Specimen Processing - Microbiology

Duke University Health System Clinical Laboratories

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Clinical Technician II

Perform a variety of the technical procedures involved in the procurement, processing and evaluation of patient specimens for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease; teach and perform routine clerical and technical procedures including specimen collection, responsible for the delivery of supplies and procurement of specimens from physicians' offices, clinical specimen preparation and processing for analysis and dispatch, patient registration and order entry; and serve as hospital laboratory representative and liaison with outside clients.

Work Performed

• Perform a variety of routine and specialized procedures. Prepare and initiate special tests and procedures including, but not limited to, cytogenetics, general laboratory, Point-of-Care Testing, urinalysis without microscope, phlebotomy, cyto preparatory, and specimen management.
• Communicate in a professional and courteous manner with patients, family, and other medical personnel as necessary for problem recognition and initiation of the resolution and, if necessary, escalation to the next level.
• Obtain information for laboratory records, explain procedures, allay fears, and elicit cooperation.
• Perform a variety of routine and specialized specimen preparation procedures including, but not limited to, general laboratory specimen preparation, cytology specimen preparation, cytogenetics specimen preparation.
• Perform various quality control, safety, and infection control procedures to maintain compliance with internal and external regulations. Receive and process specimens as required by respective laboratory area procedures and protocols.
• Participate in the distribution of specimens, supplies and reports to the appropriate laboratory staff; perform messenger/courier activities as required.
• Maintain inventory of supplies; stock supplies on carts and hand trays; wash glassware.
• Utilize various hospital information systems and software Assist in training new personnel; provide technical assistance to new employees, students as assigned. Maintain specimens and/or slides.
• Prepare reagents, dyes, etc. used in the processing of specimens.
• Perform routine maintenance as required by laboratory procedures.
• Assist with word processing, miscellaneous office tasks and maintaining office records.
• Behave professionally at all times upholding the Duke values of excellence, diversity, teamwork, safety, & integrity. Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic phlebotomy and specimen processing techniques. Knowledge of medical terms preferred. Basic computer skills. Effective communication skills. Effective professional communication skills to interact with patients/customers.

Level Characteristics

• Within the clinical laboratories we embrace Duke's purpose, placing the patient at the center of everything we do. We do this by demonstrating behaviors that focus on delivering patient- and family-centered care and embodying the values that promote a positive work culture. We expect every team member to commit to these values and hold each other.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

High School diploma or GED. For assignment to phlebotomy, completion of a structured phlebotomy training course and clinical rotation is recommended. Minimal educational or experience requirements may be modified on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment) director if minimal CLIA requirements are met by the employee for the tasks being performed.

Experience

Alternatively, an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience. Must have at least 2 years experience as a Clin Tech I or Certification as a Phlebotomist plus achieve required competency level for specified job responsibilities.

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

• For assignment to Phlebotomy Services, certification as a phlebotomist by a nationally recognized board/agency may be required; certification of Basic Life Support preferred.
• National Healthcare Association (NHA) --Clinical Laboratory Phlebotomy Examination (CLPlb), American Society of Clinical Pathologists-- Phlebotomy Technician Examination [PBT(ASCP)], International Academy of Phlebotomy Sciences (IAPS), National Phlebotomy Association (NPA), American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT).

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideasan exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.