Medical Technologist

Job Title

Some cities never sleep, this one never rests... The Community - Pittsburgh, PA

A city on the move. Long known as the Steel Capital, these days Pittsburgh is known for innovation. In "the Burgh" you will cross a lot of bridges, climb a lot of hills, and explore what the Atlantic calls "the next tech mecca." Ranked as one of the top 25 cities for millennials, the city is home to Google, Uber, Disney Research, Client, and Apple offices along with tech startups such as Duolingo, Modcloth, and 4Moms.

Pittsburgh Vamc

It is an acute care and inpatient behavioral health facility with 146 beds available for medical, neurological, and surgical care in the main facility and 78 secure, private psychiatric beds in the consolidation building. This campus also receives the most outpatient visits of all Vaphs facilities.

Specialized services available at the University Drive campus include speech and audiology, dermatology, optometry/ophthalmology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, nephrology, sleep studies, urology, and more. The campus is also home to national, independent liver and renal transplant centers, along with a regional cardiac surgery center and an oncology referral center. In addition, our Women Veterans Health and Renal Dialysis programs have earned recognition as National Centers of Clinical Excellence. Address: University Drive C, Pittsburgh, PA 15240-1003

Responsibilities

Perform technical procedures that include but are not limited to: automated chemistry panels, immunochemistry, complete blood count coagulation tests, urinalysis, body fluid analysis, peripheral smear evaluation, chromatography, toxicology, enzyme uassay, point-of-care testing, and special studies.

Using the automated Echo as the primary method for type and screens and antibody identification with the manual G tube method as secondary methods. The specific procedures performed include ABO blood grouping, Rh typing, including phenotyping, three cell screening for unexpected antibodies, direct and indirect Coombs testing, major compatibility testing, antibody identification (routine method), antibody identification using PEG or other special techniques, and the comprehensive evaluation of suspected transfusion reactions.

Evaluate requested procedures to determine the suitability of specimens for analysis, requesting new specimens if necessary. Will advise laboratory personnel or healthcare workers on the appropriate collection and handling of specimens. The Medical Technologist prepares specimens for analysis and/or dispatch insuring that the physiologic state of the specimen is maintained. Follows the guidelines outlined in the Laboratory Information Manual and appropriate procedure manuals for specimen handling.

The Medical Technologist prepares reagents and primary reference materials; selects, performs, evaluates and monitors the performance of routine and complex procedures using manual and/or microprocessor controlled instruments in accordance with established laboratory medicine protocols; recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunctions; locates and implements troubleshooting and corrective actions.

Obtains analytical data such as photometric end-points, rate reaction or digital readouts and converts them to appropriate prescribed units for reporting; reviews and correlates data to verify validity and accuracy of results; verifies laboratory reports identifying sample results and determinable factors; and reports results to appropriate individuals in a manner suitable to the nature of the request.

Responsible to address the Blood Bank priorities as needed, select and prepare appropriate blood product units for transfusion (including packed red blood cells, washed red blood cells, pooled platelets, single donor plateletpheresis, and cryoprecipitate), accurately enter all the necessary blood bank information into the VistA program, and the daily management of the blood product inventory.

Performs daily quality control to assure that the reagents, equipment, and temperatures are within the recommended guidelines. Identifies quality control variations and initiates corrective action to correct the quality control problem.

To calibrate, standardize, adjust, and perform routine preventative maintenance and documents service on the instruments. Verify correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks (mechanical, optical, photometric, and electrometric).

To identify the cause of common problems and make minor and sometimes complex instrument repairs.

Review test results to detect discrepancies, artifacts, and pathologic change that may warrant additional testing. To perform repeat or additional testing to clarify or confirm abnormal results as necessary. Must also correlate patient test results with other laboratory and/or patient data to ensure the accuracy of the result using established quality management procedures.

To participate in the evaluation of new instrumentation, reagents, and methodologies that may be incorporated to the test menu. To evaluated new tests/methodologies with respect to precision, accuracy, and linearity. To also keep current with the latest developments in the field through journals, publications, professional meetings, training, etc.

To assist in the training of Medical Technologists and Medical Technicians on the theoretical and practical aspects of test performance. This includes, but is not limited to, procedures, instrument function, quality control, expected results, quality management, and reporting of test results.

Will be required to collect venous samples from inpatients and outpatients. The Medical Technologist will be required to proficiently collect these blood samples with a minimal number of failures, patient bruising, or required resticks.

Shall perform medical technician duties and manage patient's needs identified by the Service Unit and as directed by Supervisor.

Shall perform in accordance with the competency standards.

Requirements/Qualifications

Must be certified by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT) or an equivalent MT, MLS, or CLS certification with appropriate training and a minimum of two years of experience. (MTs are not required to be board certified, only certified as an MT, MLS or CLS by the ASCP or AMT).

Required to have a BS from an accredited college or university in medical laboratory science, medical technology, clinical laboratory, or related science.

Must have a completion of medical technology, clinical practice program and have all licenses, permits, and certifications as required by law.

Must have a minimum of two (2) years of experience as a generalist.

Must have proof of updated and complete vaccinations.

Terms Work Schedule: Monday-Friday. Two shifts available: 6:30am-3:00pm, 2:30pm-11:00pm.