Laboratory Technologist

Job Summary

The Laboratory Technologist will play a critical role in providing accurate and timely laboratory results. This position requires a strong understanding of clinical laboratory science and the ability to work independently in multiple areas of the laboratory.

Key Responsibilities

• Procure, prepare, and process specimens using various approved techniques and procedures.
• Perform phlebotomy in accordance with established procedures and customer service needs.
• Receive specimens into the Laboratory Information System (LIS), verify orders, and communicate pertinent information.
• Validate test orders, specimen appropriateness, and ensure required documentation is present.
• Process and organize specimens using standard precautions, maintaining specimen integrity and identity.
• Recognize, resolve, and document specimen tracking and integrity issues.
• Utilize specimen rejection and irretrievable specimen policies to document specimen issues.
• Validate and research unusual reference test orders, arrange proper specimen collection, and ensure documentation is complete and information effectively communicated.
• Package specimens for transport according to regulations and established protocol.
• Prepare appropriate quantities of reagents and consumables in accordance with section guidelines, maintaining reagents to maximize stability and shelf-life.
• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance, anticipating problem situations and taking preventative action to avoid delay of patient care.
• Maintain supplies at adequate levels to support operations, monitoring utilization and reporting unusual situations to supervisor.
• Perform low, moderate, and high complexity technical assays, evaluate and interpret results, forming conclusions requiring a high level of judgment.
• Determine and validate appropriate instrument settings, making adjustments as needed.
• Demonstrate competency on all instrumentation and methods in assigned work areas.
• Perform laboratory tests in assigned areas, using established protocols and with an awareness of accuracy, method sensitivity, specificity, and turn-around-time and cost management.
• Assess test methods for procedural validity and testing accuracy, re-evaluating patient data for validity when instrument or methodology malfunctions are suspected.
• Perform and document all quality control, maintenance, and variances.
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of test methods and procedures in two or more laboratory sections, and show an understanding of the correlation of patient results to the overall clinical picture.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve questionable test orders and/or results through correlation of disease state/diagnosis and patient history.
• Assess specimen integrity, validity, and identification; recognize abnormal, unusual, or problem situations, and correlate patient laboratory results when specimens are suboptimal.
• Correlate patient data with other clinical information to assess the possibility of inconsistent orders or results.
• Participate in a quality management system to include quality control and assurance of laboratory testing, competency assessment, and appropriate utilization of laboratory services.
• Compose correlation studies, QC reports, and maintain monthly logs.
• Evaluate quality control data to assist the supervisor in the assessment of accuracy, reproducibility, and validity of methods.
• Participate in section readiness to meet CAP, JCAHO, OSHA, and DOH compliance.
• Utilize the Hospital Information System (HIS) as needed for patient or test order information, and to process supply or work orders.
• Utilize functions of LIS to accession, receive, result, and monitor functions related to patient testing.
• Participate in initial and monthly validation of LIS and instrument interfaces.
• Evaluate laboratory data to assess the need for recollection of the specimen.
• Correlate patient laboratory results to suspect pathological state, and recognizes the need for follow-up or reflex testing.
• Redirect testing to appropriate backup or secondary test methods and seeks to resolve primary testing issues.
• Interact with healthcare providers to interpret laboratory results within the framework of medical technology.
• Answer inquiries from other healthcare providers concerning test appropriateness, quality, accuracy, and procedural requirements.
• Assist in the evaluation and development of new methods/instruments.
• Recommend process improvements to workflow and assist in implementation of changes to improve operation.
• Report and document critical values and read back verifications according to policy.
• Adhere to laboratory and section-specific Environmental Control Plan.
• When appropriate, enter reflex testing codes into LIS to generate billing.
• Retain records of instrument printouts and specimens according to policy.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology.
• Associate degree from an accredited institution in a laboratory science (chemical or biological science) or medical laboratory technology.
• Equivalent laboratory training and experience meeting the requirements defined by CLIA 88 for individuals performing high complexity testing.
• Knowledge of Medical terminology and laboratory information system.
• Functional skills in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience within a clinical laboratory.
• ASCP certification.

License, Certification & Clearances

• Act 153 with renewal.
• See above qualifications for certifications/licensure.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).

AAP/EEO

• Excela Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• It is the policy of Excela Health to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, non-job-related disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other protected class.
• Excela Health will conform to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
• Ability to perform the Essential Functions listed on the Physical Conditions and ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Working Condition chart below.
• Actively promotes a Lean work culture by performing team member duties to encourage consistent use of LEAN principles and processes, including continually seeking work process improvements.
• Recognizes the necessity of taking ownership of one's own motivation, morale, performance, and professional development. Strives for behavior consistent with being committed to Excela's missions, vision, and values.

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