Overview

Job Summary:

To perform 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. Logs reagents as they are received and opened. Discards reagents and supplies at expiration dates and notifies supervisor. Rotates stock routinely to minimize waste

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

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. 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

14. Demonstrates the ability to assess a situation, consider alternatives and choose an appropriate course of action

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 

B. Follows required regulatory guidelines and acceptable practices

21. Follows CAP and other regulatory guidelines governing acceptable practice and protocol for laboratory practices

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

Qualifications

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Experience Required:

1. Education: Associates degree from an accredited school of Medical Technology -or-

2. Successfully meets the requirements for “Testing Personnel” as specified by CLIA 88 guidelines as amended in 1992 – and –

3. Successfully achieved a MLT or equilivant certification by ASCP, AMT or other nationally recognized certifying agency within one year of employment.

4. MLT’s with less than two years experience must have all results released reviewed by a Med Tech meeting CLIA 88 General Supervisor criteria within 24 hours.

5. A MLT hired prior to 2009 meeting CLIA 88 Testing Personnel requirements, but not passing their certification exam, can continue working as a MLT / MT Provisional but isn’t allowed to perform diagnostic Blood Bank procedures.

Experience:

Must meet all requirements for “Testing Personnel” as specified by CLIA ’88.