Job Summary: Requires excellent speaking and hearing abilities in order to communicate with staff and patients either in person or by telephone.  Requires sitting, walking, bending/stooping, lifting and reaching in order to perform pre-analysis, analysis, and post analysis specimen testing activities.  Requires dexterity in operating instruments, including routine maintenance and minor repairs, and manipulating manual test devices.   Requires visual acuity for using a microscope, reading, and following technical procedures, and reporting test results.  Requires regular contact with biohazardous specimens, therefore inherent risk of exposure to blood borne diseases (OSHA Risk Category I).  Requires routinely handling chemical reagents during testing.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs analyses on specimens to aid in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients, following established quality control protocols.
• Maintains positive specimen identification throughout testing and reporting processes.
• Covers all technical areas of the lab efficiently, demonstrated by ability to produce test results accurately and within acceptable turn-around-time.
• Responsible for the performance of routine laboratory analysis which may occasionally include collection and processing.
• Performs patient and QC testing according to written procedures; recognizes problems with specimens, test or instrument performance, and QC outcomes; proceeds to remedy or request assistance as appropriate.  Informs Supervisor, and records remedial actions.
• Participates successfully in proficiency testing program.
• Performs appropriate instrument startup, shutdown, and maintenance as required; ensures that supplies are well-stocked.
• Recognizes abnormal (Alert) values and follows established protocol for rechecking and results and notifying physician.
• Maintains appropriate records (QC, specimen and test logs, instrument maintenance, troubleshooting/corrective actions, etc) as required for assigned tasks.
• Carries out required computer responsibilities:
  1. Enters patient data and generates specimen labels;

1. Enters physician requests from “routing sheet”;
2. Efficiently operates LIS in computer with equipment interfaces to obtain accurate reliable results.

• Exhibits appropriate professional appearance and behavior in relating to clinic staff, patients and their families; consistently uses appropriate telephone manners; maintains confidentially both inside and outside the work setting.
• Arrives and begins work on time for start of shift and return from lunch or breaks; minimal unscheduled absences.
• Demonstrates flexibility and cooperation in complying with scheduling needs of department.
• Takes an active part in his or her own professional development, evidenced by interest in and attendance at seminars; has achieved professional certification.
• Provides coverage for other lab techs and lab charge posting staff, assisting with lab charge posting and billing corrections, etc.
• Performs other related duties assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:  

• Associates Degree in laboratory science from an accredited program

Working Conditions: 

• Position requires manual dexterity for operating standard office equipment. 
• Hearing must be within range of normal human conversation. 
• Position requires the ability to maintain concentration and attention to detail for long periods of time in order to maintain accurate records pertaining to patient and/or account information.
• Position functions within a normal office environment.
• Occasionally required to lift and carry material weighing up to 25 pounds.