A Laboratory Technician performs routine tests on samples of body fluids, tissues, and other substances for diagnostic and research purposes. Works under the supervision of a medical laboratory technologist in a laboratory or healthcare facility.
Responsible for analyzing body fluids (e.g., blood, urine) and tissue samples and recording their findings, studies blood samples for use in transfusions, operates sophisticated laboratory equipment like microscopes and cell counters, uses automated equipment and computerized instruments to conduct larger scale testing, and logs data into patient medical records.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Maintains established hospital and departmental policies and procedures, objectives, performance improvement programs/quality assurance, safety, environment of care, management of information, and infection control standards.
Performs patient phlebotomy which includes:
Prioritizes specimen collections, i.e. stat, routine and today. Assures proper patient and sample identification. Draws appropriate samples in correct volumes and in correct tubes on all patients and makes adjustments in collection procedure according to ages, and any limiting factors such as physical, mental or speech impairments. Performs specialized phlebotomy procedures such as handling temperature sensitive specimens, glucose tolerance tests, blood cultures, arterial blood gases and therapeutic phlebotomy. Practices proper infection control techniques to avoid cross-contamination of patients and self. Assists nursing units with specimen collections from IV sites or specialized catheters. Represents the laboratory in a courteous, polite, positive manner in dealing with: All hospital staff Customers Family members Visitors Assists with training new laboratory employees on phlebotomy, necessary clerical duties and all lab testing procedures to insure proper functioning of the lab. Performs necessary clerical duties. Performs specimen accession duties such as: Centrifugation and aliquoting specimens. Refrigerate and/or freeze as required. Routes specimens to proper sections of the lab. Prepares specimens for shipment to reference labs. Performs computer functions. Maintains cleanliness of physical facility and restocks all trays, drawers, cupboard equipment with supplies/reagents. Process supply orders and distributes/stocks supplies when received. Performs all testing procedures in all sections: Hematology Chemistry Special Chemistry (Blood Gases/TDM) Microbiology/PCR Urinalysis/Body fluid analysis Blood Bank Serology Coagulation Assumes responsibility for accurate test results based on: Independent judgment of test methodology. Proper specimen collection. Proper use and maintenance of equipment. Interpretation of quality control data and knowledge of conditions affecting test results. Calibration of equipment. Lead Techs in every department can perform and sign off direct observation of patient testing on competency assessments. Lead Techs can perform quality control reviews of their designated departments. Attends departmental meetings and annual in-service education days. Can work independently or part of a team. Assumes responsibility for on-call status. Maintain a professional attitude at all times. Maintain a positive/effective working relationship with others. Maintain proper work ethics respecting patient confidentiality, compliant with HIPAA Regulations. Demonstrate appropriateness in meeting objectives in age-specifics. Complete assignments within established time frames. Performs other duties as assigned.
WORK CONDITIONS
May require prolonged standing or sitting. Recognize exposure risks to potentially infectious agents and hazardous materials. Requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. Requires computer use and literacy. Must be able to lift 45 lbs. Must be able to work with and around laboratory instrumentation. Must be able to identify colors. Associates or Bachelors Degree in Science or Clinical Laboratory Science from a recognized college or university and certification from ASCP or equivalent accrediting agency. Minimum six months of experience in clinical laboratory techniques comparable to those performed in this laboratory. Clinical internships of six months or more meet this requirement. Capable of performing a multitude of laboratory procedures using independent judgment. General good health. Heartsaver CPR Certified
