Job Description

General Purpose of Job:  

Responsible for providing medical staff or other qualified persons with accurate timely laboratory test results.  Must be capable of performing a wide variety of complex clinical laboratory tests and procedures, according to established standards; maintains and/or calibrates highly scientific equipment; assists in documenting, compiling, and distribution of Quality Control Material.

Essential Duties:

This job description is intended to cover the minimum essential duties assigned on a regular basis.  Associates may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned by their leader. Leadership has the right to alter or modify the duties of the position.

 

•  Performs accurate and timely assays in the following areas of the laboratory: hematology, coagulation, serology, urinalysis, chemistry, blood bank, and microbiology.  In each of these areas, the generation of a laboratory value is the result of following a strict protocol, which is outlined in the procedure manuals.


• Performs secondary review of designated tests.


• Approves proficiency testing for reporting.


• Functions as designee to sign-off on proficiency testing.


• Responsible for performing quality control measures and calibrations as prescribed in the various procedure manuals.  This should include performance, documentation, corrective measures if indicated, and processing of the data.


• Performs monthly QC review.


• Operates the computer system within the laboratory.  This includes order entry, resulting, releasing of results and generation of the hard copy laboratory report.


• Writes standard operating procedures.


• Reviews monthly maintenance.


• Prepares results of method validations for medical director's approval.


• Verifies patient identity. Obtains laboratory specimens from patients.  This includes instructing and collecting various body fluids, including blood specimens obtained both from veins and from artery collections.


• Identifies and correctly labels various laboratory specimens.


• Maintains and ensures correct function of each machine within the laboratory.


• Signs off/approves technicians' competencies.


• Assists in training of new caregivers.


• Collects legal specimens and testifies in court as deemed by subpoena.


• Unpacks, dates and correctly stores laboratory supplies as they arrive.


• Notifies doctors or their designees of critical values immediately when they arise.


• Prepares various reagents as needed.  These reagents must be properly prepared, dated, and stored as needed.


• Involved in performance improvement planning for the department.


• Must be aware of department and hospital policies, either by attending department meetings, reading the minutes, or review of hospital and department policy and procedure manuals.


• May serve in charge capacity


• Prioritizes workload to maximize efficiency while meeting patient and physician needs.

Job Requirements

Work Experience	• None
Education	• Bachelors of Science degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemistry, Biology or related field. • Nationally recognized certification or eligible (ASCP, NCA) as a MT(ASCP), MLS (ASCP) or CLS(ASCP) Must be certified within 12 months of hire and recertify if/as required.
Specialized Knowledge and Skills	• Demonstrated knowledge of disease processes as related to patient conditions and pertinent laboratory testing performed. • A basic knowledge of mathematics, accuracy, precision, normal ranges and correlation with existing methods including evaluation of clinical specimens for suitability for testing and presence of interfering substances. • Basic computer skills for data entry, instrument operations and report production. • Basic knowledge of microscope use and function. • Demonstrates effective, positive verbal communication skills to those served by the laboratory. • Basic ability to take steps to resolve instrument problems. • An in-depth knowledge of laboratory medicine. • Must be flexible to work varied shifts when needed and be able to take call as needed. • Able to work independently. • Excellent troubleshooting skills. • Able to multi-task.