Medical Laboratory Technician
Analyzes, interprets, and reports laboratory results from blood, urine, and stool for chemical and pathological elements in the clinical areas of chemistry, special chemistry, toxicology, hematology, immunology, molecular biology, parasitology, and urinalysis according to protocols and regulatory requirements. Calculates test values. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections.
Calibrates instruments to maintain statistical precision and accuracy. Evaluates new and existing methods and whether test results are valid. Flags abnormal results for practitioners and records. Interprets lab data for practitioners and recommends additional/alternative testing. Expedites procedures and decreases costs through time management, batch testing, general body of knowledge, and manual dexterity.
Documents performed quality control. Reviews, checks, compares, and correlates lab data to assure statistical validity (i.e. coefficient of variation, Levy-Jennings plots, Standard Deviation) and result quality. Reconciles inconsistencies by comparing records, working with practitioners, and rerunning patient specimens. Identifies and diagnoses problems with equipment and instrumentation. Performs routine and non-routine maintenance by lubrication, manual replacement of parts, and computer checks. Revises and formulates procedures according to CLSI standards. Collaborates with both lab and Wardenburg staff to develop and implement quality monitors. Collects data for and calculates assigned quality monitor.
Assists in education and training of new personnel, fellows, residents, students and visitors within the MLT scope of practice. Completes assigned CLIA checklist(s) Oral-Confers, consults, and collaborates with co-workers and healthcare practitioners to exchange information, scope of knowledge about abnormal or variant results to facilitate testing, decrease turnaround, provide quality service and diagnostic value to practitioners and patients. Uses independent technical judgment to analyze and interpret laboratory results. Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures. Maintains accurate, current, and complete records. Operates laboratory equipment correctly, performs troubleshooting according to procedures and explores new solutions as needed to resolve problems.
Effective Communication, Problem Solving, and Compliance
Documents incidents/accidents to establish CU/WHC paper trail. Accesses PC (spreadsheets, charts, WP) and Practice Management System (billing, stats) and Laboratory Information System (LIS) and Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
Uses comprehensive knowledge of professional medical technology/clinical laboratory science principles, practices, concepts, and theories providing sound independent work. Interpret and apply complex written instructions. Assists in compiling drafts, edits, condenses, revises, and reviews lab procedures and policies for all areas of the lab. Maintains a positive demeanor, willingness to work as a part of a team and be supportive of co-workers.
Releases medical information to healthcare providers and patients following established protocol. Involved in statistical data collection, documentation, or administrative duties for records, reports, and Quality Assurance monitors. Maintain a detailed, accurate record in an organizational fashion, track activities, and process paperwork accurately and promptly.
Communicates clearly, accurately, and respectfully with customers and colleagues, ensuring necessary information is shared. Conforms to organizational and ASCP Board of Certification Guidelines for Ethical Behavior or standards of practice of the individual’s certifying agency and organization.
Phlebotomy/Specimen Processing
Draws patient blood specimens by phlebotomy using aseptic technique. Demonstrates safe skillful, pain-free touch technique to patients and teaches this technical skill to new employees. Disinfects and decontaminates lab surfaces to maintain healthy work environment.
Informs patients by instructing on specimen collection, fasting requirements, and turnaround times. Packages and preserves lab samples for transport via cab, courier, or mail to ensure sample integrity and prevent exposure of couriers to biohazards meeting any applicable federal transportation standards.
Process specimens appropriately, separate serum or plasma, send samples to the appropriate reference lab. When results from a reference lab are received, collates and separates lab requisition correctly if not interfaced. Interfaced results are reviewed and approved for accuracy and completeness.
