Medical Laboratory Technician

GENERAL SUMMARY :

The Medical Lab Technician (MLT)/ Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) serves patients by performing a variety of clinical tests, including complex analysis of microscopic, immunologic, biologic, bacteriologic, hematologic, and chemical tests and reporting results to the physician/provider for use in diagnosis, treatment, and/or monitoring treatment of disease. The MLT/MLS may also work in conjunction with health care providers and other staff members by answering phones, responding to requests for information, and performing other duties assigned by the Laboratory Manager/Laboratory Supervisor or Medical Director. The MLT/MLS consistently demonstrates excellence in customer service during interactions with employees, managers/supervisors, patients, patient family members, customers, vendors, and others, and works collaboratively with colleagues and departments throughout the organization to provide optimal care services in a professional, ethical, and knowledgeable manner. Maintains a safe, clean, and organized work environment. The MLT/MLS is aware of the potential exposure to internal and external hazardous materials, including but not limited to: blood and blood-borne pathogens, infectious/communicable diseases, potential physical injury, and the risk of caring for patients.
Full-time benefits include medical, vision, dental, and prescription drug coverage, as well as HSA/FSA, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, retirement plans, and generous Paid Time Off.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education, Training & Experience (includes licenses or certifications):

AS in Medical Laboratory Technician with ASCP certification or BS in Medical Laboratory Science (or approved biological science) with ASCP certification. Completion of clinical rotations in MLT or MLS preferred. Alternate degrees can be discussed on a case-by-case basis. Proof of education and training is required upon hire. If a new graduate, the certification exam should be passed within one year of hire.

Education / Licensure:

- MLT: completed course of study with an Associates Degree or completion of experience/testing combo. MLT(AMT/ASCP) or eligible, testing and passage required within 90 days of hire.

- MT: completed course of study with a Bachelor's Degree or completion of experience/testing combo to meet certification requirements. MT(AMT/ASCP) or eligible, testing and passage of certification required within 90 days of hire.

- Current Washington State Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist certification required within 90 days of hire.

- BLS certification required within 90 days of hire.

Experience:

- Minimum six (6) months Laboratory work experience preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES (but not limited to):

- Performs a variety of complex test analyses in all areas of the lab as assigned (hematology, immunohematology, immunology, bacteriology, microscopy, microbiology, routine chemistry, therapeutic drug monitoring, serology, blood bank, urinalysis, etc.) according to established laboratory protocols and procedures.

- Processes specimens utilizing protocols and technical knowledge.

- Calibrate, standardize, and maintain instruments following established procedures.

- Performs quality control, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting protocols to ensure proper functioning of instruments, reagents, and procedures.

- May prepare cultures of tissue samples.

- Validates and reports results of tests performed to the physician/provider as requested/ordered promptly and/or according to the times indicated in policy and collection manual.

- Verifies test requisitions by comparing information with other patient records and/or the Laboratory Information System; resolving discrepancies or bringing them to the attention of the Laboratory Manager/Laboratory Supervisor. Verifies patient identification through the use of two separate identifiers (name, DOB, MRN, account number).

- Enters orders for laboratory testing and patient or specimen information into the Laboratory Information System.

- Dispose of contaminated sharps in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.

- Dispose of blood or other biohazard fluids or tissue in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and/or hospital policy and procedure.

- Matches laboratory labels to specimen tubes.

- Maintains specimen integrity by using aseptic technique, following department procedures, and observing isolation procedures.

- Maintains quality results and participates in quality assurance activities by following department procedures and testing schedule; recording results in the appropriate quality control log, identifying and reporting needed changes, etc.

- Maintains laboratory supplies inventory, assists manager in placing supply orders, and conserves resources by using equipment and supplies as needed, consistent with department policy and procedure.

- Maintains a safe, secure, and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures; complying with legal regulations, i.e, exposure control, infection control, universal precautions, and chemical hygiene standards, among others.

- Resolves unusual test orders by contacting the physician, pathologist, nursing station, or reference laboratory; referring unresolved orders back to the originator for further clarification; notifying the Laboratory Manager/Laboratory Supervisor of unresolved orders.

- Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.

- Serves and protects the hospital community by adhering to professional standards, hospital policies and procedures, and federal, state, and local requirements.

- Enhances the laboratory department and hospital reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and novel processes; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.

- Must be able to lift 50 pounds maximum with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

- Performs other duties as assigned.