Medical Technologist - Laboratory - Lake Charles, LA

Imperial Health Laboratory

JOB TITLE: Medical Technologist

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES: The Medical Technologist or Technician ensures that all necessary steps are taken to provide that the quality of work performed is within the guidelines of clinical variance and acceptability.

SUPERVISION REQUIRED: Lab Manager

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: N/A

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Specimen processing, test performance, and reporting tests results
• Ensure that laboratory procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results are followed. Demonstrate a complete understanding of established policies and procedures as outlined in the procedure manual.
• Recognize any questionable patient results and repeat and or verify before being released. Notify the supervisor of any unresolved problems.
• Correct all errors immediately upon discovery.
• Ensure that STATS and critical values are called and turned out as soon as completed to the appropriate personnel and document and initial all action taken in the computer.
• Notes concerning unsatisfactory specimens, specimens obtained incorrectly, abnormal appearance, or condition of specimen must be documented in the computer. Notify the proper personnel to obtain another specimen when needed.
• Ensure patient testing has the highest priority over other section functions
• All proficiency-testing samples must be handled in the same manner as patient testing.
• Laboratory quality control policies must be followed. Investigate any unsatisfactory results and correct prior to releasing patient reports. Notify supervisor of any unsolved problems.
• Laboratory policies and procedures must be followed whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.
• Perform preventive maintenance on all instruments according to established procedures, ensuring that all maintenance and repairs are documented.
• Identify problems that may adversely affect the performance or reporting of test results.
• Document all corrective action and notify supervisor.
• Ensure that incomplete projects from the previous day are followed through and communicated to the testing personnel in the department that day.
• Ensure the handling and loading of reagents and supplies is in accordance with established procedures for each test and instrument and that no supplies or reagents that are outdated are used unless manufactures statement is in place confirming acceptable performance.
• Rotate supplies and reagents so that earlier expiration dates are used first. Notify supervisor if supplies or reagents are getting low.
• Upon receipt of supplies/reagents date and store properly, record in supply book documenting date received, lot #, and expiration date where applicable.
• Assist others when possible
• Keep technical and job knowledge skills up to date.
• Be familiar with all procedures in the safety manual and ensure that all procedures are followed according to lab policy.
• Immediately report any recognizable safety problem to the lab supervisor or manager.
• Promptly complete and submit an incident report form to the lab manager when any incident occurs involving an employee or patient.
• Ensure work areas are kept clean and spills are contained and cleaned immediately.
• Responsible for learning requirements for insurance contracts.
• Collect specimens as needed.
• Provide excellent service to both internal and external customers.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of medical laboratory principles, standards, applications and test.
• Knowledge of how to use/maintain laboratory equipment appropriately.
• Knowledge of safety, infection control policies and regulations.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology; or
• Associate degree in laboratory science or medical technology from an accredited institution with two years of laboratory training or experience or both in high complexity testing.
• NCA or ASCP certification; State of Louisiana license

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS: Office setting. Frequent telephone calls and other interruptions, which requires being able to handle a fast-paced work environment during entire time at work. Must be able to prioritize multiple projects. Must maintain strict confidentiality and exercise professionalism when interacting with staff, managers, supervisors, physicians, external customers, etc.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS: requires continuous standing, sitting, frequent walking, bending, and stooping. May require lifting 50 to 100 pounds. Exposure to possible Hazardous Materials/conditions and infectious diseases.