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

Other duties: as assigned.

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

• Preferred: 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.