The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) perform clinical laboratory tasks such as CLIA-waived testing, specimen collection, specimen processing, urinalysis dipstick testing, basic hematology and chemistry preparation steps, phlebotomy, and general laboratory support activities.

Qualifications:

Basic Requirements :

United States Citizenship:

Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification. Certification Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations. (a)American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) i ASCP, Board of Certification OR ASCP, Board of Registry (b)American Medical Technologists OR (c)American Association of Bioanalysts English Language Proficiency MLT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). English Language Proficiency. MLT candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations :

Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-05 Experience. None beyond the basic requirements. Assignment. This is an entry-level developmental MLT position. MLTs will typically receive guidance from experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision. MLTs at this level perform testing in one or more of the following areas: Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived testing, phlebotomy, hematology, immunohematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, toxicology, urinalysis, referral laboratory, microbiology and specimen processing. MLTs recognize data with life-threatening(critical) implications and understand the importance of immediately bringing the data to the attention of the patient's physician and/or nursing staff. Medical Laboratory Technician, GS-06. Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following

KSAs:

i Knowledge of MLT principles, practices, concepts and theories for sound independent work. ii Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems. iii Ability to maintain, troubleshoot and repair instrumentation. iv Ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments. v Ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results. vi Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions. vii Ability to consult with other members of the health care team, patients and external customers. Assignment. At the full performance level, MLTs use independent judgment to perform the full range of duties in the laboratory, from sample collection to evaluating and communicating test results. MLTs perform day-to-day operations in the laboratory with minimal technical supervision while ensuring testing accuracy and quality of proper patient care. This includes providing pre-analytic instructions to patients, VA staff and other external entities related to collection and processing of laboratory specimens. MLTs use processing techniques such as centrifugation, aliquoting, storage and packaging (considering stability factors), and they accurately label and sort patient specimens. MLTs operate and maintain all instrumentation in assigned areas to deliver precise, timely and accurate laboratory results when analyzing body fluids such as blood, urine and tissue samples. MLTs at this level analyze laboratory findings and issue necessary reports. The results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures are discussed with supervisors, pathologists and other medical professionals as needed. Creditable Experience. To be creditable, a candidate must possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) associated with the scope of Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) practice. The candidate's experience must be evidenced by active professional practice. (Active professional practice means paid/non-paid employment as a professional MLT).

Preferred Experience:

Experience with current Laboratory Information System (VISTA). Experience working off shift in clinical laboratory. Competency in Phlebotomy. Competent in drawing blood and blood cultures.

Reference:

For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/ . The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-06. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-06.

Physical Requirements:

Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation and would generally not require a pre-placement examination.