JOB SUMMARY

The Medical Laboratory Technician works with Laboratory Supervisors and Medical Technologists to perform and evaluate a variety of routine laboratory tests on specimens from patients. He/she is responsible for the accuracy and precision of the test results produced. The laboratory technician works proficiently in at least one of the primary departments of the laboratory: Hematology, Chemistry, Blood Bank, or Microbiology. He/she performs routine quality control procedures regularly and initiates corrective action when tolerance limits are exceeded. He/ she performs phlebotomy and clerical duties as needed, and to assume the responsibilities of a supervisor in his/her absence.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education

The Medical Laboratory Technician must meet the requirements for CLIA '88 testing personnel for high complexity testing laboratories:

• A high school diploma, and
• Completion of at least one year in an accredited laboratory school or an acceptable combination of college and laboratory experience.

Minimum Work Experience

The Medical Laboratory Technician has the requisite training and clinical experience required to satisfactorily pass one of the following certifying exams or has a specified combination of lab experience and training or years of college.

• CLA(ASCP)
• MLT(AMT)
• MT(AMT) prior to 1970
• MLT(ASCP), less than 3 years lab experience
• MT(AMT), less than 5 years lab experience
• Bachelor degree in science + 1 year lab experience
• Armed Forces lab training, less than 50 weeks
• Three to four years college in science + 5 years lab experience

FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS

Physical Requirements

Sitting - 16-31%

Walking - 1 - 32%

Standing - 1 - 32%

Bending/Squatting - 1-15%

Climbing/Kneeling - 1-15%

Twisting - 16-31%

Visual and Hearing Requirements

Must be able to see with corrective eyewear if needed.

Must be able to hear clearly with assistance if needed.

Color vision ability required.

Physical/Environmental requirements

Lifting - 0 -50 lbs, 50 or more with assistance

Carrying - 0- 50 lbs, 50 or more with assistance

Pulling - Up to 100 lbs

Pushing - Up to 100 lbs

Frequent talking and hearing is required for communicating with physicians, nurses, other hospital personnel, and physicians' office personnel.

At times of emergency occurrences and heavy workload, stressful and strenuous situations may arise.

Most tasks require manual dexterity and frequent use of the hands.

Frequent movement from sitting to standing and back (up and down) required for most tasks.

OSHA

Exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES

Mission, Service and Values

Supports the hospital Mission, Service, and Values

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Essential Functions

• Competently performs hematology procedures according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Competently performs coagulation procedures according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Competently performs urinalysis procedures according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Competently performs chemistry procedures according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Competently performs serology procedures according to departmental policies and procedures.
• Adheres rigidly to Blood Bank policies regarding the correct ID of patients, specimens, and blood components.
• Demonstrates competence in all Blood Bank procedures and adheres to all established departmental policies.
• Performs the accepted inoculation techniques when setting up microbiology cultures and tests.
• Cultivates, classifies, and identifies microorganisms found in submitted specimens according to departmental standards.
• Accurately performs ID's and sensitivity patterns on the automated microbiology instruments.
• Consistently performs relevant laboratory tests with precision and accuracy within accepted quality control limits and initiates corrective action when tolerance limits are exceeded.
• Carefully handles laboratory equipment and reagents with caution to avoid waste, breakage, and spillage.
• Regularly inspects equipment to verify that all instruments are in proper working order.
• Consults with appropriate supervisory or senior personnel when difficulties arise in testing.
• Strictly adheres to laboratory policies regarding accurate patient and specimen identification, and always
• compares the name and ID number on the specimen label with the name and ID number on the worksheet, loadlist, or requisition.
• Strictly follows laboratory policies regarding initial specimen exam, acceptance, and/or rejection of specimens, and documentation of rejection.
• Before releasing test results, carefully analyzes and interprets for abnormal results, making sure that different test results correlate with each other and with the diagnosis, and questions and reports inconsistent results to the supervisor in charge, the lab manager or a pathologist.
• Before releasing test results, checks, correlates and rechecks performed test results on all computer screens and instrument printouts for agreement, accuracy, errors, and completeness.
• Verifies all tests with critical value results, notifies clinical personnel responsible for patient care, and documents the notification.
• Reviews all appropriate computer screens and computer reports for errors and takes appropriate action to correct discrepancies.
• Demonstrates a commitment to understanding the lab's role in submitting correct and accurate claims (hospital bills) at all times, and is conscientious about crediting a lab test that has been erroneously ordered or performed.
• Competently and readily assists phlebotomists with venipunctures or working in the lab office when needed.
• Properly uses the Problem Logs.

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS

T.J Pledge

I Will Show Compassion

• see all patients, family members, coworkers, physicians, and anyone else at T.J. as my customer.
• recognize that each and every interaction I have at T.J. Regional Health matters
• show kindness and compassion towards my customers at all times
• be sensitive to the personal and private needs of every customer

I Will Cooperate With Others

• maintain zero tolerance for abusive behavior
• listen and be willing to accept fault when I make a mistake
• never underestimate the power of an apology
• refrain from blame and judgment
• bring a sense of calm to stressful situations

I Will Collaborate With Others

• value myself and every coworker as an equal part of one GREAT team working together
• treat others in a way that I would like to be treated
• participate only in conversations that are courteous, respectful, and reflect positively on my teammates and T.J. Regional Health
• foster a calm and pleasant atmosphere, and refrain from gossip, rumors, and insults
• speak honestly, seek truth, and act with integrity towards my teammates
• value the uniqueness and expertise that each team member contributes to the whole
• meet the need of the moment, regardless of whether or not it is considered part of my job

I Will Communicate

-smile - at everyone

• always introduce myself, my role, and my purpose use body language, eye contact, and tone of voice that shows respect in every interaction
• follow the 10/5 rule: always acknowledging people at 10 feet away with a smile and always greeting people at 5 feet away
• escort any customer in need (visitors, patients) to their destination

I Will Adapt To Change

• be a part of the solution when I am presented with a challenge
• embrace change and set the example for those around me
• accept openly when there are changes that T.J. Regional and/or I have no control over
• manage the expectations of others by explaining duration and next steps as often as needed

I Will Be A Champion

• serve with passion
• view myself as an owner of T.J. Regional Health and act accordingly
• take responsibility for the physical appearance of T.J. Regional Health, including my work area
• go out of my way to daily thank and compliment my customers and coworkers
• dare to make a difference and be exceptional
• constantly try to improve myself and T.J. Regional Health
• speak positively about T.J. Regional, while at work and in public places outside of work