Lab Technologist (Generalist)

About the role

Responsible for the analysis of laboratory specimens and subsequent result reporting according to Laboratory protocol and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Performs accurate and appropriate testing of specimens received in the laboratory, according to established laboratory protocol and procedures.
• Evaluates specimens for acceptability for proper testing.
• Investigates and documents problems with unacceptable specimens.
• Organizes workload for maximum efficiency in order to complete tests being performed.
• Accurately performs tests as ordered on specimens received.
• Verifies accuracy of results as those belonging to the corresponding specimen before reporting results.
• Collects data as required by supervisor on unacceptable specimens and specimens without orders or with ambiguous orders.
• Notifies Microbiology supervisor or designee of any preanalytical, analytical, or post analytical variances.
• Handles specimens according to appropriate storage temperature requirements and as per laboratory procedures.
• Reports test results in a timely manner and according to established laboratory protocol and procedures.
• Reports results within time limits established for test procedures.
• Documents proper notification process required in the reporting of all critical values that the employee results.
• Notifies the Infectious Disease provider or primary care provider regarding Microbiology alerts in a prompt fashion and documents communication in the LIS system.
• Notifies the Infection Control Nurse or designee regarding Microbiology alerts in a prompt fashion and documents communication in the LIS system.
• Notifies the Massachusetts State Laboratory Institute regarding reportable diseases in a prompt fashion and documents communication in the LIS system.
• Follows established procedures for laboratory quality control and reports discrepancies to the appropriate Supervisor.
• Performs appropriate quality control for the test procedure.
• Accurately analyzes and evaluates QC results obtained before accepting and reporting patient test results.
• Records results obtained for quality control testing as defined in test procedure.
• Appropriately notifies Supervisor of discrepant QC results.
• Performs daily, weekly, monthly or as needed, maintenance on instruments and equipment as appropriate.
• Performs calibration of equipment as required.
• Performs maintenance according to the schedule for the instrument/equipment.
• Documents performance of maintenance procedures for the instrument/equipment.
• Performs calibration of equipment according to scheduled intervals or receipt of reagents.
• Documents calibration of equipment.
• Troubleshoots instruments, equipment, reagents and patient specimens when problems occur.
• Notifies the Supervisor if unable to solve the problem.
• Follows established guidelines for troubleshooting procedures.
• Follows established guidelines for resolving patient specimen problems.
• Documents steps taken during the troubleshooting process.
• Immediately notifies Supervisor when unable to solve problems.
• Consistently adheres to established Laboratory and Hospital policies for Universal Precautions, Chemical Hygiene and Safety procedures.
• Wears Laboratory coat, gloves, goggles and protective devices as required when handling specimens.
• Follows safety policies for dress.
• Follows safety policies when using chemicals.
• Reports any safety hazards to the appropriate Supervisor.
• Uses protective barrier equipment as required.
• Disinfects and cleans work benches/areas according to established protocol during and at the end of assigned shift.
• Properly disposes of contaminated and hazardous waste materials.
• Knows where to find material safety data sheets (MSDS) for items used to perform job.
• Knows the location and procedures to follow in the containment of blood, body fluid and chemical spills.
• Wears gloves when working at the bench in the Microbiology area.
• Consistently communicates with Microbiology team to ensure that daily work is completed.
• Assists coworkers when main bench duties are completed.
• Assists with specimen processing during lunch time breaks to ensure continuous flow of work.
• Assists Microbiology Supervisor with special projects when main bench duties are completed.
• Demonstrates competence in assigned work areas according to section schedule and skill mix.
• Completes assigned CAP surveys with the expectations of department supervisor that results are determined to score in the acceptable performance category, in all skilled areas.
• Completes department generated competencies as required with acceptable results in all skilled areas.
• Actively participates in continuing education programs sponsored by Professional Organizations in one or more of the skilled areas.
• Rotates through all work stations in the Microbiology including, but not limited to: Bench A-L, Bench M-Z, Blood cultures, PCR and EIA testing, Specimen Processing.
• Maintains work area — cleans bench, restocks supplies, notifies Supervisor of low stock.
• Maintains appropriate supplies for work being performed.
• Notifies Supervisor when supplies are below established levels.
• Regularly performs inventory of supplies and notifies appropriate Supervisor of departments need.
• Actively participates with orientation and training of new employees and students in laboratory procedures and policies.
• Introduces new employees/students to the members of the department.
• Engages new employees/students in daily routines within the department.
• Maintains visibility in orienting new employees/students.
• Acts as a resource for new employees/student, acclimating them to the organization.
• During orientation period, communicates to Supervisor progress of new employees and identifies key areas that may be problem prone.
• Technology – Embraces technological solutions to work processes and practices.
• Safety Awareness – Fosters a “Culture of Safety” through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.
• Acknowledgment, adherence and demonstration of a safe environment as stated in the Laboratory Policies for Chemical Hygiene, Infectious Disease Control and Safety.
• The employee is knowledgeable of who the responsible Safety Officers are both in the Laboratory and Hospital.
• Evaluates proper patient specimen labeling in accordance with the Laboratory Specimen Labeling criteria prior to performance of laboratory testing.
• Verifies accuracy of results as those belonging to the corresponding specimen before reporting results.
• Ensures that all revised reports for previously reported incorrect (erroneous) results are identified as revised, corrected or amended according to established procedure and appropriately notifies the patient care giver.

  Requirements

  • Minimum Education - Preferred Associate's Degree in a relevant science preferred.
  • Minimum Work Experience Four (4) months’ clinical laboratory internship preferred.
  • Required Certifications MLT (Medical Laboratory Technician/Technologist (ASCP) or ASCP equivalent (certification required within 1 year from date of hire).
  • Individual ASCP certifications in Chemistry or Hematology or Microbiology or Blood Bank meet requirements.