Medical Technologist - Microbiology

Position Summary: Under the general supervision of the Laboratory Manager, independently performs a variety of clinical assays and the associated supporting work for use in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Perform start-up, maintenance, and troubleshooting procedures on the instruments and laboratory equipment. Perform quality control and quality assurance procedures as required. Report results via computer. Utilize the department’s protocols and procedures to perform responsibilities including: specimen processing, culture workup, and STAT testing. May specialize in areas such as mycobacteriology, mycology, or parasitology. Will participate in the training of new colleagues as needed. Coverage includes rotating weekends and holidays.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities including but are not limited to:

Test Performance

• Verify sample identification, acceptability of sample, and appropriateness of order according to written procedures.

• Handle each specimen according to written procedure and perform follow-up procedures on rejected samples according to protocol.

• Demonstrate ability to prioritize work by completing assignments according to written procedures without excessive waste within established turnaround times.

• Recognize and evaluate unusual or unreasonable results. Consult with manager or appropriate personnel about abnormal findings, unusual combinations or difficult analyses.

• Record laboratory results (observations/interpretations/calculations) on worksheets, verify results are entered into the laboratory computer system correctly, and report STAT and critical values according to protocol.

• Perform and document required QC/QA procedures according to established protocols. Interpret results to determine existing or potential out of control situations. Notify manager and/or QC coordinator.

• Perform surveys by testing, recording, and reporting results accurately.

• Perform scheduled maintenance and required documentation on instruments and equipment. Notify manager and/or PM coordinator of unresolved problems.

• Assist as appropriate in teaching laboratory techniques to new colleagues and students.

Fiscal Management

• Contribute to department goal of optimization of resources and revenue enhancement.

• Maintain appropriate inventory.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Baccalaureate degree including laboratory internship at an institution certified by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) Or Associates degree including laboratory internship at an institution certified by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) with a minimum of ten years full-time experience as a staff medical laboratory technician.

Licensure, Certification, Registration: Eligible for certification by American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) Board of Registry or by American Medical Technologists (AMT) for Medical Laboratory personnel.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities: Knowledge of clinical tests and standards necessary to perform complex tests and accurately report result.

• Analytic ability to perform complex tests, interpret findings, perform calculations, calibrate instruments, etc.

• Ability to identify and evaluate clinical testing problems and to effect corrective action procedures and modifications.

• Ability to concentrate for long periods of time, utilize good judgment, work accurately under pressure and handle stress to meet deadlines.

• Manual dexterity and acuity necessary to prepare specimens, prepare solutions, screen specimens, and operate instrumentation and a computer.

• Interpersonal verbal and written English language skills sufficient to exchange information with physicians and other colleagues.

• Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.

Experience: Laboratory internship at an institution certified by NAACLS or related experience necessary to qualify to take certification exam.