Laboratory Technician - Rheumatology

Position Summary

Responsible for the management and compliance of laboratory services and all components of laboratory services in alignment with the Washington Department of Health and CLIA guidelines. In collaboration with Theratest leadership, and laboratory medical directorship, this position serves as a triad partner to ensure safe handling, testing, quality assurance, and oversight meets all state and program guidelines. The lab technician works closely with a variety of physicians/providers as well as clinic staff to ensure laboratory operations meet the objectives of patient care.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed below satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Perform patient testing on the automated platform, the DSX by Dynex
• Verify the test procedures performed and establish the laboratory test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test
• Enroll and participate in an HHS approved proficiency testing program
• Establish a quality control program appropriate for the testing performed (internal and external controls, split samples etc) and establish the parameter for acceptable levels of analytic performance AND ensure that these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process (pre-, analytical and post-)
• Resolve technical problems and ensure that remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications
• Must ensure that patient test results are not reported until ALL corrective actions have been taken and the test system is functioning properly
• Must identify training needs and ensure that everyone performing tests receives regular in‑service training and education appropriate for the type and complexity of the laboratory services performed
• Evaluates the competency of all testing personnel by:
  • direct observation of routine patient test performance
  • monitoring the recording and reporting of test results
  • reviewing of worksheets, quality control records, proficiency testing results
  • direct observation of performance of instrument maintenance and function checks
  • assessment of test performance through testing previously analyzed specimens, internal blind testing samples or external proficiency testing
  • assessment of problem‑solving skills
• Responsible for monitoring test analyses and specimen examinations to ensure that acceptable levels of analytic performance are maintained
• Assuring that all remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications
• Ensuring that patient test results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is properly functioning
• Responsible for specimen processing, test performance and reporting test results
• Perform ONLY those high complexity tests that are authorized by the laboratory director and require a degree of skill commensurate with the individual's education, training or experience
• Follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results
• Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens

• Outstanding communication and management skills, and an ability to work collaboratively with physicians/providers, peers, clinical staff, and admin staff
• Ability to operate in high-pressure situations
• Excellent organizational skills
• Demonstrated innovative approach to problem resolution
• Broad knowledge of laboratory services and laboratory sciences/services
• Effective communication skills both in written and verbal presentation with a communication style that is open and foster trust, credibility and understanding

This job is primarily in a laboratory setting and uses laboratory equipment and standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.