Hospital Lab Technician 1

DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
To receive, label, and process specimens received for analysis in the Clinical Laboratories, to input patient data into the computer, answer telephone inquiries regarding test information and results, and accession (enter) specimens. To maintain, troubleshoot and operate (TLA) Total Lab Automation system. To monitor and operate TUG sample delivery system. Must be able to perform all tasks well without supervision in an efficient and accurate manner to ensure good patient care.

Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES
Within the 6-month probationary period, or within the first 6 months of talking this position if a probationary period does not apply, an employee must be able to routinely perform the following tasks at the level of the applicable standards. Attaining this level of performance will require instruction from Supervisors and/or person(s) designated by the Supervisor as well as capability and initiative on the part of the employee.
In addition, the employee must adhere to all University and departmental policies.
 

Task A: Receiving
1.Greet individuals bringing specimens to the lab.
2.Input patient data into the computer systems. i.e.Sunquest.
3.Process work in the following order:
a.STATs
b.Process Immediately
c.Routine Racks
d.Urine and Body Fluids
e.Research/Budget
4.Receive and sort STAT, pre-op, or routine specimens coming to the ClinicalLaboratories, whether from sources within UCSF or referred from external physicians or institutions, and whether directly chargeable for patient care or research purposes.
5.Check for proper patient identification on both specimen and requisition and forclear test requests (i.e., a valid, offered test).
6.Obtain and verify information and specimen collection requirements fromLaboratory Manual, consulting supervisor, Laboratory Residents, or technologistsonly when information needed is not found in the Lab Manual or related readilyavailable sources by laboratory policy, including but not limited to the Synonymslists and monthly TL (Test Library) change memoranda.
7.Resolve any discrepancies or labeling problems by telephone, involving thelaboratory Medicine sections or Resident as appropriate.
8.Place blood samples and requisitions in racks for computer entry and labeling,setting aside specimens requiring special processing or handling (including theissuance of temporary patient unit numbers) in individual cups for follow-up.
9.Process specimens referred from outside institutions only if they are accompaniedby proper authorization form. If authorization is not available, process specimensto the point where the specimen may be safely held in a stable condition until theproblem can be resolved – specimen quality must be maintained!
 

Standards:
1.Respond immediately and in a courteous and professional manner to anyonedelivering specimens or needing assistance.
2.Maintain reasonable speed during sorting. Routine specimens should be sorted forentry within 10 minutes after arrival in Clinical Laboratories.
3.Resolve any problems by contacting physician or nursing unit in a timely manner.
4.Notify supervisor if problems cannot be resolved within 15 minutes (more rapidlyif urgency is made clear by contact with physician or nursing unit).
5.Notify physician/unit immediately whenever quantity of specimen is insufficientfor analysis so that a new specimen can be obtained and submitted in a timelymanner.
6.Alert supervisor of any Specimen Labeling Problem in a timely manner.
7.Process STATs within 15 minutes after reaching the Reception desk.
8.Specimens requiring immediate processing must be handled within 15 minutes inorder to maintain sample integrity.
 

Task B: Labeling:
1.Label specimens with appropriate computer-generated labels. Beware of theparticular risk of incorrectly labeling a sample when specimens collected atmultiple times or from several sites are submitted together.
2.Prepare pour-off vials for aliquoting, as necessary.
3.Verify correct computer entry of tests by checking orders on the labels againstrequisitions. In case of discrepancies, notify the floor supervisor or the orderingunit.
4.Flag specimens clearly to the analytical sections, facilitate sharing of specimens(e.g., between Chemistry and Hematology or between Hematology andMicrobiology) when only a small sample has been submitted.
5.Initial requisition in the appropriate box upon completion of labeling.
 

Standards:
1.Label specimens and aliquots correctly.
2.Maintain reasonable speed on a steady basis in order to complete labeling of arack.
3.No more than one rack should be waiting to be labeled to ensure a continuousflow of specimens to the aliquoting workstations.
4.Detect and correct discrepancies between request forms and computer-generatedlabels.

Task C: Separation and Aliquoting of Specimens other than Urine
1.Centrifuge specimens and separate cells and/or plasma where appropriate. Operateequipment properly and safely, balancing centrifuge loads using beam balance andsetting the equipment to the correct speed.
2.Add buffers or preservatives to samples or carry out other special processing asrequired.
3.Aliquot the correct amounts of specimens into the appropriate cups, vials or tubesfor testing.
4.Maintain a continuous flow of specimens for aliquoting by organizing yourworkload efficiently.
5.Provide the correct number of aliquots (tubes) for analysis and correctly labelthem with the proper sample number.
6.Determine whether the amount and quality of the specimen meets therequirements for testing. If our requirements are not met, communicate this fact tonursing units, physicians’ offices, or referring laboratories, noting the time andname of the person to whom you gave this message in the telephone log book.Then enter the appropriate test comment into the computer noting the problem andthe action taken (usually a request for a new specimen). Note the problem on therequisition and file in the Problem folder to enter the comments.
7.Place the specimens in racks or cups as appropriate for storage and storespecimens according to the computer labels to maintain sample integrity.
8.Package specimens for send-out to Referral laboratory when assigned to thatrotation or when the send-out person is not available.
9.File requisitions in bin for scanning.
 

