Overview

Job Summary:

Assumes primary responsibility for the oversight of operations of a laboratory department (Micro, Hematology, Blood Bank, Chemistry, Parkway Campus Lab). Performs medical laboratory procedures and protocols as specified in policy and procedure manuals conforming to CAP, TJC, CLIA, and other regulatory guidelines under the direction of the Medical Director of the Laboratory.

Demonstrates through behavior Decatur Morgan Hospital’s mission, vision and values.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions 

A. Performs, with proficiency, medical laboratory tests, procedures and analyses to provide data for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. 

1. Demonstrates acceptable understanding of established policies and procedures within the department as outlined in the procedure manuals and performs the procedures accurately and precisely

2. Demonstrates competency in performing the appropriate type and complexity of the laboratory services provided.

3. Performs proficiency testing with results that consistently fall within the acceptable limits established by CAP

4. Practices infection control procedures for protection of self, patients and others

5. Performs daily and routine maintenance as required and notes any corrective action taken or problems encountered. Documents any unscheduled maintenance and notifies supervisor about it

6. Verifies that quality control values are valid before testing samples

7. Maintains inventory control in assigned department to keep reagents and supplies at optimal levels with minimum waste. Logs reagents as they are received and opened. Discards reagents and supplies at expiration dates and orders as required. Rotates stock routinely to minimize waste. Actively participates in department cost containment programs.

8. Keeps work area clean, neat and disinfected daily

9. Adheres to hospital and laboratory policies for identifying patients, collecting specimens and labeling specimens

10. Shows competence in performing blood collection duties when required.

____ Neonates ____ Pediatric

____ Adult ____ Geriatric

11. Verifies that the proper specimen is being analyzed for the proper patient and for the indicated test procedures. Judges the adequacy of submitted specimens. Performs repeat tests when results are questionable or grossly abnormal and consults with supervisor or pathologist regarding difficult analyses or abnormal findings. Investigates and/or repeats all “panic” and delta values.

12. Regularly demonstrates the ability to coordinate a simultaneous series of tests with accuracy and demonstrates the flexibility to adjust schedule in response to Stat orders and fluctuations in patient workload. Organizes work so that procedures are performed within established turnaround times.

13. Supervises and performs, with proficiency, medical laboratory tests, procedures and analyses to provide data for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.Oversees the operation of assigned department and strives to utilize personnel, equipment, reagents and other resources to their full potential. Establishes a good working relationship with employees under their direction and strives for equality in the treatment of these employees.

14. Demonstrates the ability to assess a situation, consider alternatives and choose an appropriate course of action. Participates in the budget process by assessing instrument needs and recommending cost effective solutions. Keeps lab management informed of departmental issues that need to be addressed in order to assure the smooth operation of the department and to facilitate a continuum of patient care.

15. Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of laboratory testing and recognizes abnormal trends in results. Is skilled in troubleshooting problems when they arise

16. Is proficient in all of the computer functions in the LIS and HIS necessary for performing the duties of a med tech

17. Recognizes and immediately reports any computer malfunction to supervisory personnel or follows the established protocol for reporting and troubleshooting computer problems

18. Enters tests results accurately in the laboratory computer system

19. Strives to remain current with technology of the job and the profession by undergoing retraining, in-services, continuing education programs and independent reading and learning

20. Participates in training students and new employees

21. Displays the knowledge and skills needed to maintain and troubleshoot department instrumentation.

22. Has a thorough knowledge of regulations that affect the department and strives to comply with these regulations

B. Follows required regulatory guidelines and acceptable practices

22. Follows CAP and other regulatory guidelines governing acceptable practice and protocol for laboratory practices. Keeps department current and in compliance with all CAP standards pertinent to procedures, QC, QA and safety measures.

23. Is aware of Patient Safety Goals and strives to meet them

Qualifications

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Experience Required:

Education: 

Bachelor’s or associate degree from an accredited school of Medical Technology -or-

Successfully meets the requirements for “General Supervisor” as specified by CLIA 88 guidelines as amended in 1992 – and –

Has successfully achieved a MLT, MT, MLS or equilivant certification by ASCP, AMT or other nationally recognized certifying agency. A BS degree in Science or Management is desired but not required.

Experience:

Must meet all requirements for “General Supervisor” as specified by CLIA ’88 and have a minimum of 5 years experience working as a MT / MLT in a CAP or TJC accredited laboratory.