Job Abstract

This job description is not to be construed as a complete listing of the duties and responsibilities that may be given to any employee. The duties and responsibilities outlined in this position may be added to or changed when deemed appropriate and necessary by the person who is managerially responsible for this position.

Summary:

Performs various clinical laboratory tests and procedures to obtain data for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease, following established standards, practices and. Interprets and reports test results in an accurate and timely manner.

Education Requirement:

Graduate of an accredited Medical Lab Technician program. Qualified by education, training or experience to work with the neonate, infant, toddler, adolescent, adult, and/or geriatric patient population as specialty assignment dictates.

Experience Requirement:

Experience in patient care as obtained through completion of an approved Medical Lab Technician (MLT) program.

Licensure/Certification Requirement:

Medical Lab Technician licensure to work in state of TN or must obtain a license as a Medical Lab Technician within six (6) months of date of hire

Key Job Responsibilities:

1. Performs clinical lab tests and procedures in specimen’s procurement, examination and analysis in an accurate and timely manner by following established standards, practices and procedures and with consideration given to risk management, infection control practices and patient safety practices.

• • Performs tests to include, but not limited to, the areas of hematology, chemistry, urinalysis, coagulation, blood gases and cardiac testing. Specific tests may include, but not limited to, transfusion testing, CBC with Diff, PT, PTT, glucose, lactate, acetaminophen, pregnancy and BMP. Performs Microbiology procedures involving cultures and/or interpretations.
  • Performs waived testing according to CLIA standards.
  • Prepares blood samples obtained for diagnostic testing in laboratory by adding type and quantity of preservative or anti-coagulant specified for test procedures requested.
  • Determines acceptability of specimens by performing visual inspections or by recognizing abnormal/unusual results. Documents unacceptable specimens according to appropriate policy.
  • Receives and processes patient specimens (including centrifuging, making primary inoculations of media, preparing and staining of smears and/or plates.
  • Analyzes and reads lab test results and reports in a timely manner. Performs quality control for all testing and meets established ranges before patient results are released.
  • Records and reports clinical test results with patient history, diagnosis and clinical condition in order to explain test results (normal/abnormal). Records results into a permanent log. Routes laboratory reports to patient’s area as needed.

2. Utilizes patient computer systems to enter and retrieve patient data and lab information system to enter and retrieve lab results.

3. Interacts and works collaboratively in a customer responsive and courteous manner, in compliance with MEDCARE standards and promoting patient/ customer satisfaction. Maintain proper communication with nursing units regarding stats, abnormal results and prolonged instrument malfunction causing delay in test results.

4. Prepares and maintains required records, reports and files for administrative and compliance purposes.

5. Complies with State and regulatory requirements by following established procedures in order to maintain a clean, orderly and safe laboratory environment and to meet accreditation standards. Adheres to established policies, compliance/quality improvement, and safety, environment and infection control standards to ensure validity of results.

6. Maintains equipment, instruments and supplies. Performs equipment checks/maintenance; recognizes and troubleshoots malfunctions of technological equipment and initiates corrective action. Reports malfunction of equipment to supervisor. Assists in the evaluation of new or modified techniques and methods.

7. Maintains confidentiality in matters relating to patient/family, department and hospital information. Adheres to established department and organization policies (i.e. HIPAA, Confidentiality, and Compliance Policies).

8. Provides support and clinical assistance to laboratory and other departments as needed. Participates in the orientation and supervision of new staff members and students when they provide patient care, treatment and services as part of their training

9. Completes required continuous training and education, including department specific requirements. Responds to problems/opportunities to improve work environment and participates in unit based performance improvement activities which includes committees, monitoring and follow-up.

10. Provides coverage for relief and absences. Demonstrates flexibility to work night, weekend and holiday to provide continuous laboratory coverage as required. Provides on-call and callback coverage as required.

11. Performs other duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability and willingness to apply knowledge and skills and maintain clinical competency as to implement lab services as demonstrated through practices, performing complex laboratory procedures and quality control across the major areas of the laboratory, recognizing abnormal and inadequate results and utilizing background in technical methodology and theory to independently perform, interpret and report test analyses as required.
• Demonstrates skill in the use of applicable equipment; mature judgment and initiative required
• Able to work without direct supervision
• Shows professional interest through self-development, continuing education, and involvement in professional organizations
• Presents a positive attitude and professional appearance
• Ability to give and follow written and oral instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively with others
• Ability to react and perform under stress in emergency situations
• Ability to plan and organize work for self and others
• Ability to exercise analytical judgment on work to be done and meet job demands.
• Provides on-call and callback coverage as required.

Supervision Provided by this Job:

None

Physical Demands/Conditions:

• Exposure to infectious agents; Frequent and prolonged standing, walking, sitting and reaching to perform tests and operate equipment
• Wrist and digital dexterity to perform lab tests and data entry. Concentration, color recognition and attention to detail are necessary to detect changes in specimens and perform required tests.
• The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
• Must have good balance and coordination.
• The physical requirements of this position are: light work - exerting up to 25 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently.
• The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity, such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
• The conditions to which the employee will be subject in this position: The employee is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions; job functions are typically performed under conditions such as those found in general office or administrative work.