LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST - MICROBIOLOGY

Job Summary/Overall Objectives

The Laboratory Technologist will demonstrate multiple analytical and judgment skills and knowledge of clinical laboratory science to provide accurate, timely results. The incumbent uses high complexity methods and instrumentation and will work independently in multiple areas of the laboratory.

 Essential Job Functions

• Procure, prepare and process specimen using various approved techniques and procedures.
• Perform phlebotomy in accordance with established procedures and in a manner consistent with customer service needs and expectations.
• Receive specimens into the LIS, verifies orders, understands priorities and communicates all pertinent information.
• Validate test orders, appropriateness of specimen and ensure required documentation is present.
• Process and organize specimens using standard precautions, maintaining specimen integrity and identity.
• Recognize, resolve and document specimen tracking and integrity issues.
• Utilize specimen rejection and irretrievable specimen policies to document specimen issues.
• Validate and research unusual reference test orders, arrange proper specimen collection, and ensure that documentation is complete and information effectively communicated.
• Package specimens for transport according to regulations and established protocol.
• Prepare appropriate quantity of reagents and consumables in accordance with section guidelines; maintains reagents to maximize stability and shelf-life.
• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance; anticipate problem situations and take preventative action to avoid delay of patient care.
• Maintain supplies at adequate levels to support operations, monitoring utilization and reporting unusual situations to supervisor.
• Perform low, moderate and high complexity technical assays, evaluate and interpret results forming conclusions requiring a high level of judgment.
• Determine and validate appropriate instrument settings and making adjustments as needed.
• Demonstrate competency on all instrumentation and methods in assigned work areas.
• Perform laboratory tests in assigned area, using established protocols and with an awareness of accuracy, method sensitivity, specificity, and turn-around-time and cost management.
• Assess test methods for procedural validity and testing accuracy, re-evaluating patient data for validity when instrument or methodology malfunctions are suspected.
• Perform and document all quality control, maintenance and variances.
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the test methods and procedures in two or more laboratory sections, and show an understanding of the correlation of patient results to the overall clinical picture.
• Identify, investigate and resolve questionable test orders and/or results through correlation of disease state/diagnosis and patient history.
• Assess specimen integrity, validity and identification; recognize abnormal, unusual, or problem situations, and correlate patient laboratory results when specimens are suboptimal.
• Correlate patient data with other clinical information to assess the possibility of inconsistent orders or results.
• Participate in a quality management system to include quality control and assurance of laboratory testing, competency assessment and appropriate utilization of laboratory services.
• Compose correlation studies, QC reports, and maintain monthly logs.
• Evaluate quality control data to assist the supervisor in the assessment of accuracy, reproducibility and validity of methods.
• Participate in section readiness to meet CAP, JCAHO, OSHA and DOH compliance.
• Utilize HIS as needed for patient or test order information, and to process supply or work orders.
• Utilize functions of LIS to accession, receive, result and monitor functions related to patient testing.
• Participate in initial and monthly validation of LIS and instrument interfaces.
• Evaluate laboratory data to assess the need for recollection of the specimen.
• Correlate patient laboratory results to suspect pathological state, and recognizes the need for follow-up or reflex testing.
• Redirect testing to appropriate backup or secondary test methods and seeks to resolve primary testing issues.
• Interact with healthcare providers to interpret laboratory results within the framework of medical technology.
• Answer inquiries from other healthcare providers concerning test appropriateness, quality, accuracy and procedural requirements.
• Assist in the evaluation and development of new methods/instruments.
• Recommend process improvements to workflow and assist in implementation of changes to improve operation.
• Report and document critical values and read back verifications according to policy.
• Adhere to laboratory and section specific Environmental Control Plan.
• When appropriate, enter reflex testing codes into LIS to generate billing.
• Retain records of instrument printouts and specimens according to policy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competency and Experience [Knowledge, Skills and Abilities]

Required Qualifications/Experience

• Associate of Science or higher-level degree from an accredited institution in chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology, OR,
• Equivalent laboratory training and experience meeting the requirements defined by CLIA 88 for individuals performing high complexity testing.
• Knowledge of Medical terminology and laboratory information system.
• Functional skills in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

• Prior experience within a clinical laboratory.

License, Certification & Clearances

• ASCP preferred.
• Act 33 clearance with renewal.
• Act 34 clearance with renewal.
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between System locations.

 Equal Employment Opportunity

Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Disclaimer

 This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Work EnvironmentEffective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Essential – Absolute Necessity.

Marginal – Minimal Necessity.

Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.

Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.

Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.

Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.

 

Physical Condition

Essential

Marginal

Constantly

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

Extreme Heat

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

Extreme Cold

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

Heights

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

Confined Spaces

X

 

 

X

 

 

 

Extreme Noise(>85dB)

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

Mechanical Hazards

X

 

 

X

 

 

 

Use of Vibrating Tools

X

 

 

 

X

 

 

Operates Vehicle

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

Operates Heavy Equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

Rotates All Shifts

X

 

 

X

 

 

 

8 Hours Shifts

X

 

 

X

 

 

 

10-12 Hours Shifts

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

On-Call

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk)

X

 

 

 

X

 

 

Travel Between Sites

 

X

 

 

X

 

 

Direct Patient Care

X

 

 

 

X

 

 

Respirator Protective Equipment

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

Eye Protection

X

 

 

X

 

 

 

Head Protection (hard hat)

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

Hearing Protection

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

Hand Protection

X

 

X

 

 

 

 

Feet, Toe Protection

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

Body Protection

X

 

X

 

 

 

 

Latex Exposure

X

 

X

 

 

 

 

Solvent Exposure

 

X

 

 

X

 

 

Paint (direct use) Exposure

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

Dust (sanding) Exposure

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

Ethylene Oxide Exposure

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

Blood/Body Fluid Exposure

X

 

X

 

 

 

 

Chemicals (direct use) Exposure

 

X

 

 

X

 

 

Mist Exposure

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

Wax Stripper (direct use)

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

Non-Ionizing Radiation Exposure

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

Ionizing Radiation Exposure

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

Laser Exposure

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Essential – Absolute Necessity.

Marginal – Minimal Necessity.

Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.

Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.

Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.

Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.

Physical Condition

Essential

Marginal

Constantly

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

Bending (Stooping)

X

 

 

 

X

 

 

Sitting

X

 

 

X

 

 

 

Walking

X

 

 

X

 

 

 

Climbing Stairs

X

 

 

X

 

 

 

Climbing Ladders

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

Standing

X

 

X

 

 

 

 

Kneeling

X

 

 

 

X

 

 

Squatting (Crouching)

X

 

 

 

X

 

 

Twisting/Turning

X

 

 

 

X

 

 

Keyboard/Computer Operation

X

 

X

 

 

 

 

Gross Grasp

X

 

 

X

 

 

 

Fine Finger Manipulation

X

 

X

 

 

 

 

Hand/Arm Coordination

X

 

X

 

 

 

 

Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force)

X

 

 

 

X

 

 

Carry

X

 

 

 

X

 

 

Transfer/Push/Pull Patients

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

Seeing Near w/Acuity

X

 

X

 

 

 

 

Feeling (Sensation)

X

 

 

 

X

 

 

Color Vision

X

 

 

 

X

 

 

Hearing Clearly

X

 

 

 

X

 

 

Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

Reaching Above Shoulder Level

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

Reaching Forward

 

X

 

 

 

X

 

Lifting Floor to Knuckle

X

 

 

 

25#

 

 

Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle

X

 

 

 

 

10#

 

Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder

X

 

 

 

 

10#

 

Lifting Shoulder to Overhead

X

 

 

 

 

10#

 

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.