Specimen Processing - Microbiology - PRN

General Description

The primary responsibility of the Clinical Laboratory Technician is to ensure the proper collection of blood specimens for established procedures and protocols and to assist in their delivery to the appropriate performing laboratory.

Job Duties

• Perform a variety of routine and specialized procedures.
• Prepare and initiate special tests and procedures including, but not limited to, cytogenetics, general laboratory, Point-of-Care Testing, urinalysis without a microscope, phlebotomy, and specimen management.
• Obtain total volume, perform aliquot, and distribute all urine specimens.
• Properly determine urine volume. Properly label aliquot containers.
• Communicate in a professional and courteous manner with patients, family, and other medical personnel as necessary for problem recognition and initiation of the resolution and, if necessary, escalation to the next level. Obtain information for laboratory records, explain procedures, allay fears, and elicit cooperation.
• Utilize standard equipment to maintain positive patient identification through the maintenance of all clinical laboratory records, register/accession patients/specimens and perform order entry as required.
• Perform various quality control, safety, and infection control procedures to maintain compliance with internal and external regulations.
• Receive and process specimens as required by respective laboratory area procedures and protocols.
• Receive specimens in the laboratory using Beaker.
• Positively ID all patient specimens, and verify all laboratory labels/requisitions, ensuring a valid order. Properly sort all specimens.
• Participate in the distribution of specimens, supplies, and reports to the appropriate laboratory staff; perform messenger/courier activities as required.
• Maintain inventory of supplies; stock supplies on carts and hand trays; wash glassware.
• Utilize various hospital information systems and software.
• Assist with the maintenance of specimens and/or slides.
• Perform routine maintenance as required by laboratory procedures.
• Assist with word processing, miscellaneous office tasks, and maintaining office records.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

Education

High School diploma or GED. For assignment to phlebotomy, completion of a structured phlebotomy training course and clinical rotation are recommended.

Experience

Clinical Technician I

• Alternatively, an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience. One year of previous clinical lab experience is preferred.

Clinical Technician II

• Alternatively, an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.
• Must have at least 2 years’ experience as a Clinical Tech I or Certification as a Phlebotomist plus achieve the required competency level for specified job responsibilities.

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

Clinical Technician I

• For assignment to Phlebotomy Services, certification as a Phlebotomist by a nationally recognized agency/board is recommended.

• Certification of Basic Life Support preferred.
• National Healthcare Association (NHA) --Clinical Laboratory Phlebotomy Examination (CLPlb), American Society of Clinical Pathologists – Phlebotomy Technician Examination [PBT(ASCP)], International Academy of Phlebotomy Sciences (IAPS), National Phlebotomy Association (NPA), American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT), National Phlebotomy Certification Examination (NPCE), American Medical Technologists (AMT),  or another national certification as approved by Clinical Labs Leadership.

Clinical Technician II

• For assignment to Phlebotomy Services, certification as a Phlebotomist by a nationally recognized board/agency may be required.
• Certification of Basic Life Support preferred.
• Pediatric Phlebotomy experience required.
• National Healthcare Association (NHA) --Clinical Laboratory Phlebotomy Examination (CLPlb), American Society of Clinical Pathologists-- Phlebotomy Technician Examination [PBT(ASCP)], International Academy of Phlebotomy Sciences (IAPS), National Phlebotomy Association (NPA), American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT), National Phlebotomy Certification Examination (NPCE), National Phlebotomy Solutions (NPS), or another national certification as approved by Clinical Labs leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic phlebotomy and specimen processing techniques.
• Knowledge of medical terms preferred.
• Basic computer skills.
• Effective communication skills.
• Effective professional communication skills to interact with patients/ customers.