Medical Laboratory Technician

Laboratory Technician

SCOPE: Is responsible for accurately performing specimen analysis, instrument maintenance, and quality control procedures including moderate and high complexity laboratory tests. Initiates and follows quality assurance and safety policies and procedures. Performs specimen collection and assists with patient flow as needed. Supports and adheres to the US Oncology Compliance Program, to include the Code of Ethics and Business Standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists with performing phlebotomy and collecting appropriate specimens from patients as ordered. Assures pre-authorization and completes appropriate consent forms (ABN) prior to collection of limited coverage tests.
• Assists with special procedures as needed (i.e. bone marrows in the room).
• Follows the laboratorys procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting, and maintaining records of patient results. Sends specimens to reference laboratories for any testing not performed in house. Processes incoming orders for lab testing including reference laboratory specimens.
• Performs specimen analysis of all Chemistry, Hematology and Immunology specimens.
• Maintains and operates all laboratory equipment. Performs daily, weekly and monthly instrument maintenance as indicated.
• Adheres to the laboratorys quality control policies and documents all QC activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and instrument maintenance. Records proper lot numbers of all controls, calibrators and reagents.
• Participates in proficiency testing by performing sample analysis and reporting results at least once a year.
• Prepares peripheral blood smear and performs complete WBC differential.
• Performs microscopic examination of urinary sediment.
• Records results on appropriate worksheet and computer system and performs file maintenance. Processes specimens for send-out testing.
• Follows the laboratorys policies whenever test systems are not within the laboratorys established acceptable levels of performance. Identifies problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either corrects the problem or notifies supervisor. Documents all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratorys established performance specifications.
• Maintains proper documentation as described by the quality assurance program including accessioning logs, test report logs, quality control logs, equipment records and checklists. Verifies all critical results and documents with accurate follow-up.
• Maintains adequate inventory of supplies and ensures that all supplies are viable before using in patient testing. Prepares reagents, stains and other chemical solutions as needed. Restocks the laboratory area as needed.
• Processes in-house and in-coming results for charting.
• Charts patient results in a timely manner as needed.
• Properly identify and band patients for blood product transfusion. Processes properly labeled specimens according to local bloodbank policy.
• Adheres to all OSHA compliance laws and Universal Precaution procedures.
• Complies with applicable regulatory agency standards.
• Properly disposes of hazardous materials.
• Maintains a clean working environment.
• Maintains confidentiality of all information related to patients and medical staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Associates degree in medical technology or laboratory science. Current state license if required. AMT, ASCP or equivalent certification preferred but not required. Position requires 5 or more years experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical demands of this job typically require full range of body motion including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination in operation and manipulation of complex laboratory equipment. Requires sitting/standing for extensive periods of time with the use hands to finger, handle, or feel and arms to reach or carry. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 40 lbs. Requires corrected vision, color perception and hearing to normal range. Requires legible handwriting.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in an office environment and requires significant interaction with management, staff and external auditors and clients.