Laboratory Technician

SUMMARY

The laboratory technician (LT) is responsible for the performance of patient testing to be inclusive of pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phases of testing. Each LT must demonstrate minimum qualifications as set forth by CLIA’88 and outlined in “Education and Experience” section below. LT will be trained at time of hire, in areas which he/she will be working. Competency evaluations shall be performed by the laboratory director or technical supervisor as mandated by CLIA’88. 

 GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    LT will be responsible for Initial processing of specimens & verifying test orders using the laboratory information system; if there is a need, verification must be done by using the EMR system.

    Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring proper functioning and adherence to safety protocols.

    Perform quality control checks and calibrate equipment as necessary to maintain the integrity of test results.

    Ensure compliance with laboratory policies, safety regulations, and HIPAA guidelines to protect patient confidentiality.

    Receiving specimens collected by other persons (patient, physician, nurse) inclusive of ensuring that the specimens are fully labeled, collected in the proper containers and are sufficient quantity to perform testing. Ensuring that these specimens are matched to a physician’s orders.

    Once verification is complete, label each swab, VTM or any other pertinent specimens, place in appropriate racks, and transport to next stage of testing: extraction room; await scientists’ instruction for any step not noted here.

    Processing specimens for referral testing following established protocol. Ensuring that all essential information is submitted to the referral laboratory and that the specimens are packaged and stored as per reference laboratory protocol prior to courier pick-up or mailing.

    Process swabs or any PCR tests, according to test method manufacturer and/or established protocol set by the laboratory director. The procedure will be provided by technical supervisor.

    Provide support to assigned scientists:

•    Perform inventory.

•    Operate appropriate equipment.

•    Specimen preparation for analysis

•    Follow receiving and shipping of supplies.

Analytics:

    Monitoring internal inventory control process inclusive of but not limited to:

    Maintaining an adequate supply of all reagents and consumables to perform quality testing.

    Maintaining records of purchasing orders and receipts.

    Dating reagents and supplies upon receipt and at the time of opening.

    Periodic monitoring of inventory for expiration dates

    Discarding expired reagents and supplies and assuring that expired items are not employed for patient testing or specimen collection. Ordering replacement materials for expired or soon to expire items.

    Performing and documenting on instrument log sheets or in LIS all routine daily, weekly, monthly, and periodic maintenance and function checks following established manufacturers and laboratory protocol.

    Perform decontamination of all work surface areas.

    Assist scientists with Performing Quality Control as required by the manufacturer and established protocols in laboratory policy. Inclusive of but not limited to

    Following established protocol for quality control failures to include but not limited to repeating controls or troubleshooting problems.

    Reporting any unresolved failures to the Lab Supervisor and/or the CLS in charge. 

    Identifying problems that may adversely affect patient test results, if and when pertinent to your activities. All activities must be under supervision of laboratory scientists. Documenting all discrepancies and corrective actions.

    calibration and verification, quality control, proficiency testing records, and instrument printouts. 

    Record and address any issues identifies with environmental temperature, humidity, ultra-low freezers and refrigerators.

    Performing all Quality Assessment activities assigned to this position and documenting these activities for periodic review by the technical Supervisor and/or the Laboratory Director. 

     Recording details of complaints, incidents, or communication breakdowns. Forwarding records and appropriate documentation to the Laboratory Supervisor or Laboratory Director for review and corrective action documentation.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Laboratory technicians must possess:

    An associate degree in biological science, OR

    A high school diploma or equivalent and successful completion of an official medical laboratory procedures course

     A high school diploma or equivalent AND documentation of training for skills necessary to perform laboratory testing duties in this facility.

    Minimum one (1) year previous experience in a high or moderate complexity clinical laboratory setting is required,  

    Strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are essential.