Medical Lab Scientist/Medical Lab Technician

Description
GENERAL SUMMARY
Under minimal supervision, performs a variety of routine and advanced chemical, microscopic and/or bacteriologic diagnostic laboratory tests, to assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of medical disorders and bodily malfunctions and in the evaluation of patient response to treatment. Analyzes and documents test results and reports clinical findings. Procures, prepares and processes specimens. Performs hematology, chemistry, microbiology, blood bank, serology and associated laboratory tests.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Required
Level of knowledge equivalent to that ordinarily acquired through completion of a four-year degree in medical technology.
Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.
The analytical ability to interpret and analyze test results noting abnormalities and discrepancies, perform calculations and calibrate instruments. Ability to identify abnormalities and contradictory results.
The manual dexterity and visual acuity necessary to prepare specimen and solutions and microscopically examine specimen.
Interpersonal skills to frequently interact with patients, Hospital staff and physicians.
Analytical ability as well as visual, hearing and sensory touch acuity necessary to assess a patient’s condition, developmental needs, and utilize professional judgment in providing care to patients of all age populations (i.e. peds, geriatric, adolescent, and adult).
BLS certification required.
May be required to work with all of the following with the appropriate age specific competencies: prenatal & perinatal (0-2), young child (2-8), adolescent (9-15), adult (16-28), middle-aged adult (29-53), geriatric (54-74), and frail adult (75+).
WORKING CONDITIONS
Exposure to blood and/or body fluids, exposure to hazardous chemical, pharmaceuticals, or nuclear exposures, minimal lifting, pushing, pulling, bending, continual standing, continual sitting, sporadic keyboarding, utilization of personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, gowns, boots, etc.).
Principal Duties And Responsibilities
Logs specimen and organizes tests to be run; prepares instruments and work area and sets equipment in accordance with test specifications; clarifies test requests (when necessary) and checks specimen for proper collection and labeling.
Processes specimen into desired testing form; centrifuges blood, prepares slides, prepares smears, prepares and incubates cultures and so forth.
Performs/conducts multiple, varied clinical laboratory tests manually or by utilizing various automated and semi-automated equipment and machines including highly sophisticated testing devices. Example: scans microscopic slides to identify and classify normal and abnormal cell types to determine the presence of pathogenicity; runs antibiotic sensitivity tests; reads and evaluates cultures and gram stains for pathogenic bacteria; runs coagulation studies; detects blood antibodies; evaluates blood typing discrepancies; correlates spinal fluid analyses; runs urine and other fluid studies, etc.
Calculates test results and quality controls utilizing mathematical formulas and calculations; confirms abnormal results by reviewing previous test results, repeating tests and correlating test results with patient diagnosis; informs manager, physician and/or nursing service of confirmed abnormal results.
Records tests conducted; notes test date identifying patient name and test results for reference and statistical purposes. Signs and reports test results to nursing floors or other areas of origin in accordance with reporting policies and procedures; expedites STAT tests to the degree possible within the limits of quality control.
Processes specimens to be distributed to reference laboratories and prepares/maintains related paperwork.
Implements all quality controls instituted to ensure test validity i.e., minor troubleshooting and calibration of equipment and testing reagents and media for sensitivity and contamination; adheres to departmental safety standards in responsibly handling, processing and testing specimens. Disposes of all biological hazardous waste according to established procedures.
Maintains, calibrates and cleans equipment; replaces tubing and malfunctioning parts; verifies proper function through standardization and controls; troubleshoots and documents minor instrumentation problems and repairs.
Routinely performs specimen collection duties.
Inventories and stocks supplies, reports supply deficiencies to manager. Prepares reagents (those not purchased in prepared form/solution) for laboratory testing.
Remains abreast of developments in the field(s) of medical technology; recommends the adoption/incorporation of advances and innovations designed to facilitate departmental operations.
Assists with the orientation and training of new departmental professional and technical employees.
Performs clerical duties such as scheduling patients, filing, answering phones.
Complies with all Hospital and departmental rules and regulations, including safety, employee health, and confidentiality.
Participates in Hospital and lab education programs and meetings, attends all mandatory training.
Reviews all departmental/Hospital safety, infection control, chemical hygiene, hazardous waste, tornado, snow emergency, mass disaster, and fire emergency plans.
Writes policies and procedures for all technical areas of responsibility, revises as needed, and reviews annually.
Works night, weekend and holiday call duty as assigned.
Performs job responsibilities in an ethical, compliant manner consistent with the organization's values and the Hospital's Corporate Compliance Program, policies, procedures and protocols.
Applies performance improvement concepts and methods throughout related activities.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements.