Casual Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician

Qualifications

• Certification as an MLT with the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) or Medical Laboratory Professionals' Association of Ontario (MLPAO), or has successfully completed relevant courses equivalent to the standards required
• Knowledge and understanding of medical terminology
• Clerical and computer skills required
• Successful completion of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Course (on the job training provided)
• Dependable, co-operative, neat in appearance, versatile, show initiative, competent and demonstrates continued ability to carry out responsibilities
• Maintain good interpersonal relationships
• Ability to work both under supervision and independently as a departmental team member
• Ability to adapt to new situations and learning experience
• Physically capable of performing the essential duties of the job, including: ability to function in high stress situations, must be in good health and have the capacity to stoop, kneel and lift up to 20 pounds, good hearing/listening ability, and blood specimen procurement.

Specific Duties

• Performs all aspects of blood specimen procurement, including venous and capillary blood samples from adults, children and neo-nates
• Instructs patients in correct specimen collection for sputum, urine and stool samples
• Appropriate documentation and specimen handling procedures for all laboratory specimens (ex. separation, numbering)
• Prepares and distributes coolers for use in transporting laboratory specimens
• Laboratory filing, both data and specimen, including the use of a computer
• Prepares solutions, stains and other reagents as may be required for use in the laboratory, including the correct labelling of same
• Cleans and disinfects laboratory work areas and centrifuges; cleans and defrosts laboratory refrigerators and freezers
• Performs initial specimen testing procedures such as smear preparation, staining, planting and streaking of microbiology specimens and controls, including set-up of anaerobic and CO2 jars, for reading by a MLT, urinalysis (excluding microscopic), operation of automated instruments after proper functioning has been established by MLT staff
• Maintains adequate laboratory inventory of supplies available from stores and orders same
• Affords assistance to staff in test requisition preparation and general office procedures such as photocopying, shredding, etc.
• May be required to perform phlebotomy at locations off site from time to time as required
• Carry out all work assignments safely and be knowledgeable of and in compliance with relevant regulations, policies and procedures (ie. Occupational health and Safety Act)
• Participate in the Department's Quality Management Program
• Act as preceptor for MLA students in their clinical placement
• Provide phlebotomy training for nursing staff within the corporation
• Provide point-of-care device training for nursing staff within the corporation
• Act as superuser for the Lab and Order Entry modules in Meditech
• Other such duties as may be designated from time to time by the immediate supervisor

Current Assignment

• This position may be required to work days, evenings, nights and weekends
• Hours will be 7 days per week, 0630-1430,0700-1500,1130-1930