Medical Laboratory Tech

Medical Laboratory Tech

Under the general direction of the Section Supervisor, provides ancillary support for clinical activities by performance of waived and moderately complex clinical laboratory tests as defined under CLIA 88. May also perform phlebotomy or therapeutic procedures

Department: Labs-Support Services

Schedule: Full Time

Essential Responsibilities / Duties:

• Prioritizes STAT and routine samples.
• Ensures accurate specimen identification and specimen labeling consistent with section and departmental standard operating procedure.
• Ensures appropriateness of sample for requested testing, obtains approval for testing which deviates from standard operating procedure and follows up with notification to patient care unit and documentation in LIS.
• Ensures sample testing is performed within the defined time periods for each test type based on specimen viability as outlined in section specific policies and procedures.
• Initiates appropriate action and documents steps taken to resolve mislabeled/unlabeled or inappropriate specimens in a manner consistent with Departmental Policies and Procedures and with the Departmental Service Mission.
• Identifies labeling problems or discrepancies; informs other laboratory sections about patient identification or medical record number problems.
• Ensures that prepared samples are stored according to standard operating procedure (e.g. refrigerated, frozen, incubated).
• Ensures aliquotting and processing of specimens is performed within established time limits for each test.
• Accessions specimens according to standard operating procedure.
• Performs instrument and equipment maintenance as defined by each section's policy and procedures.
• Recognizes instrument, equipment or methodology problems and/or discrepancies and brings them, with documentation, to Assistant Supervisor or Supervisor's attention in a timely manner.
• Performs and assesses results of Quality Control activities according to Section Policy and Procedures.
• Recognizes technical and non-technical problems/discrepancies in laboratory operations and brings these problems/discrepancies to Assistant Supervisor or Supervisor's attention.
• Performs and interprets validity of results of analytic procedures according to Section Policy and Procedures.
• Maintains clear, concise, accurate and legible records of test performance.
• Provides proper documentation and records of all test procedures performed.
• Reviews patient results, recognizes problems and/or discrepancies, performs and documents all additional or confirmatory testing necessary to justify reporting of patient result and notifies Assistant Supervisor or Supervisor. Investigates, resolves to the extent possible and documents incidents of aberrant or inconsistent patient test results.
• Transcribes results/information with accuracy into LIS system.
• Appends appropriate coded comments as required by section standard operating procedures.
• Uses LIS to promote clarity and correct interpretation of laboratory results.
• Reviews entered LIS codes as required by section standard operating procedures for transcription accuracy prior to completing processing or reporting test results.
• Notifies appropriate person of all Critical Alert Values. Provides complete documentation of all Critical Alert Values in LIS and on work cards as required.
• Notifies appropriate person of all required call back of results. Provides complete documentation of all call backs in LIS and on work cards as required.
• Maintains proficiency through validation and retraining for all designated LIS functions as outlined in section specific policies and procedures.
• Provides proper documentation of receipt and implementation of reagents/lots/materials upon receipt in lab.
• Ensures adequate Blood inventories are maintained according to standard operating procedure for section consistent with level of training and experience (Blood Bank only).
• Ensures all work is completed and/or accounted for according to section policy.
• Assists other laboratory sections as needed when directed by supervisory staff members.
• Participates in Quality Advancement/Quality Improvement activities according to Departmental policies and procedures.
• Performs specimen collection procedures (when applicable) as outlined in the Lab Support Services Phlebotomy Procedures.
• Maintains initial and annual competency documentation as outlined in section policies and procedures; maintains age specific competency for all tests/procedures performed as required by regulatory agencies.
• Attends departmental continuing education classes during the year.
• Participates in 2 scientific or service related continuing education classes.
• Attends all scheduled staff meetings or, if unable, accepts responsibility for reading meeting minutes on work time.
• Supports education of Medical Technology students, Pathology residents, new staff and others through participation in teaching activities which may be didactic and/or "benchside".
• Supports technical training of departmental staff members, encompassing new employees, new procedures and cross training.
• Participates on all Sectional, Departmental or Hospital committees or task forces as needed.
• Communicates all-important information regarding the laboratory (i.e. inventory, testing status and instrument status) to fellow staff members.
• Answers the telephone according to departmental policy; responds to inquiries/requests.
• Works cooperatively with other laboratory staff members and takes initiative to determine where assistance is needed and renders assistance.
• Reports all incidents, safety hazards or accidents to appropriate personnel.
• Attends mandatory safety education sessions to keep informed of changes regarding safety issues.
• Respects patient and employee confidentiality.
• Keeps equipment and work area neat, orderly and well stocked; puts supplies away when received.
• Performs assignments with a minimum of direction and is available to help others.
• Maintains open communication with Supervisors and Medical Directors.
• Plans and prioritizes tasks and adjusts to variable workloads.
• Assesses the inventory on a weekly basis in assigned work area and notifies Supervisor of supply needs.
• Utilizes hospital's Values as the basis for decision-making and to facilitate the division's hospital mission.
• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned or as needed.

Phlebotomy Addendum:

• Prepares the workstation and equips the phlebotomy tray in advance with all essential supplies.
• Greets the patient, explains the procedure and reassures the patient.
• Verifies the patient identification according department policies and procedures.
• Performs venipuncture according to National Certifying Agency for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) (e.g. proper site preparation, proper venipuncture technique and proper care for the venipuncture site.)
• Properly performs the labeling of specimens in accordance with Laboratory Support Services procedures.
• Delivers the specimen to the appropriate laboratory section within established time frame.
• Follows special handling instructions for all relevant specimens according to departmental policy and procedures.
• Conforms to hospital standards of performance and conduct, including those pertaining to patient rights, so that the best possible customer service and patient care may be provided.
• Utilizes hospital's Values as the basis for decision-making and to facilitate the division's hospital mission.
• Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.

Blood Bank Donor Room Addendum (As Assigned):

• Under the general guidance of the Blood Bank Supervisor, Assistant Supervisor and the Medical Director, the interviewer/phlebotomies (trained Laboratory Support Technician; Medical Technologist or Medical Laboratory Technician) interacts with donors to insure that: the Blood Bank draws the safest possible product for transfusion; the donor will not be harmed by phlebotomy; and therapeutic procedures on patients are drawn safely.
• Registers all donors. Checks all records for prior donations and deferrals. Checks permanent deferral listing. Assures that patients are registered with a hospital Medical Record Number.
• Solicits an accurate medical history. Follows through on all unexpected answers and documents responses. Orally asks questions concerning high-risk behaviors. Obtains Blood Bank Physician input if necessary.
• Obtains vital signs. (Pulse, blood pressure, temperature).
• Obtains samples by fingerstick for hemoglobin or hematocrit analysis. Performs microhematocrit.
• Provides AIDS educational information to all prospective donors.
• Inspects donor's antecubital areas for venipuncture.
• Interprets present/post medical history to determine donor eligibility. Confers with Blood Bank physician on autologous and therapeutic procedures.
• Labels all paperwork, donor bags and pilot tubes.
• Performs proscribed scrub. Performs venipuncture.
• Performs blood collection for transfusable products. Prepares components from whole blood.
• Performs therapeutic ph