Medical Laboratory Technician

Purpose: Performs various chemical, microscopic and bacteriological tests to obtain data for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Performs testing by manual, semi-automated, or automated methods using highly complex scientific instruments. Testing areas include chemistry, hematology, coagulation, body fluid analysis, immunology, immunohematology and microbiology. May be required to perform phlebotomy and processing of specimens, along with clerical duties as needed. Additionally:

• Follows the mission, vision and values of Salem Memorial District Hospital.
• Participates in specimen collection when required according to test requested, either directly by venipuncture or skin puncture with minimal trauma to the patient.
• Maintains responsibility for patient identification, specimen labeling and collection verification.
• Instructs patients or other healthcare providers in collection and preservation techniques for blood, urine, sputum, stool, or other specimens for analysis.
• Performs essential clerical and computer entry duties to ascertain appropriate test order and demographics are obtained in accordance with SOP’s by utilizing various laboratory and hospital information systems and software.
• Maintains sufficient inventory management of supplies and equipment for performance of duties.
• Responds to STAT orders, monitors and adjusts workflow, prioritizing testing needs and following up with pending lists to ensure work is completed in a timely manner.
• Verifies instrument functioning by performing maintenance, calibrations and quality controls prior to releasing patient results.
• Attends and participates in departmental meetings, in-services and required training.
• Keeps abreast of current trends and knowledge through continuing education.
• Provides technical guidance and instructions to co-workers, students and other employees.
• Performs microbiological culture set-up and inoculations under Biosafety level 2 conditions.
• Shows competency in all areas of pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic testing procedures through demonstration, proficiency testing, and data analysis.
• Communicates in a professional and courteous manner with patients, family, co-workers and other medical personnel as necessary to share information concerning laboratory testing, status, results and clarification of orders.
• Thorough knowledge of laboratory safety and infection control procedures and practices including standard precautions and hazardous chemical handling. Follows regulatory requirements such as CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA, etc.
• Possess working knowledge of laboratory equipment, troubleshooting as needed with other laboratory staff and instrument specific technical services.
• Accountable for exercising sound scientific judgment to monitor, control and assess test results and conditions, specimen quality, chemical/biologic reactions and instrument function.
• May be assigned as the main technical operator of a specific instrument or area of the laboratory to have responsibility over.
• May be required to collect specimens at non-hospital settings, such as health fairs, nursing homes, and businesses.
• Performs other duties as required.

Academic, Certifications, & Trade Qualifications

• Associate degree and completion of a NAACLS accredited MLT program OR the equivalent education and experience that qualifies for national certification through the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or equivalent (e.g.AMT).
• Certification as a MLT through the ASCP or equivalent, or certification eligible at date of hire. If not already held, national certification must be obtained within six months of date of hire.

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as assigned by their supervisor.