Standards:
1.Immediate processing must be completed within 30 minutes after a specimen hasbeen received in Clinical Laboratories.
2.Make the proper cups for the appropriate tests with the correct additives, andprocess, package for send-out and store specimens in accordance with label andLaboratory Manual instructions.
3.Notify physician/unit in a timely manner if quantity or quality of specimen isinadequate for testing so that remedial action can be taken.
4.Package send-out specimens for next routine pickup in a timely manner.
5.Operate centrifuges only with a balanced load and at the proper speed.
6.Report equipment malfunction or any potential hazard noted (e.g., frayed electriccord) in a timely manner.
 

Task D: Aliquoting of Urine Collections:
1.Verify the labels against the requisition to detect any entry errors, and alert floorsupervisor of problems.
2.Check that the proper preservative was added to verify proper collection.
3.Measure all timed urine collections. Perform a quality control check on electronicscale and immediately report any discrepancy to supervisor before urine isprocessed.
We employ the weight of the collection as an accurate substitute for urine volume.Pour the sample into one of our own containers if it has been collected in a non-standard container. Zero (tare) the electronic scale with an empty collectioncontainer by pressing the grams button. Record the scale reading in grams as theurine volume in mL.
4.Aliquot urines into the proper tubes or containers.
5.Handle the specimen as directed by the lab manual instructions.
6.Initial requisition in appropriate “Aliquot” box upon completion of task.
7.Write Urine Volume and Hours of Collection on Urine Volume worksheet.
8.Review Volume/Hrs of Collection on worksheet on daily discard specimens morethan 7 days old from storage refrigerator. 9.Resolve problem arising from improper handling of specimen; notify supervisor.
Standards:
1.Routine urines received in the laboratory by 0900 hrs are weighed, results arerecorded, and aliquots made by 1000 hrs.
2.Aliquots should be available for testing within 30 minutes of receivingworksheets.
3.Measure urine volumes (weights) accurately.
4.Aliquot specimens correctly.
5.Write all results on Volume/Hrs worksheet by 1030 hrs.
6.Accurately transcribe (enter) Hrs of Collection into the computer.
7.Process all routine urines received.
8.Notify Supervisor if unable to complete tasks in a timely manner.
 

Task E: STAT Processing:
After computer entry sort STAT specimens with labels and transport them to the appropriate testing sections. Verify test ordered against requisition during the sorting of labels with specimens. Follow instructions (posted on label printer) for processing STAT and routine orders on the same specimen. Initial requisition upon completion of sorting task in the “label” box (actual labeling of STAT specimens is performed within the testing section).
 

Standards:
Deliver specimens within 15 minutes of entry to the testing section.
 

Task F: Responses to Inquiries/Communications:
1.Communicate non-technical information (such as collection instructions and turn-around times, test results, etc.) obtained from the Laboratory Manual, the in- andout-patient price files, the laboratory computer and requisitions. Supervisor andtechnical staff should be consulted WHEN INFORMATION IS NOTAVAILABLE in these sources. All communications and responses, whether inperson or by telephone, should be given accurately and clearly in a professionaland courteous manner as you would yourself wish to be treated. Keep in mind thateveryone has the common goal of helping the patient.
2.Answer any telephone extensions in your work area in a timely manner if the needarises.
 

Standards:
1.Adhere to the hospital’s house and telephone standards established by theHospital. Identify yourself, our unit, and offer, “May I help you?” Attempt toanswer phones not on an answering device before the third ring.
 

Task G: Send-Outs:
Process test sent out to a Referral (Send-Out, Outside) Laboratory when assigned that responsibility. Package specimens according to the instructions on the computer-generated label with the aid of the Laboratory Manual as needed. Give top priority to all drug and toxicology specimens so they are ready for the next scheduled courier pickup. Any test requiring prior approval must be referred to the laboratory resident before it is submitted to a Reference Laboratory, but it should be processed up to the point where it can be safely held (e.g., a specimen requiring immediate processing and approval should immediately be processed while awaiting a decision whether it will or will not be approved.
 

Standards:
1.Complete send-out work in an accurate and timely manner to meet the pickupschedule. 2.Notify supervisor of any problem related to the specimens in a timely manner.
3.Processing specimens correctly.
 

Task H: Computer Usage:
Use the basic computer functions (Sunquest GUI Order Entry, General Lab, Smart and Laboratory Inquiry) required to retrieve patient data and resolve specimen identification problems.
 

Standards:
1.Perform the above tasks as necessary in a timely manner.
2.STATs must be processed immediately; input patient data and STAT test requestsaccurately.
 

Task I: Computer Crashes:
Process specimens when the computer system is not functioning, following instructions in the written internal crash plan, processing specimens correctly without aid of computer labels and forwarding them to the proper testing sections, and writing patient/test information on all pour-off tubes.
 

