Medical Laboratory Technician/Scientist

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)/Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

Position Overview:

The Medical Laboratory technician (MLT) performs laboratory tests and procedures, mostly comprising microscopic, bacteriological, hematological, immunologic and chemical diagnostic tests and analyses on samples of tissue, blood, urine, stool, synovial fluid and semen, among others. They look for critical clues to the absence, presence and extent of the causes and progression of diseases through accurate and efficient lab tests. Physicians and other specialists use the results technicians obtain from tests to make appropriate diagnoses and create treatment plans.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Key Responsibilities:

• Performs patient specimen analysis for diagnostic purposes. 
• Enters all results into the computer system. 
• Brings panic value test results to the attention of the provider, nurse and/or supervisor.  
• Responsible for cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing various equipment and work areas in the laboratory. 
• Maintains laboratory inventory.
• Processes specimens in Hematology, Urinalysis and Chemistry.
• Organizes work by matching computer orders with specimen labeling; sorts specimens; checks labeling; logs specimens; arranges reports for delivery.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Follows standard precautions at all times.
• Operates and maintains equipment correctly and safely, including calibration of instruments.
• Identifies the presence or quantity of drugs of abuse, therapeutic drugs and toxic substances by operating toxicology instrumentation and performing manual methods for the performance of drug screens, blood alcohol levels and carbon monoxide levels.
• Operates hematology, urinalysis and coagulation equipment, performing manual methods of differentials.
• Operates equipment such as the gamma counter, spectrophotometer, densitometer, and through methods such as radioimmunoassay, enzyme immunoassay and serological testing.
• Performs technical procedures for the identification or susceptibility of bacteria, parasites, fungi and mycobacteria.
• Ensure patients receive compatible blood/blood components by completing blood typing, antibody screening, compatibility testing and antibody identification procedures.
• Cleans laboratory glassware, sinks, work benches, autoclave and drying oven, using appropriate solvents, brushes and cloths.
• Uses hospital-approved disinfectants for cleaning.
• Dries appropriate glassware in heating oven before storing in designated areas.
• Uses a simplified balance to weigh chemicals.
• Responsible for inventory of reagents and supplies in the laboratory, reports needed supplies to the Chief Technologist.
• Responsible for specimen processing, test performance and reporting of test results. 
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Always follows standard precautions and follows OSHA requirements.
• Operates and maintains equipment correctly and safely, including calibration of instruments.
• Cleans laboratory glassware, sinks and work benches using appropriate solvents and/or disinfectants.
• Uses hospital approved disinfectants for cleaning.
• Responsible for inventory of reagents and supplies in the laboratory, reports needed supplies to the Laboratory Manager.
• Initiates the meeting of responsibilities without prompting.
• Demonstrates the values of team concept on a consistent basis.
• Communicates verbally in a clear and concise manner.
• Submits suggestions to improve the laboratory’s efficiency.
• Interacts with laboratory personnel in a professional manner.
• Performs clerical work; can input and retrieve lab results in the computer system.
• Interacts with laboratory staff in a professional manner.
• Performs clerical work; ability input and retrieve lab results in the computer system.

McKenzie Health reserves the right to assign, reassign, or eliminate duties and responsibilities as necessary. The description of critical job features is not exhaustive and may change as deemed appropriate.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to sit at a computer terminal for extended periods
• Able to see details of objects that are more than a few feet away, and to see differences in color, shade, and brightness. Close vision is required for computer work
• Able to make repetitive movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates knowledge of expected lab results for the infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

• Associate’s degree in science, preferred.
• Previous experience as CMLT preferred.
• Fluent in Phlebotomy preferred, willing to train.

Licenses and Certifications:

• ASCP/AMT or equivalent certification as Medical Laboratory Technician
• Licensed as MLT by the state.

McKenzie Health is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.