A Medical Laboratory Technician, performs professional application of medical technology principles, concepts, and methodology in such specialties as chemistry, urinalysis, hematology, serology, immunohematology and microbiology. Serves as the Head Technologist in an assigned technical area (e.g., Blood Bank Section) and is responsible for providing technical support to civilian and military medical technicians and other medical technologists as appropriate. The employee performs a wide variety of procedures which includes complex analysis and infrequently requested tests; evaluating abnormal results; setting up, using, and monitoring highly sophisticated instruments and quality control procedures; modifying and/or developing new methodologies to improve or expand services. The employee is required to perform the full range of emergency procedures as delineated by the Laboratory Services during irregular hours.
--Accepts referrals of abnormal or unusual results or procedural observations from lower grade personnel. Advises on the course of action to follow and monitors the situation until the problem is resolved.
--Evaluates on-line procedures and consults with the Chief, Laboratory Services, concerning the suitability and the state-of-the-art applicability of the tests within their technical areas. Recommends new or modified procedures be incorporated when appropriate. Reviews literature for improved laboratory systems and recommends and prepares local operating procedures for new methodologies and quality assurance procedures that would benefit the overall objectives or goals of the Laboratory and which optimize the level of use of in-house and reference laboratory resources. Manages expendable and non-expendable resources effectively.
--Evaluates and selects reagents and supplies maintaining proper inventory of supplies; ensures efficient use of operating supplies; and ensures that reagents, controls, etc., are labeled in accordance with laboratory and inspection policies.
--Establishes and implements local standards for specimen collection and preparation procedures. Conducts research for appropriate and accurate specimen procurement for each methodology or instrumentation change occurring in the laboratory. Must be knowledgeable of possible effects of procedures performed outside of the laboratory on specimens collected in the laboratory. Advises medical staff on the appropriateness of each specimen and time and manner in which it is collected to obtain correct and optimum data pertaining to each test ordered. Communicates to patient’s specimen collection procedures for blood, urine, semen, stool, etc., to provide proper diagnostic interpretation. Applies sound judgment and knowledge in rejection of specimens which would cause erroneous results. Clearly and concisely presents information pertaining to specimen collection in a logical, easily understood manner to hospital staff.
--Collects appropriate specimens, selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of routine, non-routine, and specialized test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques. Prepares appropriate standards, reagents, and quality control materials required for the performance of test procedures. Recognizes, locates, and implements corrective action. Obtains analytical data, converts to prescribed units for reporting, and correlates data to verify results. Reports test results with consideration for their significance and urgency and consults with physicians on additional tests that may be useful or necessary to clarify problems.
--Conducts quality control reviews on work performed, equipment, reagents, procedures, and manuals within the assigned section of the laboratory and maintains documentation of his/her reviews in accordance with the guidelines established by inspecting agencies or Laboratory Services policies. Correlates quantitative, biochemical, physiologic, and morphologic data with other laboratory data. Reviews internal and external quality control programs and works with the Chief, Laboratory Services, to resolve discrepancies.
--Establishes a preventive maintenance program for all instruments. Calibrates or standardizes equipment, troubleshoots malfunctions, and makes repairs or identifies need for external services.
--Maintains a current procedural manual, reviewing and revising as needed. Assists personnel within assigned area in developing procedures, manuals, quality control, inventory, workload recording, etc., in accordance with the mission of the Laboratory Services and guidelines of inspecting/accrediting agencies.
--Reviews assigned areas and advises the Chief, Laboratory Services, of continuing education needs of employees and trains technicians and new technologists in procedures, instrumentation, and workload organization. Communicates and demonstrates proper techniques for completion of various laboratory procedures and practices. Organizes a comprehensive training plan of laboratory area to be covered. Evaluates the student's ability to complete testing procedures in an accurate and timely while maintaining the workflow of assigned area.
--Plans and presents in-service educational programs for Laboratory and Clinic personnel (e.g., health care providers, nurses, etc.) and other interested groups. Assignments may include making structured lesson plans to present information on new procedures, methodology, or interpretations to clinical staff.
--Monitors overall workflow pattern within assigned area and advises the Chief, Laboratory Services, of problem areas. Ensures that Clinic policies and procedures, as well as safety practices, are effectively followed. Works in close cooperation with the Chief, Laboratory Services, and keeps her/him advised of any problems or changes within the service personnel, equipment, supplies, workflow patterns) that may affect the overall operation of the department.
--Evaluates validity of data in relation to test systems and assay procedures. Integrates and correlates test data with other laboratory and patient data to lead to a conclusion about the normality of a system. Creates, uses, or modifies logic schema to determine corrective actions for problems.
--Compiles data for administrative reports and reporting any new or unusual trends to the Chief, Laboratory Services.