Standards:
1.Be familiar with the written internal crash plan and follow it with minimalsupervision. Follow these instructions except where given prior approval to dootherwise by your supervisor.
2.Hand-write all requisitions and labels legibly.
 

Task J: Additional Unspecified Duties:
Perform additional duties or projects as assigned.
 

Standards:
1.Complete the assigned task properly within the agreed upon time.
Errors – Definitions and Significance
Errors in processing laboratory specimens can be highly dangerous to patients and even if not may be extremely disruptive to the patient, the individuals caring for the patient, and the laboratory staff.
1.Major errors can potentially misdirect diagnosis or treatment. These includemixing up samples from different patients, mixing up two different specimensfrom the same patient, using the wrong specimen additive, and similar mistakes,as well as errors which may require a patient to repeat an invasive diagnosticprocedure (e.g., failure to properly preserve or store a CSF which results in thepatient undergoing another spinal tap).
2.Other serious errors may cause inconvenience, even great inconvenience, to apatient but do not yield an incorrect result and therefore are not likely to leaddirectly to improper management of the patient. These are primarily errors ofomission or of additional unwarranted laboratory testing, such as failing to make apour off for an ordered test, entering orders for tests which were not requested,failing to enter orders for tests which were requested, or excessive delay inprocessing resulting in the test missing the scheduled run. Erroneous entry ofcharges to budget accounts are also serious because they waste the time andresources of personnel inside and outside the laboratory in tracking down andcorrecting the problem. Such errors often can be corrected without requiringanother patient sample.

Task K: Total Lab Automation Duties:
“Track Master”
Function as a “Track Master” operator of the automation track system.
Sorts through samples and identifies correct labeling format before loading to track input lanes or BIM (Bulk Input Module).
Identifies QNS sample and not load to automation line. Receives in lab system manually and delivers samples to departments.
Identifies blood bank sample tubes and not load to automation line. Delivers sample tubes to Blood Bank department and alerts blood bank personnel if automation line accidentally receives blood bank specimens.
Investigates sample that does not have download to the automation line.
Investigates samples and troubleshoots samples that go to automation Priority Output
Error lanes or unknown (no test download) lane.
Sends samples for archiving to storage module.
Pulls samples from storage module.
 

Standards:
1.Process sample tubes from Priority Output Error lane or unknown lane by investigating
sample trace logs within 15 minutes.
2.Proficient in reading sample trace logs to help in troubleshooting problem samples.
3.Takes off samples from any of the output racks within 30 minutes.
Automation Track Troubleshooting
Identifies automation track system errors.
Calls vendor hotline support and troubleshoots track. If unable to resolve, opens a ticket to
vendor to schedule vendor’s field service engineer to come onsite.
Fills out automation track problem form documenting automation track issues.
Performs software reboot of any modules to use for track troubleshooting.
Performs hardware reboot of any modules or whole track for track troubleshooting.
Follows manual procedure of pulling samples from storage system if storage module is not
operational.
 

Standards:
1.Follows instructions from the automation system screen when recovering an automation
track system error. If unable to recover within 15 minutes, consults a lead or supervisor or
calls vendor hotline support number.
Automation Track Maintenance
Performs automation track storage temperature check, track daily, weekly and monthly
maintenances. Works with lead or supervisor as needed.
 

Task L: PTS (Pneumatic Tube System)
Responsible of making sure the PTS (Pneumatic Tube System) bin is not full and
consistently unloads PTS tube carriers.
Opens PTS tube carrier and inspects samples to be loaded to the automation track input
lanes or BIM (Bulk Input Module). Separates out samples with paper order requisition for
manual receiving in the lab system.
 

Task M: TUG Autonomous Robot (Sample Delivery System):
Continuously monitors, operates and troubleshoots TUG robot delivery system throughout
the shift.
Recovers the TUG robot on the floor if it gets stuck on the hallway, doorway or elevator.
Calls TUG vendor hotline for troubleshooting assistance.
If TUG is non-operational, be able to communicate with every single nursing units serviced
by TUG to alert them that they would need to deliver samples to lab temporarily.

Task M: Credit Test
Credits test without result and adds credit reason.
 

Task N: Properly fills out problem report form for mislabeled or unlabeled specimen.
 

Task O: Processes Add-On test requests
Processes add-ons within 15 minutes for STAT and 30 minutes for routines samples.
 

Task P: Logs refrigerator, freezer and heating block temperatures daily. Notifies lead or supervisor
of any issues, alarms or failures.
 

Task Q: Troubleshoots Problem Template
Reviews test on the problem template and locates specimen if it exists within the shift or
endorses un-resolved issues to the next shift as needed.
 

Task R: Monitors un-received DPL within the shift.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• Graduation from high school or a General Education Diploma and two years of laboratory experience or two years of college including courses in the natural, physical, or social sciences, and one year of laboratory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, and knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position.
• Must speak and write clearly and be readily understood so as to permit accurate transmission of laboratory data, messages, etc., in order to communicate effectively with physicians, requesting departments, and other staff. 
• Must be able to work well under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of a clinical lab setting and medical terminology preferred.
• Typing and computer experience preferred.
• Valid California Phlebotomy CPT license preferred.