Medical Laboratory Technician I

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

          Joy                         Care                      Competence                    Respect

Position Summary

Under general supervision, performs routine tests in medical laboratory to provide data for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, ensuring validity and accuracy of test results. Analysis performed may range from routine to complex testing, involving all major areas of the clinical laboratory and creating reports for findings.

Associate's degree required and successful completion of a National Accreditation Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) accredited medical laboratory technician program, OR

Associate’s degree and at least 60 academic credit hours including 6 hours chemistry and 6 hours biology and successful completion of a 50 week US military medical laboratory training course, OR Associates degree and at least 60 academic credit hours including 6 hours chemistry and 6 hours biology and 3 years full time lab experience in an accredited laboratory within the last 10 years.

Physician Enterprise:  Associates degree in Laboratory Sciences (including chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory) is required.

Experience in an accredited lab is preferred.

Medical Technician or Medical Laboratory Technician or eligibility for certification by a nationally recognized certifying agency such as:

- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

- National Credentialing Agency for Laboratory Personnel (NCA)

- American Medical Technologies (AMT)

- Department of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) -

 or other laboratory certifying agency is required.

Certification must be received within 180 days of hire.  Colleagues hired prior to January 1, 2017 are exempt from this requirement.

Physician Enterprise:  Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification is preferred.

Demonstrated problem solving skills.

Strong verbal communication and listening skills.

Ability to quickly build a positive rapport with patients.

Ability to work within tight timeframes and meet strict deadlines.

Quickly troubleshoots and resolves problems.

Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure.

Performs clinical laboratory examinations for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease, proficiency testing, quality control, instrument maintenance and validation, and testing management within the scope of validated competency.Knows how to prioritize STAT and ASAP orders, timed tests, and outpatient tests.Identifies patient and verifies identification according to policy ensuring that the proper specimen is being analyzed for the proper patient and for the indicated test procedure.

Draws blood competently and expediently with as little patient discomfort as possible, labels and records according to policy.

Takes corrective action including specimen rejection, recollection, and/or retesting using the same or alternate methods and/or utilizes other skills associated with the practice of clinical laboratory science to ensure validity and accuracy of testing.Takes care not to compromise patient care with excessive rejections, recollections, or delays at all times.Ensures cohesiveness of results based on laboratory test or known clinical history.Adheres to all policies and procedures, quality assurance, safety, and compliance standards.Exercises professional judgment in evaluation, specimen integrity, result accuracy, and inter-result validity and takes corrective action as necessary.Adheres to regulatory requirements as defined by accrediting agencies including completion of competencies.Adjusts laboratory instrumentation as required.

Integrates instrument data, quality control, and test principles for accurate result reporting.Reviews all pertinent patient results to ensure all quality control and assurance mechanisms have been applied.Evaluates, troubleshoots, researches, and resolves problems that arise communicating with manager as necessary.Participates in performance improvement activities.Identifies problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of results and either corrects the problem(s) or immediately notifies the section manager.When reporting, utilizes judgment including appropriate disclaimer statement(s) indicating the potential compromised nature of the result and why.Notifies patient care nurse and/or physician of all critical test values.Responsible for documenting correct information for billing purposes.

Possess the information, skill, and understanding of the work to be performed.  Actively participates in continuing education opportunities and maintains certifications, licensure as appropriate.

Reduces the risk of healthcare acquired infections through compliance with current CDC hand hygiene guidelines and facility policies including the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), if applicable.  Utilizes standard precautions during patient contact and when handling contaminated materials.  Demonstrates compliance with National Patient Safety Goals.

Complies with all standards, policies and procedures including dress code, attendance and punctuality.  Attends required in-services and meetings and completes all mandatory competencies by deadline.  Commits to keeping all patient, student or colleague information confidential and maintains excellent interpersonal communication with the health care team colleagues.

Emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care-attending to body, mind, and spirit while upholding ethical principles with patient care and all other aspects of work.  Actively involves the patient and family in decisions about care.  Promotes quality care by participating in organizational councils/committees and/or support of related process.  Documents services provided to patients in the electronic medical record in accordance with policy and requirements. 

The purpose of this job description is to provide a summary of the major responsibilities performed by colleagues in this position. Colleagues may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.  Variances in job duties performed may exist between facilities, and colleagues may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical, Mental and Environmental Requirements Category:

Allied Health

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting

X

50 lbs

Carrying

X

50 lbs

Pushing

X

50 lbs

Pulling

X

50 lbs

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Use of Hands/Dexterity

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Extreme Cold

X

Extreme Heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Positions in this category may experience a temperature change in his/her work environment.

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Other