Lab Tech in Maquoketa, Iowa at Jackson County Regional Health Center

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) or Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) is to perform complex laboratory tests and procedures on patient specimens to assist in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. The MLT/MLS is responsible for analyzing samples, interpreting test results, and ensuring the quality and accuracy of laboratory data. By utilizing advanced laboratory equipment and adhering to strict safety and quality protocols, the MLT/MLS play a crucial role in supporting clinical decisions and ensuring patient care.

Essential Job Functions

• Identification and Collection of Laboratory Specimens: Properly identifies patients and samples during the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testing. Collects, processes, and handles blood and/or other biological specimens according to established procedures; instructs patients in the proper collection of samples. May draw blood from patient's finger or vein observing principles of asepsis to obtain blood samples.
• Performing Laboratory Tests: Conduct routine and complex laboratory tests on various biological specimens (e.g., blood, urine, stool) to diagnose diseases or conditions. Performs blood counts using microscope. Conducts blood tests for transfusion purposes.
• Data Analysis and Interpretation: Analyze and interpret laboratory results to provide accurate and reliable data for use by physicians and healthcare teams in diagnosing and treating patients.
• Quality Control and Assurance: Ensure that laboratory equipment and test processes meet established quality control standards. Performs, evaluates and documents calibration and quality control ensuring validity and accuracy; resolves issues as needed.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and detailed records of test results and other pertinent laboratory activities. Generate reports for physicians, patients, and other healthcare professionals.
• Follows Infection Control Protocols: Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
• Compliance with Regulations: Adhere to safety standards, laboratory policies, and regulatory requirements, including those set by Joint Commission, CLIA, and CMS.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Data Analysis and Interpretation: Analyze test results and interpret data to provide accurate and reliable results for physicians and other healthcare professionals. Ensure the timely delivery of test results to healthcare providers to facilitate patient care.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare team members to ensure accurate specimen collection, processing, and interpretation of results. Provide consultative advice on laboratory test selection and interpretation as needed.
• Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting: Ensure the proper operation and maintenance of laboratory instruments, including troubleshooting any equipment malfunctions or failures. Regularly inspect laboratory equipment and perform preventative maintenance to reduce downtime and ensure accurate test results.
• Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels of laboratory reagents, supplies, and equipment, and order new materials as needed to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations. Maintain proper storage conditions for reagents and supplies, ensuring all items are properly labeled and within their expiration date.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Competencies Comprehensive understanding of clinical laboratory procedures, techniques, and protocols. In-depth knowledge of laboratory instrumentation and their proper use, calibration, and maintenance. Understanding of quality control and quality assurance processes to ensure accurate and reliable test results. Familiarity with laboratory accreditation processes and maintaining compliance with internal and external audits. High attention to detail to ensure accuracy and precision in laboratory results. Ability to follow complex protocols and procedures with precision. Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tests and projects simultaneously while prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Ability to work well in a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with physicians, laboratory technicians, and other healthcare professionals. Supervisory Responsibility Medical Laboratory Scientists with supervisory responsibilities typically have a range of duties that include both clinical and administrative tasks. Here are some key supervisory responsibilities: Communicates effectively and professionally with physicians, nurses, other medical personnel, patients, and families. Acts as a resource for laboratory medicine information to providers and others Materials Responsibility Medical Laboratory Scientists have significant responsibilities when it comes to managing the materials used in the laboratory. Proper handling, inventory, and disposal of materials are critical to ensuring laboratory efficiency, accuracy, and safety. Key Relationships Co- workers/JCRHC Employees, Outside Agencies/Other Health Care Providers, General Public/Visitors/Volunteers, Physicians/Medical Office Staff, Students/Interns/Residents/Outside Instructors, Patients, Families, and Significant Others, Auditors/Review Agencies Position Specifications Education Minimally a 2-year college program or equivalent experience. Field of Study Chemical, biological, or clinical laboratory science or medical technology Meets qualifications for testing personnel performing high complexity testing as specified in C.L.I.A. Subpart M. Sec. 493.1491. Special Training Dependent Adult/Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training within timelines established in the Licensure, Registration, Certification and Life Saving training policy. Minimum of 24 hours of medical lab tech courses or 6 hours chemistry and 6 hours biology and 12 hours chemistry, biology or medical lab tech. Dependent Adult/Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training within timelines established in the Licensure, Registration, Certification and Life Saving training policy. Training Preferred Basic Life Support Licensure / Registration Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) or categorical/specialist certification in a laboratory discipline from ASCP or certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) from HEW or AMT or completion of a Military training course as a Medical Laboratory Specialist. Experience 1 year experience preferred but not required. Interpersonal Skills Interaction is with a variety of people inside and outside the organization. Communications are of moderate difficulty and sensitivity. Contact with others may involve detailed & lengthy dialogues & exchanges of information. Requires a moderate amount of interpersonal skills. Interactions involve dealing with moderately complicated problem situations or stressful encounters. Working Conditions: There is exposure to moderately adverse and undesirable environmental conditions. There are some health and safety risks. Position may require safety equipment and precautions. The amounts of time the employee may experience these moderate conditions exceed 70% of their work day. Possible Exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens Yes Service Excellence Expectations Adheres to the “Values and Behavior Statement” of Jackson County Regional Health Center. Adheres to HIPAA and maintains confidentiality as relates to all patient and medical information. Works in a safe manner at all times and adheres to our safety programs and service expectations.