Lab Technician

Performs basic through advanced testing procedures, under the supervision of a licensed Technologist where applicable by state regulations, on patient and/or donor samples and interprets results in accordance with regulatory guidelines and organizational policies and procedures.

Position Schedule: This is a full-time position and candidate must be available to work a flexible third shift schedule any day of the week including weekends and holidays to meet department needs.

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the duties and responsibilities performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Accepts, verifies and processes incoming blood and blood components or samples
• Performs and interprets various testing procedures on donor and patient specimens as well as blood products, repeating tests where appropriate
• Maintains and monitors required records and files, written or electronic
• Performs quality control, equipment maintenance and calibration as required
• Identifies and resolves potential patient care issues related to transfusion
• Utilizes computer system to obtain necessary data and to record test results
• Participates in the ongoing monitoring for each testing process to identify errors or potential problems leading to errors and takes effective and preventive corrective actions when indicated
• Performs the essential functions of the Lab Assistant as needed.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Associate's degree in a chemical, physical, biological science or medical laboratory technology from an accredited college or university or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training and or experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND DESIGNATIONS:

In Florida, a valid and current Florida Clinical Laboratory Technician license in Immunohematology or Blood Banking. In certain specialty laboratories other Florida licenses may be required. If working in a state without laboratory personnel licensure requirements, must meet current CLIA requirements for moderate complexity testing in Product Quality Control Laboratories and high complexity testing in Reference and/or Compatibility Testing Laboratories.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of and ability to read technical procedures and governmental regulations
• Skill in proper specimen collection, including patient preparation if applicable, labeling, handling, preservation or fixation, processing or preparation, transportation, and storage of specimens
• Skill in performing each test method and proper instrument use
• Skill in performing preventative maintenance, troubleshooting and calibration procedures related to each test performed
• Working knowledge of reagent stability and storage
• Skill in implementation of laboratory quality control policies and procedures
• Knowledge of the factors that influence test results
• Skill required to assess and verify the validity of patient test results through the evaluation of quality control sample values prior to reporting patient test results
• Ability to organize work for timely completion
• Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to read, write and speak English effectively
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Skill in operating office equipment
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time
• Ability to commute with personal transportation
• Ability to report to work during a disaster, public health emergency or other catastrophic event.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Ability to periodically perform moderately physically demanding work, usually involving lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling moderately heavy objects and materials (up to 50 pounds). (Tasks that require moving objects of significant weight require the assistance of another person and/or use of proper techniques and moving equipment.) Tasks may involve some climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, prolonged sitting or standing.

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.

Functions are regularly performed inside and/or outside with potential for exposure to adverse conditions, such as inclement weather, atmospheric elements and pathogenic substances. Performance of this job could expose the employee to blood-borne pathogens. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.