Medical Technician - Phlebotomy

Job Title

*THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION*

Duties include, but may not be limited to the following:

• Prepares phlebotomy site for proper specimen collection.
• Performs proper specimen collection (tube type/size) is based upon knowledge and standard operating procedures regarding blood specimen types, anticoagulants, transport conditions, test requested, patient criteria (i.e., fasting) and medical staff input.
• Follows universal precautions, and infection control guidelines in the performance of all phlebotomies, to include gloving, disposal of needles and contaminated waste, and patient isolation requirements.
• Labels specimens to indicate exposure to infectious agents.
• Provides detailed instruction to patients for specialized testing requirements including collection procedures for; sputum culture, stool culture, ova/parasite examination, 24-hour urine collection. Performs and documents point-of-care testing (e.g. glucose, INR, etc.).

Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Operations:

• Prepares containers for collection, (i.e., measures and adds appropriate amount of acid or other chemical preservative for pre-collection requirements; measures and records total volume on receipt of specimens; and tests and adjusts pH to specified requirements on specimens after receipt).
• Assures specimens are collected in proper tubes, (i.e., correct anticoagulant, no anticoagulant, sterile vs. nonsterile, culturette vs. viral culturette, etc.) and are properly labeled.
• Ensures specimens are properly logged daily into the shipping computer database and stored according to temperature requirements.
• Receives, packages, and ships anatomical pathology and cytology samples to appropriate reference laboratories.
• Receives blood tube specimens for HIV testing using experience, knowledge, and pertinent reference material.
• Prepares HIV samples for shipment and packs batches according to reference laboratory guidelines.

Specimen Processing and Shipping Duties:

• Works independently with only the required minimum amount of supervisory oversight.
• Demonstrates proficiency and competency in this area by passing the VA's IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations awareness training program exam with a score of 85% or more.
• Packs, marks, labels, and ships patient sample according to required regulations in a timely manner.

Equipment Maintenance & Supplies Duties:

• Maintains the laboratory facility, equipment, instruments, and supplies: Knows the laboratory's maintenance policies and procedures.
• Maintains the phlebotomy, point-of-care testing, and specimen processing areas as clean and safe environments to work.
• Monitors inventory of supplies, reagents and controls allowing sufficient lead time to obtain additional supplies prior to running out.
• Annotates date received and initials all supplies upon receipt and opening.
• Stores reagents in accordance with manufacturer's directions.
• Ensures all expired reagents/controls are disposed of properly.

DESIGNATED DRUG-TESTING POSITION: Applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received.

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm - Rotating Shifts

Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized

Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved