Laboratory Technologist III - Hematology

Purpose of Position

This class of positions encompasses the scopes of practice of clinical laboratory technologists and, where appropriate, cytotechnologists and histotechnologists, in accordance with Article 165 of the New York State Education Law and Title 10 of the New York State Public Health Law. Additionally, performs clinical laboratory work that varies in degree of difficulty and/or supervises a major program initiative or activity.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Purposes include performing routine clinical laboratory tests and procedures for diagnosis and treatment on specimens submitted to the laboratory; entering raw data from instruments into computer to determine final results and recording results on report forms, in record books, and/or in electronic form, as appropriate and required;
• Processing specimens and cultures, isolating and identifying micro-organisms, preparing and examining slides and smears;
• Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, and performing quality control procedures;
• Participating in internal and external programs of quality control and proficiency testing, as required by regulatory agencies;
• Preparing packages, labels, standardizing laboratory media, reagents, and controls to ensure that the laboratory is adequately supplied;
• Preparing reports, making entries on charts, and maintaining data and other records on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, as required.

At a Higher Level, Assignment Level I

• Performs routine clinical laboratory tests and procedures for diagnosis and treatment on specimens submitted to the laboratory;
• Enters raw data from instruments into computer to determine final results and records results on report forms, in record books, and/or in electronic form, as appropriate and required;
• Processes specimens and cultures, isolates and identifies micro-organisms, prepares and examines slides and smears;
• Operates and maintains laboratory equipment, and performs quality control procedures;
• Participates in internal and external programs of quality control and proficiency testing, as required by regulatory agencies;
• Maintains laboratory records and prepares reports.

At a Higher Level, Assignment Level II

• Assists with complex analyses on laboratory specimens;
• In areas outside of specialty or competency, under direct supervision, performs functions which require limited technical skills;
• Records results on laboratory report forms, in record books, and/or in electronic form, as appropriate and required;
• In water pollution control assignments, performs laboratory tests for fecal matter and microscopic alga; performs biochemical, plankton, zooplankton and other species analyses;
• Participates in non-routine testing in connection with research programs in specialty and subspecialty areas, utilizing standard laboratory tests; makes minor modifications which are compliant with acceptable laboratory practices; and records all pertinent data in detail;
• Maintains internal and external programs of quality control and proficiency testing, as required by regulatory agencies;
• Maintains laboratory records and prepares reports;
• Assists in on-the-job or classroom training of subordinates, new personnel, and other persons, as required;
• May supervise subordinate employees.

Additional Responsibilities at a Higher Level

• Reviews the work of subordinates and evaluates and documents work performance; takes corrective action, when needed to maintain the work of the unit at a satisfactory level;
• Orders and maintains adequate amounts of media, reagents, and other supplies or assists supervisor with this function;
• Maintains a program of quality control and participates in a program of quality assurance;
• Advises staff on appropriate methods and techniques;
• Oversees the ordering and maintenance of laboratory supplies and equipment as well as the preparation, packaging, labeling, and standardization of laboratory media and reagents; and records results and pertinent data of prepared products or oversees this function;
• Prepares labels, packages, and standardizes laboratory media, reagents, controls and specimens for use in analyses;
• Prepares work orders for laboratory repairs;
• Assists in developing and revising laboratory policies and procedures;
• Conducts tests and/or other complex analyses;
• Designs and maintains charts, logs, and other records;
• Testifies in court or other proceedings as an expert witness.