently distinguish between normal flora and pathogenic bacteria in patient specimens based on body site (source).
• Able to independently interpret normal and abnormal antimicrobial sensitivity patterns (automated mic, Kirby Bauer, E-test) for pathogens. Able to understand and utilize CLSI antimicrobial guidelines.
• Able to independently troubleshoot extent of culture workup and additional antibiotic testing required based on patient age, body site, infection, and organism.
• Experience with selecting pure isolated colonies for identification and susceptibility testing in heavy mixed cultures (wounds and anaerobes).

• Familiar with growth requirements for routine aerobic, anaerobic, and fastidious organisms.
• Identify different types of bacterial morphology seen on a Gram stain.

• Interpret the results of biochemical methods.

• Identify different types of colonial characteristics.
• Use flowcharts and identification charts to identify some common aerobic Gram-positive microorganisms, gram negative bacteria and yeast and fungus.
• Associate various biochemical tests with their correct applications.

1. Test Performance

a. Performs accurate and appropriate testing of specimens received in the laboratory, according to established laboratory protocol and procedures.
b. Evaluates specimens for acceptability for proper testing.
c. Investigates and documents problems with unacceptable specimens.
d. Organizes workload for maximum efficiency in order to complete tests being performed.
e. Accurately performs tests as ordered on specimens received.
f. Verifies accuracy of results as those belonging to the corresponding specimen before reporting results.
g. Collects data as required by supervisor on unacceptable specimens and specimens without orders or with ambiguous orders.
h. Notifies Microbiology supervisor or designee of any preanalytical, analytical, or post analytical variances.
i. Handles specimens according to appropriate storage temperature requirements and as per laboratory procedures.

a. Reports test results in a timely manner and according to established laboratory protocol and procedures.
b. Reports results within time limits established for test procedures.
c. Documents proper notification process required in the reporting of all critical values that the employee results
d. In the event of an occurrence resulting in incorrect results reported on a patient, employee consistently follows the established policy on Correcting Results including the notification and documentation of corrective actions taken.
e. Notifies the Infectious Disease provider or primary care provider regarding Microbiology alerts in a prompt fashion and documents communication in the LIS system.
f. Notifies the Infection Control Nurse or designee regarding Microbiology alerts in a prompt fashion and documents communication in the LIS system.
g. Notifies the Massachusetts State Laboratory Institute regarding reportable diseases in a prompt fashion and documents communication in the LIS system.

a. Performs appropriate quality control for the test procedure.
b. Accurately analyzes and evaluates QC results obtained before accepting and reporting patient test results.
c. Record results obtained for quality control testing as defined in test procedure.
d. Appropriately notifies Supervisor of discrepant QC results.

a. Performs maintenance according to the schedule for the instrument/equipment.
b. Documents performance of maintenance procedures for the instrument/equipment.
c. Performs calibration of equipment according to scheduled intervals or receipt of reagents.
d. Documents calibration of equipment.

a. Follows established guidelines for troubleshooting procedures.
b. Follows established guidelines for resolving patient specimen problems.
c. Documents steps taken during the troubleshooting process.
d. Immediately notifies Supervisor when unable to solve problems.

a. Wears Laboratory coat, gloves, goggles and protective devices as required when handling specimens.
b. Follows safety policies for dress.
c. Follows safety policies when using chemicals.
d. Reports any safety hazards to the appropriate Supervisor.
e. Uses protective barrier equipment as required.
f. Disinfects and cleans work benches/areas according to established protocol during and at the end of assigned shift.
g. Properly disposes of contaminated and hazardous waste materials.
h. Knows where to find material safety data sheets (MSDS) for items used to perform job.
i. Knows the location and procedures to follow in the containment of blood, body fluid and chemical spills.
j. Wears gloves when working at the bench in the Microbiology area.

7. Consistently communicates with Microbiology team to ensure that daily work is completed.

a. Assists coworkers when main bench duties are completed.
b. Assists with specimen processing during lunch time breaks to ensure continuous flow of work.
c. Assists Microbiology Supervisor with special projects when main bench duties are completed.

a. Consistently acknowledges, through documentation, of changes to established testing procedures in all skilled areas.
b. Completes assigned CAP surveys with the expectations of department supervisor that results are determined to score in the acceptable performance category, in all skilled areas.
c. Completes department generated competencies as required with acceptable results in all skilled areas.
d. Actively participates in continuing education programs sponsored by Professional Organizations in one or more of the skilled areas.
e. Rotates through all work stations in the Microbiology including, but not limited to: Bench A-L, Bench M-Z, Blood cultures, PCR and EIA testing, Specimen Processing.

a. Maintains appropriate supplies for work being performed.
b. Assures that supplies are sufficient for ongoing testing. Notifies Supervisor when supplies are below established levels.
c. Regularly performs inventory of supplies and notifies appropriate Supervisor of departments need

a. Introduces new employees/students to the members of the department.
b. Engages new employees/students in daily routines within the department.
c. Maintains visibility in orienting new employees/students.
d. Acts as a resource for new employees/student, acclimating them to the organization.
e. During orientation period, communicates to Supervisor progress of new employees and identifies key areas that may be problem prone.

11. Technology – Embraces technological solutions to work processes and practices.

a. Partners with Microbiology Supervisor in discovering technology which will benefit patient results and turnaround time.

a. Acknowledgement, adherence and demonstration of a safe environment as stated in the Laboratory Policies for Chemical Hygiene, Infectious Disease Control and Safety. The employee is knowledgeable of who the responsible Safety Officers are both in the Laboratory and Hospital.
b. Assists in providing quality patient care through the evaluation of proper patient specimen labeling in accordance with the Laboratory Specimen Labeling criteria prior to performance of laboratory testing.
c. Verifies accuracy of results as those belonging to the corresponding specimen before reporting results.
d. Will ensure that all revised reports for previously reported incorrect (erroneous) results are identified as revised, corrected or amended according to established procedure and will appropriately notifies the patient care giver.

Required Certifications

MLT (Medical Laboratory Technician/Technologist (ASCP) or ASCP equivalent (certification required within 1 year from date of hire)

Individual ASCP certifications in Chemistry or Hematology or Microbiology or Blood Bank meet requirements