Medical Laboratory Technician

JOB SUMMARY

Performs laboratory analyses and tests. Prepares samples, sets up instruments, runs tests and reads, interprets and releases results. May perform variety of customer service activities for internal and external customers.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specializes in one or more of the following areas:

Hematology

• Testing cell-related components of blood samples to enumerate and identify their cellular components, including the microscopic evaluation of blood smears and the use of automated and manual counting techniques.

Cytology

• Processing blood and body fluids for microscopic examination by pathologists.  Includes slide preparation and staining, utilizing manual and automated counting techniques.

Urinalysis

• Analysis and evaluation of chemical and microscopic components of urine samples, using automated instrumentation and manual techniques.

Chemistry/Endocrinology

• Testing blood and body fluids for various analytes, utilizing automated instrumentation.

Parasitology

• Examining samples to identify parasites, utilizing fecal flotation and various microscopic techniques.

Immunology/Serology

• Testing blood and other samples for the presence of viral and bacterial disease by detecting antibodies (AB) or antigens (AG).

Microbiology

• Processing clinical samples for the identification of bacteria and fungi using automated and manual methods.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

• Examining samples for the presence of specific substances (often bacteria) using molecular diagnostic methods.

Histology

• Processing tissue samples for Pathologists using grossing, embedding, microtomy, staining and special staining techniques.  Assures accurate and timely delivery of casework (and collateral materials) to on-site & off-site pathologists.  May be responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting virtual microscopy (VM) systems which provide remote viewing & digital slide analysis capability to pathologists; organizes and archives pending and completed VM cases; creates and maintains VM system standard operating procedures; tracks VM system errors; troubleshoots VM system problems with pathologists, labs, vendors, IT and others; runs regular meetings and meets with vendors; sets up and trains users; and other related activities.

Diagnostic Evaluation

• Performing postmortem examinations, including sample collection and preparation for serology, microbiology, parasitology, histology, molecular biology (PCR) and other tests.  Preparing samples for analysis and performs parasitological and other exams
• Performing variety of customer service activities for internal and external customers, providing information, resolving issues and ensuring customer satisfaction. Responding to customer phone and other communications, addresses questions/issues/problems/concerns, etc.
• Reliable and dependable attendance is an essential function of the position. Adherence to attendance-related policies and expectations is critical to this position.

EDUCATION:

• High School diploma or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Bachelors degree or equivalent preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Laboratory skills, with experience setting up, running and reading lab tests and operating lab instruments.
• General science background, including hematology/chemistry helpful.
• Attention to detail.
• Organized with ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Positive, can-do attitude.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) as appropriate.
• Supervisory skills, if a lead position.
• Personal computer skills, including strong typing ability and proficient use of Microsoft Office.

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Medical Laboratory Technician certificate or equivalent preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Extensive sitting, phone and computer use.
• May be required to lift, move and carry up to 20 kg.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Hearing acuity sufficient to effectively communicate with customers and Employees via telephone and in person.
• Ability to communicate verbally on phone and in person.
• Fluency in the Korean language. English language skill is a plus.
• Extended hours may be required.
• Some travel required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Laboratory environment with potential biohazards present.
• Potential for exposure to agents known to cause zoonotic disease in humans and use of potentially hazardous chemicals as defined by the National Hazard Communication Standards. A complete list of such chemicals is available from department supervision.

LEVELING GUIDE:

• Sets up and runs lab tests.  Reads and releases test results.  Tests performed may be more routine and less complex.  Exercises judgment in evaluating and reporting results in consultation with veterinarians/pathologists and others.  Performs equipment maintenance activities.  Knowledge of lab equipment and procedures.  Awareness of quality control and calibration.  Developing knowledge of multiple specialties.  Works under close to moderate supervision with limited latitude for independent judgment.  Consult with senior peers on non-complex tasks to learn through experience.  Normally receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new assignments.  Basic skills and proficiency (may sacrifice speed for accuracy until proficiency grows).  Applies job skills and lab policies and procedures to complete a variety of tasks.  Works on tasks that are semi-routine in nature where ability to recognize deviation from accepted practice is required.  May be cross trained and perform specimen processing responsibilities.   
• For customer service-related responsibilities (only if these are assigned), familiarity with customer service, technically-related fields, veterinary practices or lab experience preferred. 
• For virtual microscopy (VM)-related responsibilities (only if these are assigned),   familiarity with VM equipment, answers basic and escalates more complex questions and troubleshoots basic equipment repairs.  Developing ability at diagnosing, trouble-shooting and resolving technical issues.
• Typically 0-1+ Year Exp.

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