LAB TECHNOLOGIST

Job Summary

The Lab technologist contributes to accurate and timely diagnosis of patients' medical conditions by performing, evaluating, and submitting test results on patient samples.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports and promotes the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry.

ROUTINE SPECIMEN TESTING - QUALITY:

•Shows consistency and accuracy in performing routine testing as required in one or more lab sections: Blood Bank, Hematology, Urinalysis, Bacteriology, and Chemistry.

• Follows SOP for testing procedures. Utilizes the procedure manual as a reference.

• Performs correct tests as requested. Follows through to perform routine additional testing as necessary.

• Meets acceptable turnaround time for routine and stat testing as defined in the Laboratory Manual.

ROUTINE SPECIMEN TESTING - QUANTITY:

• Organizes work during heavy workload situations to expedite testing without jeopardizing quality.

• Performs several tasks simultaneously.

• Prioritizes and reorganizes work to achieve maximum productivity and efficiency during assigned shifts.

• Organizes workload efficiently so other personnel can follow their work pattern to completion.

SPECIALIZED TESTING:

• Accurately performs specialized testing as required.

TROUBLESHOOTING/QA:

• Performs and documents QC daily according to established Lab protocol.

• Resolves problems where appropriate and brings them to the attention of the supervisor. Notifies the supervisor of unacceptable QC results and documents problems with an explanation.

• Troubleshoots problems and does preventive maintenance on machines.

• Calls and works with manufacturers to fix equipment problems when necessary.

• Recognizes testing errors or discrepancies before results go to the patient's record.

• Recognizes problems that may affect patient testing (i. e. , delta checks, previous results). Notifies appropriate personnel of problems.

• Evaluate and correlate results of QC and patient data to determine inconsistencies, errors, or other problems that could lead to potentially fatal patient consequences.

• Consistently demonstrates an ability to assess situations, consider alternatives, and choose the appropriate course of action, where written and/or verbal instruction are not available.

• Identifies safety problems and assists in lab QA program

PHLEBOTOMY:

• Obtains blood specimens from patients of all ages (neonatal, pediatric, adult, geriatric) from inpatients, outpatients, ED patients, and D'Youville patients.

• Assess patient identification properly.

• Labels tubes correctly.

• Willingly helps draw outpatients when asked to.

• Demonstrates a professional, responsible attitude toward the performance of this skill.

SPECIMEN PROCESSING/CLERICAL DUTIES:

• Delivers specimens to the appropriate department in a timely fashion and receives them in the computer promptly.

• Properly handles specimens (e. g. , appropriate temperature, etc. ).

• Verifies specimen identification.

• Examines specimens for possible analyte contamination factors (e. g. , hemolysis).

• Label tubes (e. g. , aliquot containers) appropriately.

• Notifies physician/nurse of results meeting call criteria and documents in computer appropriately.

MISCELLANEOUS LAB DUTIES:

• Do maintenance cards.

• Wears appropriate PPE consistently. Follows safety rules.

• Helps with inventory control and lets Section Leader know when supplies need to be ordered.

• Dates, rotates, and stores supplies upon receipt.

• Maintains a sanitary work environment.

• Trains new employees

• Assists with periodic updates of procedure manuals.

• Records date opened, etc. on reagents.

• Checks previous days' work logs and resolves any problems noted.

• Answers telephone calls and gives results as necessary.

• Performs other related duties and activities as may be requested by his/her immediate supervisor.

MAINTAINS CLINICAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES;

ENHANCES INDIVIDUAL (PROFESSIONAL AND INTERPERSONAL)

DEVELOPMENT:

• Attends departmental and other meetings as assigned.

• Reads/signs off on minutes of meetings not attended.

• Completes annual/critical competencies identified for assigned department.

• Maintains a thorough knowledge of departmental policies/procedures as they pertain to the job, including the fire and disaster plans.

• Keeps current with laboratory theory by reading articles, attending workshops when available, etc.

• Actively participates on laboratory or hospital committees.

• Does correlation studies.

• Maintains required licenses, certifications, and competencies, and completes annual compliance courses on time.

• Other duties as consistent with this role

Job Requirements: (education and experience/preferred and required)

Job Knowledge and Skills

• Strong attention to detail.

• Ability to handle multiple priorities and make decisions under pressure.

• Responsible, supportive team player.

• Strong analytical skills.

• The ability to speak, read, write, and understand written instructions in English is required.

Education and Experience

• Associate degree required.

• Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) or MT (ASCP) certification is required.

• Meets CLIA requirements for testing personnel.

• ASCP, AMT certification preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the tasks normally associated with this position that involves a combination of sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching. Lifting/carrying frequently up to 35 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Some stress related to high level of responsibility for quality care.

Americans with Disabilities Statement

Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Covenant Health reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.

Standard of Business Conduct

Every St Mary's employee is required to abide by the Standards of Conduct and to report any activity that appears to violate the Standards of Conduct.

Covenant Health Mission Statement

We are a Catholic health ministry, providing healing and care for the whole person, in service to all in our communities.

Our Core Values:

•Compassion

We show respect, caring and sensitivity towards all, honoring the dignity of each person, especially the poor, vulnerable and suffering.

•Integrity

We promote justice and ethical behavior, and re.