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Form of workPOSITION PURPOSE
- The Medical Technologist / MLT Microbiologist is a highly specialized professional member of the Laboratory staff who performs laboratory specimen collection; complex, non-routing procedures; quality control; instrument maintenance; and who accurately documents as specified, all work performed under the direction of the Microbiology section laboratory leadership. The Clinical Microbiologist helps ensure laboratory compliance with all regulatory bodies as well as appropriate billing of microbiology service. The technologist and MLT can recognize and resolve methodology problems using judgment and sensitivity to contributing factors, and is capable of directing the work of other staff. The technologist can oversee the technical performance of MLT's when laboratory leadership is not on site.
- MINIMUM EDUCATION REQUIRED
- MLT = Associates of Science Degree in: Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science
- Medical Technologist (MT, CLS, MLS) = Bachelors of Science Degree in: Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science or Biological/Chemical Science
- MINIMUM EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Entry Level
- Prefer a minimum of 2 years' experience as a Clinical Laboratory Microbiologist
- LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED
- Current registration as a MLT or Medical Technologist, issued by the ASCP or equivalent, or the ability to obtain registration within six months or;
- Categorical certification by the ASCP or equivalent for Microbiology, or the ability to obtain certification within six months.
- KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED
- Ability to read, write, hear, speak and comprehend the English language.
- PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Clinical microbiologists analyze blood, tissue and other samples to find the disease-causing organisms present in people.
- Help physicians diagnose and control the spread of infections.
- Identify and isolate infectious disease-causing organisms.
- Conduct examinations on specimens collected from patients for bacterial and fungal infections.
- Conduct surveillance on local antimicrobial resistance trends among microbial pathogens.
- Participates in the construction of anti-biograms.
- Performance of molecular biologic testing for detection of infectious organisms.
- Performance and interpretation of Gram stains.
- Performance and interpretation of KOH studies.
- Performance and interpretation of fluorescent staining techniques.
- Performance and interpretation of Kinyoun stains.
- Performance and interpretation of Wet Preps.
- Evaluation of isolate significance (normal flora vs. potential pathogen).
- Performance and interpretation of Kit Testing (Rapid ID's / Antigen Detection / Occult Blood Detection).
- Determine antibiotic sensitivities on isolated organisms.
- Packaging and shipping potentially infectious specimens and/or isolates.
- Processing a variety of specimens for Microbiologic testing preparation.
- Identify and report communicable diseases to both the Infection Control Specialist and the Health Department.
- Collection of arterial and venous blood specimens following existing procedures and stat using of the collection date and time in the Laboratory information system.
- Maintain stock cultures of organisms for quality control purposes.
- Instruction of patients in the collection of non-blood specimens.
- Performance of tests on the microbiology procedure lists. Procedures must be completed within the specified turnaround time at least 95% of the time and there must be no more than three (3) result errors per year. Testing is to include proficiency testing samples.
- Proficiency with new procedures added to the test list within the established timeframe.
- Analysis of quality control materials for each procedure with values being recorded on the appropriate log sheets or in the laboratory information system. Results failing quality control measures have appropriate interventions performed and documented including reporting to Laboratory Leadership when needed.
- Maintenance of the instrumentation in the Microbiology work area according to maintenance schedules and procedures, with actions being entered into the respective log.
- Maintenance of the assigned work area, to include disinfection of the work surface at the end of each shift.
- Transcription of results on worksheets and result entry into the Laboratory information system according to Laboratory procedures, with no more than one (1) clerical error per month.
- Receives and records verbal orders from licensed independent practitioners for orders that are specific to the services provided by their department.
- Immediate reporting of critical values as defined by Laboratory standard operating procedures.
- Directs departmental personnel and work when needed.
