Medical Technologist ASCP

Performs a variety of routine and specialized medical laboratory diagnostic tests on blood and body fluid specimens as prescribed by physicians or pathologists in a minimum number of technical areas as defined to meet the needs of the department, to include:
Transfusion Service, Chemistry, Hematology, and Microbiology; to provide laboratory data for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Shift Supervisor and/or the Technical Section Supervisor and within established policies and procedures, the incumbent performs the following functions:


Essential Functions:


Perform a variety of clinical laboratory tests, including set up of supplies and equipment to analyze specimens (i.e. body fluids, tissue, sputum, etc.) according to written procedures. Forward unresolved problems to supervisor or Medical Technologist. Maintain the integrity of the specimens throughout the process.
3. Adhere to established quality control policies and procedures in order to guarantee the reliability of data. Perform quality control procedures as required and maintain adequate control records to include problem log documentation, reporting any abnormal or unusual variances to supervisor and/or Medical Director as appropriate.

4. Participate in quality improvement activities.

5. Document test results and report results to nursing units and/or physicians according to established procedure. Inform supervisor or designee of unusual or unexpected test results after verification and accessing validity of the original test results. Recognize critical and/or life threatening results and immediately telephone critical values to the nursing units and/or physicians.

6. Check, calibrate and maintain equipment in working order, performing preventative maintenance at prescribed intervals and as appropriate. Troubleshoot technical and procedural problems, make repairs and utilize service "hot" line as needed; arrange service call as appropriate. Keep related records.

7. Maintain all records and documentation, i.e. calibrations, temperatures, etc., needed to comply with CAP, Joint Commission and other accrediting agencies.

8. Maintain technical proficiency in a minimum of two (2) of the four (4) technical areas on the day shift; or in four (4) of the technical areas on the evening and night shifts; OR if scheduled less than or equal to 8 hours per week, maintain technical proficiency in a minimum of one (1) of the four (4) technical areas on the day shift; or in two (2) of the technical areas on the evening and night shifts. Technical areas include:
Transfusion Service, Chemistry, Hematology, and Microbiology.

9. Display courtesy and professionalism at all times while providing timely, helpful service to all patients, clients, visitors, physicians, and hospital personnel. Maintain a professional decorum within the work environment under all types of circumstances, demonstrating ability to remain calm in tense and/or emergency situations.

10. Ensure confidentiality of employee, legal, client/patient, budget and all company matters.

Secondary Functions:


Perform phlebotomy duties and effectively communicate the procedure to the patient. Demonstrates competency in obtaining capillary or venous samples from both the inpatient and outpatient population served by the hospital.
Perform phlebotomy for legal alcohol draws and testify in court as required.
Perform specimen processing duties.
Ensure adequate reagent supplies according to Laboratory and Section policies. Receive and store supplies per established procedure.
Conduct tests on proficiency survey specimens and evaluate proficiency testing results.
Attend regularly scheduled departmental meetings and continuing educational programs; maintain current knowledge in the field.
Attend mandatory in-service programs on Universal Precautions, Disaster Plan, Electrical & Fire Safety and Chemical Hygiene Plan/Hazardous Communications. Comply with all hospital and departmental safety practices.
Follow all safety procedures and precautions as detailed in the Hospital Safety Manual, Chemical Hygiene Plan and Infection Control Policy to maintain safe environment for self and others. Report any possible safety hazards to supervisor.
Participate in appropriate role in disasters, fire drills, fires and other emergency situations.
Exercise care in the operation and use of equipment and reference materials. Perform routine cleaning and preventative maintenance to ensure continued functioning of equipment. Maintain work areas in a clean, safe and organized manner.
Report to work consistently and promptly as scheduled. Provide proper advance notice of absence or tardiness. Work overtime as needed and required.
Perform similar or related duties as assigned or directed.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor Degree from accredited four-year college or university.
Experience:


Minimum of one year laboratory experience preferred.
Licensure/Certification

Must obtain ASCP or equivalent certification within five (5) years of employment.