Medical Laboratory Technician

SUMMARY:

Performs basic clinical tests for the detection diagnosis of disease. All essential functions performed in this position reflect the age specific needs of the patients. Refers unusual situations to Medical Technologist or Manager for clarification and/or guidance in handling.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Demonstrates understanding of Hospital's mission, vision, and values.
Demonstrates understanding of job description, performance expectations, and competency assessment plan.
Demonstrates a commitment toward meeting and exceeding the needs of our customers and consistently adheres to our Customer Service Standards.
Complies with department and hospital policies and procedures:
- Reviews policies and procedures
- Reviews employee handbook
Completes mandatory safety management education.
- Hospital-wide
- Department-specific
- Job-specific
Participates in departmental and/or interdepartmental quality improvement activities.
Informs appropriate health care provider of unusual test results on discovery.
Notifies physician or other health care provider of unusual delays in testing capability.
Operates mechanical and/or semi-automated equipment when required, participates in QC procedures and equipment maintenance.
Assists in maintaining laboratory readiness, may include cleaning, preparing work area and instruments and stocking supplies.
Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment, glassware, instruments, workbenches, etc.
SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS:
Phlebotomy:
Receives patient specimens and correlates information with the patient specimen and patient history file for proper patient identification.
Verifies sample information and acceptability upon receipt. Performs routine clinical and microscopic test slides from tissue specimens as directed.
Utilizes effective sterile technique when processing, to avoid contamination.
Performs blood collection on:
- Neonates
- Children
- Adults
Disposes of venipuncture materials in a manner that provides a safe environment for patients, visitors and employees.
Correctly labels all specimens.
LIS Computer Skills:
Demonstrates ability to enter/edit patient requisitions.
Demonstrates ability to enter/edit patient test orders.
Demonstrates capabilities to enter/edit patient test results on manual or non-interfaced procedures.
Documents edited report changes appropriately.
Operates current I.S. system.
Hematology - performs the following:
Blood counts. - operates analyzer appropriately.
Cell morphology.
Cell differntiation.
Sedimentation rates.
Reticulocyte counts.
Clotting studies.
Blood Bankmmunology - performs the following:
Assists in the preparation of fresh frozen plasma, platelets, cryoprecipitate, and dispenses for transfusion.
Blood group and Rh type.
Antibody screen.
Identifies antibodies, if present.
Determines Rh immune globulin eligibility - pre and post partum.
Infant cord blood tests.
Verifies blood type of blood units received from RIBC.
Processes compatability testing between patient and donor. Selects appropriate donor units.
Performs serologic testing for infectious diseases.
Performs quality control procedures.
Microbiology - performs the following:
Gram stains/special stains - attain proficiency.
Inoculates patient culture specimens on appropriate media.
Identifies bacteria microscopically on slide.
Perform rapid E.I.A antigen tests accurately.
Operate automated blood culture instrument.
Operates STAT PCR tests.
Chemistry - performs the following:
Coagulation studies - attain proficiency.
Routine chemistry analysis of blood and body fluids on the current analyzers - attain proficiency.
Quality control procedures as required within 2 SD.
Demonstrates proficiency in minor instrument repair.
Calibrates instruments as required to ensure proper operation of equipment.
SAFETY:
Utilizes appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing, i.e. gowns, goggles/face-shield, gloves, and pipetting devices.
Practices aseptic technique and infection control procedures.
Stores flammables as appropriate.
Adheres to reagent and chemical cautionary label instructions or refers to SDS sheets.
Maintains a clean and safe environment through appropriate work area decontamination and specimen disposal.
PROFICIENCY TESTING:
Performs external proficiency testing when requested and obtains satisfactory results.
Adheres to Proficiency Testing Policy #10 (Laboratory CLIA Manual).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Completion of Associates degree in a lab science such as chemical, physical, biological, clinical laboratory science, medical technology or closely related field or equivalent education and experience as defined by CLIA standards.

CREDENTIALS:
National certification by ASCP or equivalent in any of the offered categories such as Medical Laboratory Science/Technician, Medical Technology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Hematology, or any other recognized categorical certifications.
OR
Eligible for national certification with laboratory training including completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES, NAACLS, or other organization approved by HHS.
OR
Previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist as defined by CLIA standards for testing personnel.
The ability to operate equipment and instruments, to perform all procedures and tests within one or more laboratory sections and to interpret them for accuracy.
Ability necessary to conduct and interpret tests.
Ability to recognize laboratory safety risks and follow related safety precautions to minimize dangers.
Interpersonal skills to provide for effective customer relations.
Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

EXPERIENCE:
Twelve months of clinical laboratory experience. Supervised clinical laboratory internship may be substituted for experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of and physical ability to operate equipment, use instruments and perform basic laboratory procedures and tests. The knowledge, physical and visual dexterity necessary to conduct and interpret clinical laboratory tests accurately up level of responsibility.
The physical ability to work standing, or at laboratory benches, and to lift supplies, etc.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Healthcare environment such as acute care hospitals, physicians' offices and ancillary healthcare enterprises. Laboratory may contain infectious material, toxins and other hazardous substances. Any hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety procedures and precautions.
Ability to operate equipment and instruments and to perform all procedures and tests within assigned laboratory section and interpret them for accuracy. Physical and visual dexterity necessary to conduct and interpret tests. Physical ability to stand and work at benches. Visual strain is encountered while closely examining specimens. Regularly required to stand and to lift and carry supplies, etc. Rotational on-call assignment may be required.

Pay Range:

EEO Statement:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

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Driving Required: