MLT / MT
Actalent · Newport News, VA · 1 mo ago
On-siteHealthcare$20–$28/hrContract
About the role
This role provides high‑impact, meaningful work in a specialized oncology laboratory setting, performing a full range of clinical laboratory testing in chemistry, hematology, and immunology. The Medical Laboratory Technician / Technologist follows established laboratory procedures for specimen handling, analysis, reporting, and record maintenance while supporting high‑quality patient care during a challenging time in patients’ lives. The position offers the opportunity to gain unique experience available only in an oncology lab, with a stable weekday schedule and no weekend or night shifts.
Responsibilities
- Follow established laboratory procedures for specimen handling, processing, test analysis, reporting, and maintaining accurate records of patient results.
- Process incoming orders for laboratory testing, including reference laboratory specimens and send‑out testing.
- Send specimens to reference laboratories for tests not performed in‑house, ensuring proper packaging, documentation, and tracking.
- Perform specimen analysis for chemistry, hematology, and immunology, adhering to all testing protocols and quality standards.
- Prepare peripheral blood smears and perform complete white blood cell (WBC) differentials with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Perform microscopic examination of urinary sediment and record findings on appropriate worksheets and in the computer system.
- Maintain and operate all laboratory equipment, ensuring proper function and safe operation.
- Perform daily, weekly, and monthly instrument maintenance as required and document all activities.
- Adhere to laboratory quality control policies, documenting all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and instrument maintenance.
- Record proper lot numbers for all controls, calibrators, and reagents used in testing.
- Participate in proficiency testing at least annually by performing sample analysis and accurately reporting results.
- Follow laboratory policies whenever test systems fall outside established acceptable performance levels.
- Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or the reporting of test results, take appropriate corrective action, or promptly notify a supervisor.
- Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from established performance standards in accordance with the quality assurance program.
- Maintain proper documentation, including accessioning logs, test report logs, quality control logs, equipment records, and checklists.
- Verify all critical results, document verification, and ensure accurate follow‑up and communication as required.
- Maintain adequate inventory of supplies, verify viability and expiration dates, and ensure supplies are suitable for patient testing before use.
- Prepare reagents, stains, and other chemical solutions as needed for laboratory testing.
- Restock the laboratory area regularly to maintain readiness and efficiency.
- Process in‑house and incoming test results for charting and ensure results are accurately entered into the appropriate systems.
- Chart patient results in a timely and accurate manner, supporting prompt clinical decision‑making.
- Manage and coordinate work for a team of up to approximately 26 individuals with diverse backgrounds and personalities, fostering a collaborative and professional environment.
- Rotate work locations primarily between two main sites during the week and travel to additional locations as needed to provide coverage.
- Contribute to a patient‑centered culture by supporting high‑quality care for individuals undergoing cancer treatment and their families.
Essential Skills
- Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT), or equivalent Medical Technologist certification.
- Completion of an accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program, typically resulting in an associate degree.
- Ability to function as a generalist in a clinical laboratory environment under CLIA regulations.
- Proficiency in performing chemistry, hematology, and immunology testing.
- Skill in preparing peripheral blood smears and performing complete WBC differentials.
- Competence in microscopic examination of urinary sediment and accurate documentation of findings.
- Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting a variety of clinical laboratory instruments.
- Strong understanding of laboratory quality control, quality assurance, and proficiency testing requirements.
- Ability to accurately document lot numbers, quality control data, maintenance activities, and corrective actions.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in specimen handling, test performance, and result reporting.
- Ability to identify, investigate, and resolve issues that may affect test performance or result integrity.
- Proficiency with laboratory information systems or computer‑based charting and record‑keeping.
- Effective organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, maintain inventory, and meet turnaround times.
- Ability to manage and coordinate the work of a larger team while maintaining a professional and collaborative environment.
- Willingness and ability to travel between multiple laboratory sites as needed.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- ASCP or AMT certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician or Medical Technologist strongly preferred.
- Approximately 5 years of clinical laboratory experience preferred, particularly in a generalist or oncology‑focused setting.
- Familiarity with CLIA regulations and compliance in a clinical laboratory.
- Experience working in an oncology laboratory or with oncology‑related testing is highly beneficial.
- Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and to support a patient‑centered culture.
- Demonstrated ability to adapt to different work sites and teams while maintaining consistent quality and performance.
- Commitment to continuous learning and staying current with laboratory best