Medical Laboratory Technician I (Specimen Processing) - UI Health, Labs/Pathology Services

University of Illinois Chicago•Chicago, IL

82d•Onsite

About The Position

Under supervision, performs a variety of duties and responsibilities associated with basic laboratory support functions, such as specimen processing according to policy and procedure, filing, answering telephones, result retrieval, customer service, faxing reports, order entry, logging in specimens, printing reports, specimen distribution, centrifugation of specimens, and operating and troubleshooting computer terminals, printers, fax machines, and copiers, with limited preventive maintenance. This role involves troubleshooting and problem-solving order errors, mislabeled specimens, missed tests, add-ons, and other specimen processing errors. The position requires keeping the work area clean and organized, wearing PPE equipment at all times, and maintaining professionalism and courtesy when interacting with internal and external customers and clients.

Requirements

Any one or combination of the following equivalent to two (2) years (24 months): Associate’s Degree eighteen months (18 months) in medical laboratory technology (MLT).
OR Completion of a vocational training program for Medical Laboratory technology.
OR Work experience training in a medical laboratory which provided a knowledge of generally accepted medical laboratory principles and practices.
Wear PPE equipment at all times.
Be professional and courteous when interacting with internal and external customers and clients at all times.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with specimen requirements for all tests done in the laboratory, including appropriate types of specimens for various tests and correct handling, processing, and storage procedures for each test and specimen type.
Familiarity with the organization of Pathology Laboratories in order to know which tests and specimens to forward to specific laboratories.
Knowledge of correct procedures for handling potentially infectious specimen material of patient origin so as not to contaminate self, coworkers, or the work area.
Detailed knowledge of the operation of the HIS and the LIS in order to select and use the correct program for the correct purpose.
Ability to type well enough to use a computer terminal efficiently.
Knowledge of medical and scientific terminology sufficient for reading and understanding laboratory requests, following written laboratory procedures, and reporting results in correct terms and correct units of measure.
Technician level knowledge of all tests performed in the laboratory.
Familiarity with laboratory workflow so pending specimens can be quickly located.

Responsibilities

Receive a wide variety of patient specimens arriving at the laboratory for testing.
Decide whether specimen type and quality is suitable, following established guidelines.
Notify authorized provider if a specimen is unacceptable.
Perform computer procedures for test requesting, canceling, or crediting tests ordered with a high degree of accuracy.
Verify billing information.
Prioritize and organize work.
Use the laboratory computer for all functions related to testing of patient specimens: run patient and lab reports and perform other computer functions (e.g., backups, scanning, etc.).
Perform required procedures to process specimens: centrifuges, aliquots, etc.
Distribute samples appropriately to various laboratory sections.
Investigate pending specimens.
Maintain specimen storage.
Answer phones for inquiries of results.
Recall data via LIS and report by phone.
Trace results not yet posted.
Call STAT/critical results in a timely manner to clinics and units according to established policy and procedure.
Refer complex problems to supervisor.
Seek and obtain guidance from supervisor regarding questionable specimens or test results.
Perform routine maintenance procedures and function checks on laboratory centrifuges, refrigerators, eyewash stations, and other equipment following established procedures and regulatory guidelines.
Maintain the laboratory work area so that it is organized, neat, and uncluttered.
Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.