Medical Technologist III

About the role

The Medical Technologist III position at DSHS is responsible for performing specimen logistics activities under the supervision of the Clinical Chemistry Branch Manager. This role involves extensive use of complex computer software applications, databases, and computer systems. Essential functions include validating LIMS updates/new builds, identifying submitters with unsatisfactory specimens, preparing periodic QA reports, and maintaining proper laboratory quality assurance documentation.

Responsibilities

• EJF 1: Performs essential functions associated with the laboratory information management system (LIMS) and remote services. Performs validation of LIMS updates/new builds and completes the appropriate documentation. Performs routine and non-routine data extracts to identify submitters with unsatisfactory specimens. Prepares periodic or ad hoc statistical spreadsheets, graphs, charts, and reports for review of shifts and trends of submitter unsatisfactory specimens. Monitors medical providers with unsatisfactory specimen issues. May collaborate with, but not limited to, the DSHS Laboratory Customer Service representatives, Specimen Acquisition, and Specimen Logistics staff to identify providers that have a high percentage of unsatisfactory specimen reports and provides target education. May release/authorize results after receipt of missing/invalid demographic information from medical providers and after consulting with the appropriate testing laboratory staff. Monitors the LIMS for pending results that potentially need follow-up to ensure turnaround times are met. Initiates investigation of specimens pending in the LIMS including specimens that do not meet the established turnaround times. Reports inefficiencies and other problematic issues to the appropriate laboratory staff and /or IT staff.
• EJF 2: Provides extensive customer service and maintains frequent and effective communication with internal and external customers, consistently exhibiting a professional, ethical, and positive attitude. Keeps the Education Specialist III and the Clinical Chemistry Branch Manager informed of specimen logistic activities. Maintains technical knowledge in the specimen processing procedures followed in the Clinical Chemistry and Specimen Acquisition Branches. Keeps abreast of knowledge of the regulatory requirements for pre-analytical, clinical testing and post-analytical processes. Utilizes continuous quality improvement methods for work process improvement.
• EJF 3: Initiates, coordinates, and performs independent review of specimen acceptance criteria for clinical chemistry specimens flagged as potentially unsatisfactory. Performs complex quality assurance procedures on specimen acceptability for high volume clinical laboratory tests. Prepares and maintains proper laboratory quality assurance documentation. Prepares periodic QA reports. Initiates contact with medical providers to obtain valid and missing demographic information for specimens submitted for clinical chemistry testing. Ensures accurate information is obtained in a timely manner to process specimens for accurate patient reports. Performs troubleshooting of specimens received that have invalid/missing demographic information required for specimen processing. Ensures that information obtained from reviews and investigations are clearly and properly documented, per protocol. Collaborates with, but not limited to, the clinical testing personnel and other Specimen Logistics staff to obtain valid information to ensure the accuracy of patient reports prior to approving results. Investigates specimens that do not meet the established turnaround times and documents findings and notifies providers of specimens with excessive turnaround time. May prepare QA event logs and may recommend corrective actions. Maintains competency on pre- and post-analytical and other logistics procedures. Coordinates the storage and disposal of high-volume clinical chemistry specimens after test results are reported. Maintains communications with the Education Specialist III, Team Leaders or designee and ensures all required documentation is finalized on all clinical specimens prior to discarding. Based on the work area, consistently complies with the DSHS Laboratory, local, state, and federal guidelines to ensure a safe functioning laboratory.
• EJF 4: Participates/Assists with updating Clinical Chemistry website information for ListServ notifications. May participate in the addition of ListServ subscribers. Assists with the development and/or update of standard operating procedures and educational materials such as, but not limited to, presentations, tutorials, and FAQs. May train personnel. Serves as the backup staff in the absence of other specimen logistics staff and the Education Specialist III to avoid disruption and delays of specimen logistics activities.
• EJF 5: Safety Coordination: Collaborates with the Safety Office and serves as the Branch’s Safety Coordinator. Enforces safety policies and participates in Safety Coordinator/Safety Committee meetings, CDC online trainings, and trainings organized by the Safety Office. Collaborates with Branch Manager and/or Team Leaders to monitor compliance and identify safety issues. Conducts clinical chemistry specific safety training for current and new employees as well as new procedures. Ensures continual observation of area to minimize the risk of job-related activities and monitors operations to eliminate hazardous activities. Requests information and clarification on safety requirements from Safety Office prior to changing or implementing new procedures. Ensures the required safety and health documents, periodic inspections of all safety equipment, and other safety measurements are complete and up-to-date. Assists Safety Office in accident investigation and proposes corrective actions.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, candidates must have a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a chemical, physical, biological, or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution. Additionally, candidates should have experience in specimen logistics and specimen processing, as well as knowledge of laboratory safety and continuous quality improvement processes.

Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of clinical chemistry testing procedures, quality assurance, regulatory requirements, and specimen processing principles, techniques, and terminology including continuous quality improvement processes.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety including sample-handling techniques.
• Ability to understand/interpret laboratory results and regulations.
• Ability to detect and troubleshoot problems with specimen acceptance criteria and supplies.
• Skill in written and oral expression, and interpersonal interactions.
• Skill in use of business grammar, proofreading, and editing for creation of education materials.
• Skill in collection and handling of protected health data and other confidential records.
• Skill in use of a computer, office equipment, and software applications for word processing, spreadsheets, graphs, database analysis, and result reporting.
• Skill in the use and validation of the laboratory information management systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively and productively both orally and in writing to internal and external customers.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to interact effectively and work in harmony with internal and external customers and maintain constructive relationships with co-workers and superiors by setting a positive work-ethic example.
• Ability to report findings in a comprehensive and thorough manner.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to work as part of a team in a structured, high volume, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to work multiple projects with rapidly changing deadlines.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, work independently and self-motivate to complete tasks within required timeframes.
• Ability to create and accurately follow standard operating procedures and protocols.
• Ability to keep accurate detailed records.
• Ability to make technical decisions and use mature judgment on pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes based on professional knowledge and experience.