LAB TECHNICIAN - MICROBIOLOGY

General Purpose of Job:

Assist Clinical Laboratory Scientists with providing accurate & timely lab results to Physicians & Patients. Prepare & process samples for testing. Assist in media, reagent & quality control preparation & testing as directed.

Essential Duties:

This job description is intended to cover the minimum essential duties assigned on a regular basis. Caregivers may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned by their leader. Leadership has the right to alter or modify the duties of the position.

• Perform "waived," non-patient testing, & quality control testing, as directed;
• Assist with media/reagent preparation;
• Assist with study documentation, testing, quality control & record keeping;
• Properly prepare specimens for testing by centrifuging, aliquoting, & labelling, adhering to published procedures & guidelines;
• Receive & sort specimens, including blood, bodily fluid, & tissue;
• Evaluate specimens for correct identification & suitability for testing;
• Use complex scientific instruments to process specimens, adhering to published procedures & guidelines;
• Identify and correct problems and/or errors with submitted specimens, orders, and processing on scientific instruments;
• Follow established best practices to ensure that Patients, orders, & specimens are always identified & labelled correctly;
• Prioritize work based on Patient type & sample priority;
• Prepare specimens for transport & storage, deliver appropriate specimens to designated laboratory section for testing;
• Use a computer to verify sample collection information, retrieve patient test data, & enter data;
• Track specimens & work pending lists to identify incomplete tests & problems;
• Resolve problems by taking appropriate actions as dictated by the circumstances;
• Communicate effectively, & in accordance with the ICARE values, in-person, via the telephone, & via email;
• Provide instruction in laboratory technique, instrumentation, & application of laboratory test procedures to new Caregivers, students, fellows, residents & clients;
• Assist in training new Caregivers;
• Maintain inventory, replenish stock & supplies;
• Perform technical, clerical, & service duties as assigned, including (but not limited to: equipment cleaning & maintenance, emptying trash, washing dishes, taking & recording temperatures, filing & retrieving specimens, handling biohazard & chemical waste);
• Follow instructions given by Clinical Laboratory Scientists, Pathologists, & Leaders.