Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Performs laboratory testing using methods and procedures useful in patient diagnosis and treatment.

Qualifications

Route 1: Associate degree in a clinical Laboratory Science or eqivalency required plus certification as a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent certifying agency.  Demonstrated organized human relations and effective communication skills also required. OR

Route 2: An official US military medical laboratory procedures training course of at least 50 weeks duration and have held the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist Associate degree may be substituted for an Associate degree. OR

Route 3: Currently working to meet MLT educational and/or certification requirements listed above, indicated by enrollment in a University CLS program or other educational course work recognized by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or other equivalent laboratory certifying agency as a route that provides certification exam eligibility.  If the individual is pursuing MLT education and/or certification requirements at the time of employment, continued employment is contingent of the successful completion of all education requirements and certification within one year of the individual's date of hire.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated vaccination requirements, or be approved for an exemption, prior to the first day of work. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Performs waived, moderate and highly complex analytic processes.
2. Utilizes routine and specialized automated and non-automated laboratory procedures and techniques.
3. Ensures attending physicians or appropriate individuals obtain timely and accurate patient lab results.
4. Evaluates and resolves problems related to specimen collection, preparation and analysis.
5. Prepares labels and performs quality control inspections on laboratory reagents as defined by the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
6. Maintains accurate laboratory records.
7. Performs necessary training and competency evaluation to ensure accurate performance of procedures.
8. Calibrates laboratory instruments to ensure accuracy of test results.
9. Performs quality control procedures as specified in the SOPs and maintains quality control records necessary for accrediting agencies and quality assurance indicators.
10. Observes principles of data security and patient confidentiality.
11. Performs internal and external proficiency testing.

Problem Solving

The incumbent must coordinate with other departments, physicians, residents or patients to ensure accurate diagnosis, information and scheduling. This position troubleshoots and recognizes technical problems as they arise and seeks assistance from the supervisor when controls fail and results are not as expected.

Comments

The incumbents in this position may be required to work unscheduled hours and rotate on call responsibilities.

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Seldom: Infectious disease, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids), hazards (includes a variety of physical conditions, such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, electrical current, working on scaffolding and high places, or exposure to chemicals).

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing, sitting. 

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.  The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.