Job: Medical Lab Technician

Requisition Number 09-0949
Post Date 10/23/2009
Title Medical Lab Technician
City Salt Lake City
State UT

General Function:

Provides services of both a technical and non-technical nature in the laboratory service areas. Works under the direction of a Medical Technologist (MT) and/or Technologist II. Duties include (where applicable under specific state and federal regulations): preparation of specimens for processing in the laboratory; performance of selected waived, moderate, and highly complex analytical process; performance and documentation of quality control and selected equipment maintenance; data handling and input.

Reporting Function:

This position reports to the Technical Supervisor who in turn reports to the Group Manager. This position may also receive direction and work assignments from designated individuals other than the Group Manager or Technical Supervisor.

Representative Activities and Accountabilities:

1. Performs selected waived, moderate, and/or highly complex analytic processes under appropriate direction. Uses routine and specialized automated and non-automated laboratory procedures and/or techniques for which he/she is qualified, trained, and demonstrates competency according to established lab section operating procedures (SOP's).

2. Performs analytical and decision making functions with direct supervision.

3. Recognizes and reports abnormal results. Recognizes unexpected or implausible results, errors, and problems with patient tests. Refers resolution to Medical Technologist/ Technologist II or Technical Supervisor.

4. Operates and ensures proper functioning of selected laboratory instruments and equipment. May calibrate selected laboratory instruments to ensure accuracy of results. Performs minor troubleshooting and routine maintenance under direction of a Medical Technologist/Technologist II and/or Technical Supervisor. Uses instrument 'HOTLINE' if available, in resolving instrument problems. Reports service issues to Technical Supervisor. Maintains records and documentation.

5. Performs and documents quality control. Refers QC results that fail laboratory criteria to Medical Technologist/Technologist II or Technical Supervisor for resolution.

6. Understands appropriate specimen collection, handling and transport procedures. Collects samples if required by laboratory section. Prepares specimens for analysis and determines acceptability of samples within guidelines. Refers specimen issues to designated Medical Technologist/Technologist II, and/or Technical Supervisor.

7. Processes data, transcribes results and verifies data in the laboratory computer system.

8. Meets lab section turnaround times.

9. Trains on new procedures to a prescribed level of competency.

10. Meets output measures as defined by individual group procedures. Assists others in areas of defined competency when assigned workload is complete.

11. Answers telephone calls in a timely and courteous manner. Provides results available in the computer as requested to physicians, nurses and laboratorians. Refers problems to Medical Technologist/Technologist II or Technical Supervisor.

12. Performs internal and external proficiency testing as directed by the Technical Supervisor.

13. Maintains clean and orderly work area. Cleans bench surfaces and equipment each shift or after contamination or spills. Documents as required.

14. Stocks and maintains reagents and supplies. Notes receipt date and lot number on reagents to ensure that oldest stock is used first. Discards outdated reagents according to section policy and notifies supervisor.

15. Refers requests for special and unusual tests to the Technical Supervisor and/or Group Manager.

16. Responds to technical questions consistent with level of training and competency.

17. As assigned, assists in the training of new employees, technicians, MT and MLT students.

18. Participates in continuing education ad staff meetings. Responsible for own professional development.

19. Remains informed of all procedures and procedure changes.

20. May assist in data collection for QA indicators.

21. Complies with safety and biohazard regulations as outlined in the Laboratory Safety Manual. Failure to follow safety protocols will result in disciplinary action.

22. Observes principles of data security and patient confidentiality. Maintains ethical standards in the performance of testing and in interactions with patients, co-workers and other health care professionals.

23. Maintains open and effective communication with personnel in work teams, and with members of other teams throughout the organization.

24. Demonstrates adaptability by embracing changes in the laboratory with a positive attitude. Provides constructive

Job Qualifications

Education/Credentials required:


Education required: Meets qualification of a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) as outlined in ARUP Procedure: Employment Categorizations of Technical Personnel.


CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED: Medical Laboratory Technician (ASCP) or equivalent.


EDUCATION REQUIRED: AS, Medical Laboratory Technician.


Physical and other requirements:

* Regular and reliable attendance.

* Excellent customer service skills.

* Ability to work well with others.

* Ability to work all required overtime.

* Fine motor coordination.

* Good visual acuity including color perception.

* Occasional light lifting.

* Mobility


Special demands:

* Ability to organize work, to meet deadlines and to work under stressful condition.

* Ability to communicate well in English, both orally and written.

* Absolute integrity in the accurate identification of samples, test performance and reporting of results.