Medical Laboratory Technician

SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of Pathology Technologists and/or Pathology Managers, and following established procedures, conducts a variety of routine and moderately complex clinical laboratory tests in one or more laboratory sections to obtain data for use by physician in diagnosing patient illness. Receives and processes specimens, examines and records test results. Refers unusual situations to Pathology Technologist or Manager for clarification and/or guidance in handling.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

• Conducts routine and moderately complex laboratory tests where range of possibilities is limited, utilizing established techniques and methods. Work is not as complex and not at level of independent judgement as that performed by Pathology Technologists. Performs standard qualitative and quantitative tests and analyses on body fluids using automated and nonautomated equipment.
• Receives laboratory specimens, ensures proper and complete patient information is recorded on specimens and test requisitions.
• Follows strict principles of asepsis and antisepsis in performing duties. Assembles supplies and equipment necessary to perform work. Assures equipment is clean and functioning properly. Calibrates equipment and runs specimens to be tested on a variety of automated equipment.
• Prepares standard solutions, media reagents and stains by pouring, measuring and mixing liquids, powders and crystalline chemicals according to established formulae and procedures.
• Sets up and reads routine blood and urine cultures in order to detect pathogenic bacteria and determine the susceptibility of organisms to various antibodies. May draw patient blood samples following established procedures, and transport specimens to the laboratory for testing.
• Prepares specimens for testing procedures, cutting section, staining, smearing, etc. labels and logs all specimens processed. Performs routine clinical and microscopic tests on urine and stool and other specimens.
• Records, calculates and plots known control values on technical instruments to ensure reliability and accuracy in reporting results. Regularly cleans and performs minor routine maintenance on laboratory instruments.
• Reviews test results and determines their accuracy and conformance with established quality control parameters.
• Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment, glassware, instruments, workbenches, and so forth.
• May assists in the instruction and guidance of students and residents within assigned laboratory sections

BASIC KNOWLEDGE:
Completion of Associates degree in a lab science such as chemical, physical, biological, clinical laboratory science, medical technology or closely related field or equivalent education and experience as defined by CLIA standards.

• National certification by ASCP or equivalent in any of the offered categories such as Medical Laboratory Science/Technician, Medical Technology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Hematology, or any other recognized categorical certifications.
• OR
• Eligible for national certification with laboratory training including completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES, NAACLS, or other organization approved by HHS.
• OR
• Previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist as defined by CLIA standards for testing personnel.
• The ability to operate equipment and instruments, to perform all procedures and tests within one or more laboratory sections and to interpret them for accuracy.
• Ability necessary to conduct and interpret tests.
• Ability to recognize laboratory safety risks and follow related safety precautions to minimize dangers.
• Interpersonal skills to provide for effective customer relations.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

Twelve months of clinical laboratory experience. Supervised clinical laboratory internship may be substituted for experience.

Demonstrated knowledge of and physical ability to operate equipment, use instruments and perform basic laboratory procedures and tests. The knowledge, physical and visual dexterity necessary to conduct and interpret clinical laboratory tests accurately up level of responsibility.

The physical ability to work standing, or at laboratory benches, and to lift supplies, etc.

Healthcare environment such as acute care hospitals, physicians' offices and ancillary healthcare enterprises. Laboratory may contain infectious material, toxins and other hazardous substances. Any hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety procedures and precautions.

Ability to operate equipment and instruments…