Job Description

Under direct supervision, assists Medical Laboratory Scientist by performing routine laboratory support duties and approved testing in any one of various specialized laboratories throughout UMMS: Immunology, Rapid Response (Chemistry/Hematology), Blood Bank, Microbiology, Virology, Molecular Diagnostics, Shock Trauma Stat Lab and Immunogenetics in accordance with departmental procedures and regulations stipulated by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Reviews quality control for acceptability while performing testing and notifies medical technologist or histotechnologist before accepting and reporting test results.
2. Evaluates results and specimen integrity based on department and testing guidelines.
3. Troubleshoots and solves instrument problems with some assistance from Medical Laboratory Scientists.
4. Performs waived to moderate complexity testing such as serologic detection, latex agglutination slide test, complete blood counts, etc. as approved by supervisor in accordance to departmental guidelines.
5. Resolves specimen problems such as incorrect labeling, different name on the requisition. Identifies where the origin of specimens and documents all information for quality assurance purposes. Assures that specimens are processed in a timely and efficient manner meeting department standards. Ensures that the resulting specimen information is accurate and correct.
6. Processes (centrifuges, aliquots and performs other special handling procedures for specimens) and delivers specimens to specific laboratories as required. Saves or preserves specimens as needed in refrigerator, freezer, incubator, dry ice or other storage as appropriate.
7. Answers telephones and responds to customer inquiries and requests. Solves customer complaints/issues and follows through with appropriate documentation.
8. Communicates test results, test descriptions, etc. Assures a high level of customer satisfaction by communicating and responding to a variety of internal and external customers in a professional and courteous manner.
9. Reviews and acts on test pending list.
10. Performs specimen management tasks according to testing protocol and instrument requirement.
11. Processes Add-On testing according to departmental procedures.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

1. High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required. Additional credit hours in biology and/or chemistry at an accredited institution are preferred.
2. Minimum of Two (2) years of work experience as at a Clinical Laboratory Assistant I (CLA I) position or equivalent experience in clinical or hospital setting required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Basic computer skills are required which would be used in a laboratory setting.
2. Effective verbal and written communication skills are required.
3. Ability to handle potentially infectious materials, such as blood and body fluid specimens, observing proper safety regulations and procedures.
4. Ability to perform mathematical and statistical operations for recording and evaluating lab results.
5. Demonstration of strong customer service skills and independent analytical problem solving is a must.
6. Must be able to perform duties accurately and with attention to detail.
7. Must possess the skills required for proper specimen collection, including patient preparation, if applicable, labeling, handling, preservation, fixation, processing or preparation, transportation, and storage of specimens.
8. Must possess skills required to maintain standard testing processes, preventative instrument maintenance, instrument calibration and test calibration and trouble-shooting of instruments and results data.
9. Must possess a working understanding of reagent stability, quality control, and ability to assess and verify patient test results upon receiving instruction

Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

1. Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
2. Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.
3. Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.