Lab Technician

General Summary of Duties: Responsible for performing waived and non-waived tests in a clinical laboratory for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Perform routine tests in clinical laboratory for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease using standard techniques and equipment.
• Perform related duties in laboratory to include storing and labeling specimens; using manual and automatic equipment to prepare specimens and perform analytical tests.
• Prepare solutions, reagents and stains, following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
• Maintain detailed records of tests performed and report laboratory test results to appropriate personnel; recognize Quality Control shifts and trends and take appropriate action when necessary.
• Collect blood specimens from patients using venipuncture or VAD draws.
• Calibrate and perform routine maintenance on test equipment; clean and sterilize laboratory equipment, glassware and instruments; maintain laboratory supply of chemicals and glassware; perform routine maintenance on equipment.
• Understand and comply with laboratory Quality Control and Quality Assurance policies and procedures for instrumentation and testing.
• Maintain patient confidentiality.
• Other projects/responsibilities as assigned periodically by direct supervisor.

Education and Training:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of MT, MLT, MLS or CLS course of study.

Experience:

• Minimum of one year experience in a clinical setting. 

Requirements:

• ASCP or AMT certification.

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of clinical laboratory procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of laboratory safety and infection control procedures and practices including standard precautions and hazardous chemical handling.
• Knowledge of and appreciation for a teamwork concept, clinic policies, regulations and procedures to administer patient care as it relates to the laboratory.
• Knowledge of customer service concepts and techniques.
• Knowledge of HIPAA, OSHA and other regulatory policies.

Skills:

• Skill in performing a full range of laboratory tests.
• Skill in proper equipment use, preventive maintenance and repair.
• Computer keyboarding skills.
• Skill in customer service, communications, organization and confidentiality (HIPAA).

Abilities:

• Ability to act in a professional and positive manner when interacting with patients.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in stressful situations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, in writing and on the phone in the English language.
• Ability to establish/maintain effective, cooperative relationships with physicians, staff, patients and their families.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

• Combination of laboratory and office settings.
• Exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, medicinal preparations, sharp instruments, body fluids and other conditions common to a clinic environment.

Physical/Mental Demands:

• Varied activities including sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting and reaching.
• Requires full range of body motion including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
• Frequent standing for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Vision must be corrected to 20/20, and hearing must be in normal range.
• Occasional stress related to workload and patients with problems.