Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)

Medical Laboratory Technician

The Medical Laboratory Technician performs basic and automated diagnostic testing. Calibrates assays as required by test protocols. Performs quality control and assesses test reliability prior to reporting patient results. Troubleshoots and reports instrument malfunctions to Department Manager. Enters and verifies results in the laboratory information system classified as waived, moderate and high complexity testing under CLIA. Retrieves and reports results, including critical values to the appropriate requestor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Organizes work by matching computer orders with specimen labeling; sorting specimens; checking labeling; logging specimens and arranging reports for delivery; Keeps work surfaces clean and orderly.
• Maintains quality results by running standards and controls, verifying equipment function through routine equipment maintenance and advanced trouble shooting; Calibrates equipment utilizing approved testing procedures and monitors quality control measures and protocols.
• Serves as technical resource by participating in staff training; Answers questions of other professionals; participates in educational opportunities; reads professional publications; maintains personal networks and participates in professional organizations.
• Identifies and communicates abnormal patient conditions by alerting supervisory personnel, the pathologist, the patient's physician, or nurse; reports mandated information to the public health department or other designated officials.
• (Toxicology) Identifies the presence or quantity of drugs of abuse, therapeutic drugs, and toxic substances by operating toxicology instrumentation.
• (Chemistry) Provides test results for patient diagnosis and treatment by operating chemistry equipment and with the use of manual methods.
• (Hematology) Provides test results for patient diagnosis and treatment by operating hematology, urinalysis, and coagulation equipment and performing manual methods of differentials.
• (Immunology) Provides test results for patient diagnosis and treatment through serological testing methods.
• (Microbiology) Provides physician with information for treatment of patient infection by performing technical procedures for the identification or susceptibility of bacteria, parasites, fungi, and mycobacteria.
• (Blood Bank) Ensures the patient of receiving compatible blood/blood components by completing blood typing, antibody screening, compatibility testing, and antibody identification procedures.
• (Blood Bank) Assures future retrieval of patient transfusion information by preparing patient packets and maintaining blood bank database.
• Contributes to a safe and secure environment for patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers by following established standards and procedures; complies with legal regulations.
• Maintains patient confidence and adheres to HIPAA regulations by keeping laboratory information confidential.
• Serves and protects the hospital community by adhering to professional standards, hospital policies and procedures, federal, state, and local requirements, and The Joint Commission standards.
• Enhances laboratory services and hospital reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; explores opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Demonstrates clear ownership of workplace and patient safety.
• Reports mistakes, near misses, adverse events, and quality and safety concerns.
• Participates in the development and implementation of safety and quality improvement activities.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

Job Requirements

Education: Associates degree required in Medical Lab Technician from an accredited school.

Licensure/Certification: Board certified as Medical Laboratory Technician as defined by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or the American Medical Technologists (AMT) preferred.

Experience: Preferred 1-2 years of previous experience as a Medical Lab Technician, preferably in a hospital environment. Excellent customer service, interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to: analyze data, draw conclusions and interpret results; learn new procedures and adapt to technological changes in the laboratory; organize, prioritize, multi-task, and adapt to changing priorities; solve problems and identify solutions; work effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization. Knowledge of technical proficiency in specialty areas assigned within the laboratory; infection prevention policies and procedures and of local, state and federal regulatory requirements related to areas of functional responsibility.

Physical Requirements: Frequent standing and walking. Frequent bending, stooping and reaching. Occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. Good visual acuity.