Medical Laboratory Technician

JOB SUMMARY

A Medical Laboratory Technician is a professional, multi-skilled person trained to assist in molecular clinical and microbiology testing under the supervision and responsibility of the Lab Technical Supervisor and Lab Director. Competence in the field also requires a Medical Laboratory Technician to adhere to ethical and legal standards of professional practice, recognize and respond to emergencies, and demonstrate professional characteristics.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify self verbally and by wearing name badge at all times while on duty. 
• Under the supervision and responsibility of the Technical Supervisor and Lab Director, a Medical Laboratory Technician, may undertake the following clinical duties:
• DNA/RNA sample extraction.
• Independently perform PCR runs, analyze data, and prepare technical reports according to standard operating procedures.
• Prepare samples, generate libraries, and operate next generation sequencing instruments.
• Accurately and comprehensively document all experimental details.
• Identify, report, and troubleshoot procedural deviations and out of specification results.
• Organize samples/specimens, maintain inventory, and update specimen database.
• Prepare buffers and reagents.
• Maintain and calibrate instruments and/or equipment.
• Follow the laboratory procedures for specimen handling and processing.
• Adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies and documents quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and maintenance performed.
• Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and immediately notify a supervisor or physician*.
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.
• Replenish supplies as appropriate, notifying supervisor of supplies that need to be ordered.
• Dispose of biomedical waste in accordance with standards.
• Obtain and record patient vital statistics or other health information. Ensure the identification of the patient. Verify name and MCC # with requisition or appointment schedule, ensure labels are printed for all tests ordered.  
• Organize work and handle workload efficiently; organize an effective and efficient response to optimize productivity.  
• Enter physician directed and documented diagnostic orders into the approved EMR Order Entry system. Complete fax orders as needed and document confirmation of sent and received diagnostic orders.
• Maintain safety procedures. Suggest ways to solve safety/health problems. Uses appropriate safety equipment (i.e. safety needles, sharps containers, Personal Protective Equipment/PPE). Decontaminate/sterilizes work area at end of day as needed.
• Be proficient with standard concepts, practices and procedures within the medical field.
• Anticipate departmental needs and improve office efficiency by assisting other staff as necessary.
• Answer patient questions in a friendly and professional manner; direct requests appropriately and efficiently.
• Answer calls and respond to voice mail in a timely manner. 
• Perform other duties as assigned accurately and willingly. 

CORPORATE CULTURE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Follow established corporate and department-specific policies and procedures.
• Attend all corporate and department-specific required training.
• Uphold MCC’s Purpose, Values, and Vision.
• Abide by MCC’s Corporate Culture Responsibilities. 
• Perform other duties as may be assigned cheerfully and willingly.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, or related field required.
• Minimum 1 year experience in high complexity clinical laboratory testing required. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Familiar with the appropriate medical terminology used in a laboratory setting.
• Familiar with equipment and instruments used in a high-complexity laboratory setting.
• Displays customer services skills, strong interpersonal skills, close attention to detail, and excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Be a person of integrity and character, willing to embrace change and make a positive impact in the lives of patients and co-workers.
• Ability to work with staff members at all levels of the organization in a cooperative, team-oriented manner.
• Displays computer proficiency (i.e. PC windows and MS Office environment) and ability to quickly learn new applications.
• Proficient in use of English language both in written and verbal communication.
• Must be able to communicate with individuals of varying socio-economic backgrounds.  
• Good visual acuity, including color discrimination, is required.
• Ability to work in hazardous and biohazardous areas.
• Ability to work in an area in close proximity to other employees.
• Displays ability of giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Professional demeanor and recognition of privacy considerations for patients and families.
• Must be able to accurately prioritize multiple tasks.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Strength (Lift/Carry/Push/Pull): Exerting up to 10 pounds of force routinely.
• Standing/Walking: Frequently; activity exists up to 50% of the time.
• Keyboarding/Dexterity: Frequently; activity exists up to 75% of the time.
• Ability to look at a computer screen for extended periods.
• Ability to perform constant repetitive hands and finger motions.
• Ability to work in various positions (standing, sitting, bending, and walking) for extended/long periods of time.
• Talking (Must be able to effectively communicate verbally): Yes
• Seeing: Yes
• Hearing: Yes

EMOTIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Must exhibit stable work behaviors daily.
• Must possess adequate individual coping skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional regardless of workload or time constraints.   
• Must be able to work under stress and remain calm and professional.    

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Exposed to frequent and constant interruptions in daily functions/schedule.  
• Must be available to customers and staff throughout the day.  
• May be required to work extended hours to meet department needs.
• Clinical/Medical practice office operations.