Laboratory Technician

About the Role

A Laboratory Technician (LT) is responsible for performing patient testing across pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases. Each LT must meet minimum qualifications as set forth by CLIA’88. Training will be provided at the time of hire, with competency evaluations conducted by the laboratory director or technical supervisor as mandated by CLIA’88.

Responsibilities

• Initial processing of specimens and verification of test orders using the laboratory information system (LIS) or Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.
• Operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment, ensuring proper functioning and adherence to safety protocols.
• Performance of quality control checks and calibration of equipment to maintain the integrity of test results.
• Compliance with laboratory policies, safety regulations, and HIPAA guidelines to protect patient confidentiality.
• Receiving and verifying specimens collected by others, ensuring proper labeling, container use, and sufficient quantity for testing, and matching specimens to physician orders.
• Labeling and transporting specimens to the next stage of testing (e.g., extraction room) as instructed.
• Processing specimens for referral testing, ensuring all essential information is submitted to the referral laboratory and specimens are packaged and stored according to protocol.
• Processing swabs or PCR tests according to manufacturer instructions or established laboratory protocols.
• Supporting assigned scientists with inventory management, equipment operation, specimen preparation, and supply receiving/shipping.
• Monitoring internal inventory control, including:
  • Maintaining adequate supplies of reagents and consumables.
  • Recording purchasing orders and receipts.
  • Dating reagents and supplies upon receipt and opening.
  • Monitoring inventory for expiration dates and discarding expired items.
  • Ordering replacement materials for expired or soon-to-expire items.
  • Performing and documenting routine maintenance and function checks on instruments.
  • Decontaminating work surfaces.
• Assisting scientists with quality control as required by manufacturer and laboratory protocols, including:
  • Following protocols for quality control failures, including troubleshooting and repeating controls.
  • Reporting unresolved failures to the Lab Supervisor or CLS in charge.
  • Identifying and documenting problems that may affect patient test results.
  • Maintaining records of calibration, verification, quality control, proficiency testing, and instrument printouts.
• Monitoring and recording environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity) for ultra-low freezers and refrigerators.
• Performing assigned Quality Assessment activities and documenting them for review by the Technical Supervisor or Laboratory Director.
• Recording and addressing complaints, incidents, or communication breakdowns, and forwarding documentation to the Laboratory Supervisor or Director for review.

Requirements

• An associate degree in biological science, or
• A high school diploma or equivalent and successful completion of an official medical laboratory procedures course, or
• A high school diploma or equivalent and documented training for laboratory testing duties in this facility.
• Minimum one (1) year of previous experience in a high or moderate complexity clinical laboratory setting.
• Strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.