Medical Laboratory Technician

About the Role

Fairview is seeking a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) for M Health Fairview Clinic - Eden Prairie and the Southwest region of clinics, including Burnsville, Edina (Clinic and Center for Women), Uptown, and Prior Lake. Primary hours vary with a start time between 6:45 AM and 11:45 AM, all shifts are 8 hours. This position includes one weekend shift (Saturday or Sunday) at one of our Urgent Care sites in the south metro, averaging one per month. The schedule is subject to change to meet staffing needs, including floating to other nearby clinics and adjusting starting hours.

The MLT plays an important role in providing quality, proficient, and professional laboratory services to diverse populations within an ambulatory healthcare environment. The MLT performs waived or moderate complexity testing following standard operating procedures (SOP), correlates data-based knowledge of technical and instrumental conditions affecting testing results, and performs quality control procedures within established parameters. The MLT may also be involved in laboratory specimen collection, safe and secure specimen handling, ensuring efficient workflow, and may schedule tests and provide results as appropriate. The MLT works independently under general supervision.

Responsibilities

• Follows established guidelines to obtain specimens, perform waived, moderate, or high complexity testing, and report results.
• Collects and processes biological specimens with appropriate technique following established Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Properly verifies patient identity.
• Assesses integrity of all specimens for testing.
• Verifies correct identification of specimens before testing.
• Follows established guidelines for determining priority of specimen testing and procurement.
• Performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic and therapeutic testing:
  • Performs waived, moderate, or high complexity testing as defined by CLIA ’88 according to SOP in an efficient, cost-effective manner. Areas may include: Hematology, Coagulation, Microbiology, Serology, Immunology, Immunohematology, Chemistry, Special Chemistry, Urinalysis, Phlebotomy, EKG.
  • Operates laboratory instrumentation and information systems according to procedure.
  • Performs and documents maintenance procedures plus maintains adequate supplies.
• Recognizes problems and takes appropriate measures to resolve them:
  • Seeks assistance appropriately for problem or unusual situations. Consults with supervisor if unable to resolve issues.
  • Initiates proper safety or emergency responses.
• Evaluates testing results for accuracy and appropriate intervention:
  • Determines if test results fall within normal parameters and reporting protocols. Recognizes age-specific reference ranges.
  • Correlates data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise, and other conditions affecting test results.
  • Takes appropriate action to recheck abnormal, discrepant, or unexpected results.
  • Directly communicates abnormal and critical results to caregiver.
  • Obtains information from caregivers to resolve reasons for incongruent results (physiologic or methodologic).
• Demonstrates understanding of and commitment to Laboratory Quality Assurance, Performance Improvement, and Laboratory Compliance Programs:
  • Documents deviations and actions taken.
  • Documents reagent, test kit, and calibrator checks.
  • Recognizes and communicates values and trends that exceed the QC decision levels.
  • Takes action to resolve issues and consults with supervisor as needed.
  • Participates in the lab Performance Improvement program by collecting data, reviewing the results, and implementing action step recommendations.
• Collaborates with the customers of the laboratory to promote customer satisfaction.
• Demonstrates competency and compliance with all regulatory agency policies.
• Orients and mentors new employees and students:
  • Orients individuals in routine and complex testing methodology, instrumentation, and information systems.
  • Checks work prior to release.
  • Completes training checklists and evaluations as appropriate.
  • Reports progress and problems to supervisor/manager.

Requirements

• Associate or higher degree from an accredited college/university in a related laboratory field including the related lab practicum or equivalent routes to qualify as moderate complexity testing personnel as specified in CLIA ’88. Options include:
  • Associate or higher degree from an accredited college/university in a chemical, biological, clinical, or medical laboratory science, or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution. Diploma with field of study listed or transcript must be provided.
  • Associate or higher degree or 60 semester hours of academic credit from an accredited college/university with 6 semester hours in biology and 6 semester hours in chemistry. Transcript must be provided.
  • Completion of a 50-week U.S. military medical laboratory training course and an associate or higher degree or 60 semester hours of academic credit from an accredited college/university with 6 semester hours in biology and 6 semester hours in chemistry. Transcript must be provided.
• Applicant should possess or be eligible to receive appropriate Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) approved laboratory certification (ASCP, ASCPi, AMT, or AAB - MLT) within 1 year.
• Basic Life Support (American Heart Association or Red Cross) certification within 90 days.

Benefits

Fairview offers a generous benefit package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Sick and Safe Time
• Tuition reimbursement
• Retirement plans
• Early access to earned wages

For additional information, visit Fairview Benefits.

Schedule

• Primary hours vary with a start time between 6:45 AM and 11:45 AM.
• All shifts are 8 hours.
• Includes one weekend shift (Saturday or Sunday) at one of the Urgent Care sites in the south metro, averaging one per month.
• Schedule is subject to change to meet staffing needs, including floating to other nearby clinics and adjusting starting hours.