Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical Laboratory Technician Duties

Major duties include, but may not be limited to:

• The medical laboratory technician accessions samples and receives requests for testing into the laboratory computer information system by automated and manual methods.
• The medical laboratory technician places orders into the laboratory information system for samples which arrive on manual requisitions ensuring the correct test is ordered.
• The medical laboratory technician ensures that samples are collected correctly in the correct tubes with the correct anticoagulants, labeled correctly, at the correct temperature, and specimen integrity is maintained.
• The medical laboratory technician processes samples prior to testing by centrifuging, aliquoting, storing samples properly, separates and delivers samples to the correct section for testing. The medical laboratory technician recognizes the specimen priority and alerts the testing section upon delivery.
• The medical laboratory technician instructs and provides guidance to patients, families, and other healthcare workers on how to collect and store specimens for multiple tests including but not limited to random urine tests, 24-hour urine tests, stool tests, respiratory tests, and cultures.
• The medical laboratory technician receives these samples and ensures they are collected properly according to the instructions provided.
• The medical laboratory technician transcribes completed laboratory reports received from reference laboratories into the laboratory information computer system.
• The medical laboratory technician is responsible for maintaining inventory and supplies for sample collection including but not limited to specimen collection containers and supplies, aliquot containers, requisitions, special kits and tubes and computer supplies.

Supervisory controls:

• The work of the medical laboratory technician is under the supervisory control of the supervisory medical technologist. The Supervisor assigns work and provides general assignments, deadlines and priorities, reviews work reports, and advises on how to proceed when unusual problems are encountered.
• Medical laboratory technician independently plans and carries out procedures, handles routine problems, and corrects errors according to accepted laboratory policies.
• Selects an analytical approach appropriate for each assay, the degree of quantification desired, carries out the successive steps, identifies problems, and determines corrective action in accordance with established policies.
• Makes independent decisions regarding special requests. The Supervisor or Pathologist-On-Call will aid with situations not covered by written guidelines

Customer service requirement:

• Meets the needs of all customers while supporting the Medical Center and Service missions.
• Consistently communicates and treats customers (patients, visitors, volunteers, and all Medical Center staff) in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner.
• Provides the customers with consistent information according to established policies and procedures. Handles conflict and problems in dealing with the customer constructively and appropriately.

Age, development and cultural needs of patients:

• Provides care and/or services appropriate to the age of the patients being served, and which is appropriate to the cognitive; emotional, and chronological maturation of the patient.
• Assesses data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age-specific needs and to provide care needed as described in the services' policies and procedures.
• Takes into consideration age-related differences of the various veteran populations with this institution.
• Demonstrates the knowledge of the changes associated with aging and possess the ability to provide care/support based upon age related factors. Ensures staff receives training in these categories.

Computer security requirement:

• Protects printed and electronic files containing sensitive data in accordance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA guidelines.
• Protects the data from unauthorized release or from loss, alteration, or unauthorized deletion.
• Follows applicable regulations and instructions regarding access to computerized files, release of access codes, etc., as set out in the computer access agreement that the employee signs.

Work Schedule: M-F 7:00am-3:30pm, 7:30am-4:00pm, 9:00am-5:30pm

Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized

Recruitment/Relocation Incentives (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: GS-0645-5-6

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized