Laboratory Technician - Rheumatology

UnitedHealth Group•Olympia, WA

20d•$29 - $52•Onsite

About The Position

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. Summit Rheumatology Olympia, WA Position Summary: Responsible for the management and compliance of laboratory services and all components of laboratory services in alignment with the Washington Department of Health and CLIA guidelines. In collaboration with Theratest leadership, and laboratory medical directorship, this position serves as a triad partner to ensure safe handling, testing, quality assurance, and oversight meets all state and program guidelines. The lab technician works closely with a variety of physicians/providers as well as clinic staff to ensure laboratory operations meet the objectives of patient care.

Requirements

Bachelors Degree in Laboratory Sciences or related field
3+ years of relevant experience in laboratory services

Nice To Haves

Masters: (Clinical Laboratory Sciences)
ASCP or AMT certification
Immunology experience or ELISA experience
Supervisory experience

Responsibilities

Perform patient testing on the automated platform, the DSX by Dynex
Verify the test procedures performed and establish the laboratory test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test
Enroll and participate in an HHS approved proficiency testing program
Establish a quality control program appropriate for the testing performed (internal and external controls, split samples etc) and establish the parameter for acceptable levels of analytic performance AND ensure that these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process (pre-, analytical and post-)
Resolve technical problems and ensure that remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications
Must ensure that patient test results are not reported until ALL corrective actions have been taken and the test system is functioning properly
Must identify training needs and ensure that everyone performing tests receives regular in- service training and education appropriate for the type and complexity of the laboratory services performed
Evaluates the competency of all testing personnel by: direct observation of routine patient test performance monitoring the recording and reporting of test results reviewing of worksheets, quality control records, proficiency testing results direct observation of performance of instrument maintenance and function checks assessment of test performance through testing previously analyzed specimens, internal blind testing samples or external proficiency testing assessment of problem-solving skills
Responsible for monitoring test analyses and specimen examinations to ensure that acceptable levels of analytic performance are maintained
Assuring that all remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications
Ensuring that patient test results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is properly functioning
Responsible for specimen processing, test performance and reporting test results
Perform ONLY those high complexity tests that are authorized by the laboratory director and require a degree of skill commensurate with the individual's education, training or experience
Follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results
Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens
Must be able to accomplish any and all duties with little to no assistance.