CLINICAL LAB TECHNOLOGIST (50075338)

Job Role Summary

Under general supervision and direction, performs clinical laboratory procedures consisting of high, moderate and waived complexity testing procedures as defined in the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988. The Clinical Laboratory Technician is organized, self-sufficient and employs multi-tasking while providing general and technical laboratory support to the Public Health Laboratories and MCHD internal and external clients. Supports the Laboratory Support Specialist and is responsible for specimen receipt and handling, equipment maintenance and calibration, and preparation of materials for courier transport when needed. Successfully demonstrates the ability to adhere to quality control and safety requirements. Consistently demonstrates effective customer service skills, attention to detail and problem-solving skills. Works together seamlessly with other laboratory staff to ensure public health laboratory and client needs are met. Applies ethical principles and professional rules of conduct in the workplace.

Essential Duties

Specimen Processing/Testing/Reporting: 
The testing personnel are responsible for specimen receipt, processing, test performance and reporting of test results (CLIA, D6068). Everyone performing moderate complexity testing must follow the laboratory’s procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting, and maintenance of recorded test results, as authorized by the supervisor (CLIA, D6070). Monitoring test systems for proper test performance, accurate reporting of test results, and must report problems that could adversely affect test performance or result reporting. Be capable of identifying problems that could affect test performance or result reporting and correct and report these problems immediately to the technical consultant, clinical consultant or director of the lab (CLIA, D6074). Maintain records demonstrating proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient samples.

When needed, fulfills sample accessioning duties of the Laboratory Services Area: 

• Specimen handling and processing and maintenance of chain of custody (e.g., receipt and referral logs, test requests/requisitions, communication logs).
• Inspects samples for integrity including sample receipt condition. Follows procedures for sample rejection criteria by completing required documentation. Notifies impacted areas, clients and  management, as needed. 
• Performs data entry functions to log-in samples into Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). 
• Maintains samples at appropriate condition until samples are ready for delivery or pickup for laboratory testing. 
• Handles materials and money for self-collected water and soil samples. 
• Maintains accurate records of environmental conditions, specimen conditions and communications. 

Associated Job Duties

Report Distribution:
Works with internal and external customers to investigate and resolve issues with samples or reporting. 

Quality Control: 
All testing personnel will adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies. Keep documented records of all quality control activities, instrument calibrations, procedural requirements, and all maintenance procedures performed (CLIA, D6072). Performs quality control procedures, instrument function checks and any necessary calibration and maintenance procedures. Follows the laboratory’s established laboratory safety guidelines. With minimal assistance, completes procedures within established time frames. Correlates complete sample data prior to reporting results and documents irregularities. Monitors quality control results to assure that acceptable levels of analytic performance are maintained.

Documentation:  
Documents all corrective actions taken when test system deviates from the laboratory’s established performance specifications (CLIA, D6075) and reports to the Clinical Laboratory Manager and  Laboratory QA Manager. Maintains records to ensure proper documentation of laboratory tasks, test results, and demonstrate proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens. 

Information Systems:  
Enters data accurately and retrieves results for testing and quality control into laboratory information system in accordance with laboratory policies. Maintains patient confidentiality.

Quality Assurance: 
Performs quality assurance on laboratory testing. Quality Assurance areas include turn-around-time verification, sample evaluation, and others as defined in the Quality Assurance Policy.

Materials Management:
Performs test inventory, ordering, receiving, and stocking of designated supplies as directed by the Clinical Laboratory Manager.

Associated Job Description cont'd

Equipment Maintenance:
Operates various complex instruments. Performs preventative maintenance protocols and with minimal assistance, investigates and corrects equipment malfunction. Records the appropriate documentation. 

Continuing Education:
Participates in continuing education opportunities. Demonstrates and trains both laboratory and non-laboratory personnel as requested by the Clinical Laboratory Manager. 

HIPAA: 
Permitted access to confidential patient/client information.

Participate in public health emergency preparedness exercises and response to public health emergencies: as directed.

Other duties: as assigned.

H.O.P.E. events: minimum of two totaling a minimum of eight (8) hours annually. One event required to be on a weekend. 

Friendly Access/Customer Service:
Demonstrates willingness to help others, sensitivity issues/concerns, has smile in voice, and uses proper communication skills. Demonstrates tolerance and respect for others by treating all customers with dignity. Uses tact and diplomacy in all communication efforts.

Reliability:
Consistently meets department and corporate attendance standards, manages time effectively to ensure timely completion of assigned tasks and responsibilities, including follow through on assignments. As needed, will travel to other off-site labs.

Teamwork: 
Works effectively with team by contributing to, accepting and owning team/work group decisions, and valuing contributions made by others. Demonstrates flexibility in dealing with changing work demands.

Initiative/Work Habits:
Searches out new tasks, expands ability professionally, and seeks new ways of improving services. Demonstrates adaptability and sense of priorities. 

Qualifications

• Have earned an associate degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution (CLIA, 6065), and 1-2 years of experience in an environmental, clinical, or analytical laboratory.

OR

• Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent (CLIA, 6065), and 1-2 years of experience in environmental, clinical, or analytical laboratory.

Licenses/Certifications Required

• Medical Technician (ASCP or AMT), Clinical Laboratory Technician (NCA) or equivalent certification.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of microbiology, biology, and chemistry.
• Knowledge of a clinical laboratory as it applies to the testing of samples, interpretation of results, and the communication of those results to appropriate personnel.
• Knowledge of laboratory chemical and biological safety.
• Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
• License/Certification required: Medical Technician (ASCP or AMT), Clinical Laboratory Technician (NCA) or equivalent certification.
• Test involves technical judgment, which could affect general health and well-being of the public.
• Pressure of deadlines to complete tests, report results.
• Care must be taken to alleviate exposure to noise, toxic fumes, explosions, burns, and diseases in the laboratory.

Working Environment

• Laboratory environment.
• Exposed to chemical & biological hazards.