MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: processes all patient test request to include verifying the correct identity of all specimens, evaluating specimen quality, proper specimen collection site, proper specimen collection data and time, preparing specimens for testing if required and distributing to appropriate testing areas. Performs laboratory procedures ( Ex. Order entry of all tests using LIS, recognizing and resolving problems, responds to hospital and computer down times, identify and separate specimens to be referred to outside laboratories, and monitor the computerize tube system) according to established and approved protocols, which require the limited exercise of independent judgment and interpretation. These procedures are performed directly under the supervision of the licensed Clinical Laboratory Scientist personnel. Must be able to perform jobs in all patient care and operational areas subject to reasonable accommodations, also be able to employ all mandatory safety devices and procedures. This is a union position.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1.

Biological specimen collection including:

patient preparation, labeling, handling, preservation or fixation, processing or preparation, inoculation, subculturing or staining, transportation and storage of specimens, receives, collects and delivers to appropriate departments. 2. Preparation and storage of reagents and culture media. 3. Assist in laboratory housekeeping, disinfection and waste segregation processes. 4. Assisting and performance of other clerical functions necessary to the operation of the laboratory. For one or more of the seven (7) disciplines: Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Coagulation, Urinalysis/Body Fluids, and Serology, perform the following: 5. Performs All Pre-Analytical Responsibilities Confirms completeness of the test requisition and tests orders. Verifies specimens are labeled accurately and that minimal labeling requirements are met. Verifies specimen type and integrity, identifies, researches and corrects routine problems. Checks for specimen source or site for microbiology samples Verifies specimen collection date and time. Checks for duplication collections.

Example:

One blood culture set per draw site. Accessions specimens into the laboratory computer system, recording accurate collection time and specimen. Prepares specimens for analysis while maintaining correct and complete identification and using appropriate centrifuge methods to ensure specimen quality. Follows through and documents non-blood specimen collection, prepares collection material, measures specimens, records and forwards pertinent information necessary for the accurate calculation of the test results. Biological specimen collection, including patient preparation, labeling, handling, preservation or fixation, processing or preparation, inoculation, subculturing or staining and transportation and storage of specimens. Prepare specimens and paperwork for referral testing. Monitor and operate Computerized Tube System. Empty carriers promptly. Utilizes materials and procedures required for quality control of testing processes adhering to established laboratory protocol and/or Westgard rules under the supervision of the Clinical Laboratory Scientists. Utilizes materials and procedures required for calibration of the testing processes adhering to established laboratory protocol. 6. Performs All Analytical Responsibilities Analyze specimens following standard methods and procedures. Perform testing in accordance with assigned section policies and procedures under the supervision of the Clinical Laboratory Scientists. Assists with testing in all departments as necessary to maintain optimum processing of results. Demonstrates ability to set priorities. Adheres to laboratory policy concerning STAT testing, delta checks, critical values and abnormal values. Telephones or faxes results, as appropriate, within the acceptable period only after competency has been documented by the Administrative Director. Makes decisions involving test validity, monitoring testing for deviation from acceptable limits, is able to initiate retesting when required and alerts Clinical Laboratory Scientists, Supervisor, or Administrative Director of errors or shortcomings in the testing processes. Responds to changes in work as required, assisting with testing in all laboratory departments as necessary to maintain optimum processing of results. Must know down time procedure for both the computer and instrumentation and the process for reporting computer problems on the off shifts. Must be familiar with send out procedures for after hour transport of send out testing. Must know the send out procedure for down instrumentation. 7. Performs All Post-Analytical Responsibilities Maintains laboratory records, log sheets, worksheets and paperwork. Documents and signs work acknowledging responsibility. Reviews pending logs at the end of the shift to determine status of incomplete work. Prepares the End of Shift Report (EOSR) and communicates with staff on the next shift to make sure there are no gaps in service. Ensure that telephone calls are answered and that all reports are reported in a timely manner. Handles customer service complaints and intercede to correct problems, resolving issues that can be dealt with and communicating with the Clinical Laboratory Scientists, Supervisor, or Administrative Director any client service and employee issues that need further attention. 8. Performs All Department Responsibilities Performs instrument/equipment preventative maintenance procedures as required, documenting and reporting malfunctions to Clinical Laboratory Scientists, Supervisor, or Administrative Director. Assists with inventory, linearity, calibration verification, and testing of proficiency surveys. Inspect equipment, troubleshoot failures and take corrective action as necessary, calling for instrument technical service as required in consultation with a Clinical Laboratory Scientists. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with all levels of staff within the laboratory, nursing staff, and physicians. Contributes to teamwork and harmonious working relationships by communicating effectively and appropriately to resolve problems. Must be able to carry out instructions while working alone with little supervision. Monitors inventory in all lab departments, making sure supplies are restocked, ordered and/or put away. 9. Performs All Department Responsibilities (continued) Participates in the proficiency testing surveys including specimen preparation. Actively cross-train in all seven (7) disciplines performed by the laboratory. Demonstrates competency in all seven (7) disciplines performed by the laboratory within one (1) year of employment. Demonstrates the ability to resolve technical situations at a basic level, referring complicated situations to a CLS or Supervisor. Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of staff within the laboratory. Takes an active role in providing training and assists new personnel in department orientation. Acts as a resource for new personnel. Assists CLS Supervisor in the coordination and training of CLS and MLT students Demonstrates and supports the integrated automated Core Laboratory operations and its mission to provide patient test information accurately and efficiently to the caregivers of the hospital, which impacts value base purchasing. Demonstrates and supports working with the hospital and the Core Laboratory in raising efficiency, productivity, and reducing operating cost and waste.

FTE 0.3, 8 HOURS, NOC, 22

00-06:00

Holiday Pattern:

B Education:

Associates Degree or higher in chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science. Minimum of 36 semester units of physical or biological sciences from a college of university Graduate from a National Accrediting Agency of Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) or Laboratory Field Services (LFS) approved training program or United Stated of America Military program.

Experience:

Internship for one (1) year in an approved program for Medical Laboratory Technician.

Licenses/Certificates:

State of California, Department of Public Health Medical Laboratory Technician license.