Medical Technologist

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Technical Supervisor, provides ancillary support for clinical activities by performance and appropriate interpretation of moderate and high complexity clinical laboratory tests as defined under CLIA ‘88.

After specialized training and required experience, performs moderate and high complexity tests and interprets them.

Acts as a resource and interprets tests for laboratory users in a manner consistent with level of training and knowledge.

Reviews testing and/or procedures performed by other staff to maintain compliance with regulatory agencies as required when deemed qualified to do so by the section supervisor.

Prioritizes STAT and routine samples.

Ensures accurate specimen identification and specimen labeling consistent with section and departmental standard operating procedure.

Ensures appropriateness of sample for requested testing, obtains approval for testing which deviates from standard operating procedure and follows up with notification to patient care unit and documentation in LIS.

Ensures sample testing is performed within the defined time periods for each test type based on specimen viability as outlined in departmental and section specific policies and procedures.

Initiates appropriate action and documents steps taken to resolve mislabeled/unlabeled or inappropriate specimens in a manner consistent with Departmental Policies and Procedures.

Informs/alerts other laboratory sections about patient identification or medical record number problems, and special specimen requirements.

Ensures that prepared samples are stored according to standard operating procedure (e.g. refrigerated, frozen, incubated).

Ensures aliquotting and processing of specimens is performed within established time limits for each test.

Accessions for all required tests according to standard operating procedure as needed.

Performs instrument and equipment maintenance as defined by each section's policy and procedures.

Recognizes instrument, equipment or methodology problems and/or discrepancies and brings them, with documentation, to Assistant Supervisor or Manager’s attention in a timely manner. In management absence, notifies coworkers of relevant equipment issues, and includes the information in shift change hand-off.

Performs QC procedures and assesses Quality Control data according to section policy and procedures.

Recognizes technical and non-technical problems/discrepancies in laboratory operations and brings these problems/discrepancies to Assistant Supervisor or Manager’s attention. In management absence, notifies coworkers of relevant technical issues, and includes information in shift change hand-off.

Performs analytic testing and assesses the validity of their results according to departmental and section policy and procedures.

Maintains and provides clear, concise, accurate and legible records of test performance. Examples include, but are not limited to, electronic work cards, manual type and screen, communication logs, problem logs, and/or other written documentation.

Reviews patient results, recognizes problems and/or discrepancies. Investigates and performs additional testing to resolve problematic patient test results to the extent possible, documents involved activities and notifies Assistant Supervisor or Manager.

Transcribes results/information with accuracy into LIS system per LIS policy, including for critical alert values, corrected reports, cancellations and/or other required documentation.

Appends appropriate coded comments as required by section standard operating procedures and LIS policy and procedure.

Reviews entered LIS codes as required by section standard operating procedures for transcription accuracy prior to completing processing or reporting test results.

Notifies appropriate person of all Critical Alert Values and required call back of results according to department/section procedures, including SQ PL 1 Sunquest Patient Locations Codes Phone List. Provides documentation of Critical Alert Values in LIS as required.

Maintains proficiency for…