Description

Core Responsibilities

1. Performs diagnostic laboratory tests in the areas of chemistry, hematology, urinalysis, immunohematology, microbiology, serology and coagulation.  Is also responsible for obtaining appropriate blood and body fluid samples from patients.
   1. Uses established methods and techniques for laboratory analysis.
   2. Adheres to strict safety regulations insuring appropriate protection against blood borne pathogens and other infectious agents for the laboratory staff, the hospital staff and the patient.
   3. Maintains strict quality control checks on all instrument, test kits and microorganisms used in laboratory analysis.
   4. Follows established procedures and protocol for all test results which fall into the critical value category.
   5. Maintains competency in:
      1. Routine patient test performance as well as patient preparation, specimen handling and processing.
      2. Recording and reporting of test results.
      3. Instrument maintenance and function checks.
   6. Exhibits problem solving skills and attention to detail during daily laboratory operation.
   7. Participates in proficiency testing as assigned and in a timely manner.
   8. Maintains Idaho State licensure competency by meeting required continuing education standards annually.
2. Ensures the appropriateness, timeliness and integrity of laboratory specimens and test results.
   1. Interfaces with physicians to insure that orders, both written and verbal, are followed appropriately and in a timely manner.
   2. Interfaces with all clinical and allied health disciplines to insure that specimen requests, timetables for specimen collections and appropriate reporting mechanisms are in place and implemented.
   3. Offers assistance to physicians and clinical/allied health disciplines in the requisitioning, collection and analysis which is not conducted within the institution.
   4. Ensures the integrity and timeliness of specimens which must be referred to other laboratories for analysis which is not conducted within the institution.
   5. Documents environmental controls and indicators for safety, temperature and humidity to verify the integrity of specimen.
   6. Assigns and documents a unique accessioning system to insure the individuality of specimens and eliminate misidentification of patients and/or specimens.
   7. Maintains on-going quality assurance in the testing/patient arenas.
3. Cooperates in the operation of a 24 hour 7 day laboratory operation.
   1. Maintains productivity during stats and high volume demands with a minimum of personal and/or non-work interferences.
   2. Displays flexibility in work schedule to meet the demands of the laboratory and the staff.
   3. Assists in the training and indoctrination of new laboratory employees.  Maintains direct observation of employees in departments as assigned.
   4. Assumes responsibility in the establishment and implementation of new methodologies and new test kits in assigned areas.
   5. Assumes the quality control responsibilities for the area in the laboratory which coincides with and reflects the expertise and/or specialty background of the technologist.
   6. Will participate in and contribute to the Antibiotic Stewardship program.
4. At Director’s discretion, may serve as support and resource for all Laboratory Information Systems.
   1. Provide implementation and maintenance of the Laboratory Information System.
   2. Perform all validation procedures and maintain all necessary documentation.
   3. Maintain test tables, dictionaries and interfaces.
   4. Assist with training of new employees on Laboratory Information System.
   5. Write and maintain LIS procedures to include documentation and review of CLIA check lists bi-annually for CLIA inspection.
   6. Test and implement new instrument interfaces and reference interfaces.
   7. Test and implement computer upgrades in a timely manner in coordination with all hospital department.
   8. Maintain the report format for laboratory testing.
   9. Maintain the Data Innovations middleware on the Laboratory side.
   10. Work with IT to customize reports to fit the needs of the Laboratory and Medical Staff.
   11. Assist Laboratory Director to update Charge Codes and CPT changes to include Medicare/Medicaid changes.
   12. Assist Laboratory Director to monitor the LIS for billing discrepancies to insure correct billing for customers.
5. Shows good critical thinking and troubleshooting skills.

Work Environment: This job operates in a hospital setting.  This role requires regular walking to various locations around the hospital.  This role may come in contact with patients who may have contagious illnesses.  There may be risk of exposure to blood and bodily fluids, latex, and odors/chemicals.  There is potential exposure to unpredictable behavior from residents, patients and families.

Requirements

Required:

• Associates degree in Medical Lab Technology (MLT) and MLT certification through ASCP or equivalent accreditation organization. Completion of an accredited Medical Technology internship or the equivalent in education and experience; strong computer skills demonstrating proficiency and accuracy in word processing and data entry; excellent verbal and written communication skills; exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills; and detail oriented with excellent organizational skills.

-OR- 

• Baccalaureate degree in Medical Lab Science (MLS) or a related science. Completion of an accredited Medical Technology internship or the equivalent in education and experience; strong computer skills demonstrating proficiency and accuracy in word processing and data entry; excellent verbal and written communication skills; exceptional customer service and interpersonal skills; and detail oriented with excellent organizational skills.

Preferred:

• Experience using Laboratory Information software to include implementation and maintenance. BLS Certification.