Technician I, Medical Lab Scientist

Job Summary

Performs routine and complex laboratory procedures under the technical guidance of the Laboratory Manager, Assistant Manager, Supervisor, Assistant Laboratory Supervisor or Medical Laboratory Scientist II. Assists with workload recording, inventory control, research, and development of new procedures. Exercises independent judgment, and critical thinking in work performance and interpersonal relations. Major/other Responsibilities may be assigned as a direct or indirect function of the position.

Essential Responsibilities

• Analytic: Performs requested laboratory tests and special analysis, such as proficiency testing, correlation studies or other, according to established laboratory and Medical Office policies and procedures. Prioritizes laboratory testing and other duties appropriately to assure optimal efficiency and timely reporting of laboratory results according to policy standards. Utilizes quality control procedures according to established procedures and takes appropriate action for Out of Control results. Documents QC appropriately. Recognizes trends, bias, shifts or other unexpected patterns and takes appropriate action. Review record for compliance. Performs calibration or calibration verification as needed. Operates and maintains equipment. Performs routine safety checks and preventive maintenance on instruments according to procedures and manufacturers recommendations on a consistent, timely basis to insure optimal operation and minimal downtime. Recognizes when any component of the testing system is not performing optimally and performs troubleshooting procedures as warranted on equipment, reagents and procedures in an efficient manner that maintains testing schedules. Refers problems beyond his/her scope of practice to Manager, Assistant Manager, Assistant Supervisor or Medical Laboratory Scientist II.
• Pre-analytic: Receives electronic and manual orders for tests to be performed. Receives and/or obtains specimens, assisting with collections, and processing when the workload warrants. Assumes responsibility for assuring collection of adequate and acceptable samples for analysis.
• Post-analytic: Responsible for timely release of patient results. Communicates with reference lab to confirm results, specimen disposition and to order supplies. Exercises independent judgment in determining whether test results are released, repeated, or referred for review. Consults with Manager, Assistant Manager, Assistant Supervisor or Medical Laboratory Scientist II when necessary.
• Administrative: Assists with workload recording and inventory control. Responsible for monitoring and resolving pending lists per policy. Responds appropriately to provider and clinical staff inquiries. Supports clinical point of care testing by facilitating issue resolution. Participates in department/facility meetings, conference calls, continuing education/in-services. Participates in orientation and training of new employees. Makes recommendations for improvements to the Manager, Assistant Manager, or Assistant Supervisor. Assumes responsibility for day-to-day operations of laboratory, including directing and supporting the collections, and accessioning/processing areas, in absence of Manager, Assistant Manager, Assistant Supervisor or Medical Laboratory Scientist II. Participates in state/internal inspections, prepared to answer questions, or produce documents. Responsible for compliance with information communicated in Laboratory newsletters.