Medical Laboratory Scientist

Laboratory Technician

Performs routine and special laboratory assays of patient specimens and reporting clinical test results. Provides information for diagnosis of disease by performing various microscopic, chemistry, hematology, immunology, and microbiology assays according to established standards.

Functions and Duties:

• Rotates through all departments of the laboratory as qualified to do so; and serves as phlebotomist when necessary.
• Operates various data entry terminals and automated data systems to record and verify customer demographic data and laboratory data identification and results, for computer processing.
• Performs all LIS (Laboratory Information System) functions and procedures per established protocols.
• Follows standard sequences and coding in entering and/or keying in data in correcting, editing, and verifying all data entered into automated systems.
• Performs all routine, batched and STAT procedures within posted timeframes.
• Performs and evaluates testing on patient samples following protocols for verifying and documenting critical and/or delta values.
• Exhibits professionalism in actions as well as appearance
• Performs all collection, processing, testing, troubleshooting and maintenance procedures per established protocols.
• Records quality control in appropriate place and manner and follows established laboratory corrective action procedures for out-of-range quality control values.
• Demonstrates familiarity with federal and state regulations of the laboratory as well as standards established by accrediting agencies such as the JCAHO, CAP (College of American Pathology), AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies), etc.
• Demonstrates knowledge of safety standards issued by OSHA.
• Adheres to hospital and laboratory policies; maintains confidentiality of patients and fellow employees and exhibits ethical behavior; ensures a professional appearance in compliance with dress code.
• Knowledge of and ability to perform quality control (QC), and demonstrates ability to monitor, document, and troubleshoot QC appropriately.
• The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of a patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed by any or all of the appropriate age group, (e.g. neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and /or geriatric patient group).
• Supports the mission, values and goals of the hospital and encourages the same through words and actions; shows accountability for own words and actions.
• Accepts job assignments offered; follows lines of authority in reporting and dealing with problems; displays strong initiative and requires minimum supervision.
• Demonstrates courtesy to patients, visitors and fellow employees.
• Adheres to all hospital and laboratory infection control and safety policies; performs annual employee review of infection control and safety policies.
• Maintains clean and safe work environment; reports safety hazards and / or equipment malfunctions to Laboratory Administrative Director.
• Follows hospital policy for reporting and treating work-related illness / injury; completes hospital incident report forms to report employee, patient or visitor unusual occurrences.
• Participates in API (American Proficiency Institute), CAP, and/or other proficiency testing surveys by testing and completing documentation as required. Assigns rotation for staff performance of survey specimens. Participates in the process of submission, review and investigation of survey results.
• Reports to appropriate physician, nurse manager, or house supervisor any problems, delays, or occurrences that effect laboratory functionality.
• Assists in annual competency assessment as assigned by the Lab Supervisor or Laboratory Services Director.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Biology or Chemistry required.

Experience

• Completion of a Clinical Laboratory rotation as part of a training program/degree program preferred.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations

• Must have qualifications consistent with the 1988 Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act.

Skills and Abilities

• Basic Computer skills
• Capable of independent decision-making
• Ability to work well with professional and non-professional staff