Medical Laboratory Technician

KLICKITAT COUNTY PUBLIC HOSPITAL DISTRICT NO 1•Goldendale, WA

13d•$21 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)/Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) performs a variety of clinical tests, including complex microscopic, immunologic, biologic, bacteriologic, hematologic, and chemical analyses. The position reports results to physicians or other providers for diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. The MLT/MLS may also answer phones, respond to information requests, and perform other duties assigned by the Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Supervisor, or Medical Director. The role emphasizes excellent customer service and collaboration with employees, patients, families, vendors, and other departments to provide professional, ethical, and knowledgeable care. The employee maintains a safe, clean, organized work environment and recognizes potential exposure to hazardous materials, blood-borne pathogens, infectious diseases, physical injury, and risks associated with patient care.

Requirements

Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Technician studies with ASCP certification, or a bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science or an approved biological science with ASCP certification; alternate degrees may be considered case by case.
Provide proof of education and training upon hire.
MLT candidates must have completed an associate-degree course of study or an experience/testing combination meeting certification requirements; MLT (AMT/ASCP) certification or eligibility is required, with testing and passage within 90 days of hire.
MT candidates must have completed a bachelor's-degree course of study or an experience/testing combination meeting certification requirements; MT (AMT/ASCP) certification or eligibility is required, with testing and passage within 90 days of hire.
Current Washington State Medical Assistant-Phlebotomist certification is required within 90 days of hire.
BLS certification is required within 90 days of hire.
If a new graduate, pass the certification exam within one year of hire.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Completion of clinical rotations in MLT or MLS.
At least six months of laboratory work experience.

Responsibilities

Perform complex test analyses in assigned laboratory areas according to established protocols and procedures.
Process specimens using established protocols and technical knowledge.
Calibrate, standardize, and maintain laboratory instruments.
Perform quality control, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure instruments, reagents, and procedures function properly.
Prepare cultures of tissue samples when required.
Validate and promptly report test results to physicians or providers as requested or according to policy and collection-manual timelines.
Verify test requisitions against patient records or the Laboratory Information System and resolve or escalate discrepancies.
Verify patient identity using two identifiers.
Enter laboratory test orders and patient or specimen information into the Laboratory Information System.
Dispose of contaminated sharps, blood, biohazard fluids, and tissue in accordance with applicable laws, standards, and policies.
Match laboratory labels to specimen tubes and maintain specimen integrity using aseptic technique and required isolation procedures.
Participate in quality assurance activities, follow testing schedules, record quality-control results, and report needed changes.
Maintain laboratory supply inventory, assist with supply orders, and use equipment and supplies in accordance with department procedures.
Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by following exposure-control, infection-control, universal-precaution, and chemical-hygiene requirements.
Resolve unusual test orders by contacting the appropriate provider, pathologist, nursing station, or reference laboratory, and escalate unresolved orders.
Maintain job knowledge through educational opportunities, professional publications, networking, and professional organizations.
Adhere to professional standards, hospital policies and procedures, and applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Contribute to new processes and identify opportunities to add value to the laboratory department and hospital.
Perform other duties as assigned.