Medical Laboratory Technician

Reports to the Lab Technical Supervisor. Independently performs qualitative and quantitative laboratory tests in assigned section(s) following established policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform qualitative and quantitative laboratory tests, calculations, and report results according to established criteria.
• Notify physicians immediately of critical lab values.
• Adhere to quality assurance/quality control policies and procedures.
• Recognize abnormal or unusual pre-analytical and post-analytical problems and implement corrective actions, documenting all actions and notifying the supervisor as appropriate.
• Operate, calibrate, perform performance checks, and maintain laboratory instruments and equipment according to written criteria.
• Maintain procedures, records, and logs following established protocols.
• Prepare specimens and supplies for transport or shipping in compliance with applicable regulations.
• Maintain adequate supplies and reagents, placing orders as needed.
• Maintain laboratory cleanliness, including spills with body fluid precautions and waste disposal per OSHA guidelines.
• Identify and correct problems that affect test performance or reporting, or notify supervisor immediately.
• Provide technical information about laboratory tests and results to physicians and authorized individuals.
• Collect specimens for testing including drawing blood, collecting urine, and handling other bodily materials and fluids.
• Accession specimens and process for testing as required.
• Perform high and moderate complexity testing as defined under CFR 493.1495 and 493.1425, and qualify as testing personnel for these tests.

Additional Functions

• Complete other job-related assignments and special projects as directed.
• Assume charge duty responsibilities as assigned.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in department meetings; accountable for all information shared.
• Complete mandatory education, annual competencies, and department-specific education within established timeframes.
• Complete annual employee health requirements on schedule.
• Maintain license, certification, and registration in good standing throughout the fiscal year.
• Maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications required by the department.
• Consistently apply universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques.
• Adhere to regulatory agency requirements, survey processes, and compliance.
• Comply with established organization and department policies.
• Be available to work overtime, additional shifts, or other schedules when required.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree in medical laboratory technology or in a chemical, physical, or biological science plus completion of a CAHEA-accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program.
• Certification as a technician by an appropriate accrediting agency (e.g., ASCP, HEW/HHS) within one year of graduation or hire.
• One year related medical laboratory experience preferred.
• Qualified as testing personnel for high and moderate complexity testing as defined under CFR 493.1489 and 493.1423, and qualify as a CLIA General Supervisor for high complexity testing under CFR 493.1461 when assigned those duties.

Knowledge & Skills

• In-depth knowledge of medical laboratory procedures and testing systems to perform tests, interpret results, perform quality control checks, and maintain instrumentation.
• Effective in a fast-paced, quality-focused, multi-priority environment that frequently involves stressful situations and deadlines.
• Demonstrates interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, necessary for effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, other employees and the public.
• Proficient computer skills and knowledge of laboratory information systems and applications.

Working Conditions

• Possible exposure to communicable diseases, hazardous substances, chemicals, and other conditions common to a hospital laboratory.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina to stand for long periods, walk short distances, and lift up to 35 pounds; requires visual acuity, color perception, and full range of body motion, including manual dexterity and eye‑hand coordination.