Non-Smile Resource

Author: Unknown Document Number: Per10-04

Effective (or Post) Date: 28 Dec 2006
Document Origin Company: Unknown
Unknown SMILE Approved by: Erin Gover
Review by Heidi Hanes Review date 17 Feb 2020
pSMILE Comments: This document is provided as an example only. It must be revised to accurately reflect
your lab’s specific processes and/or specific protocol requirements. Users are encouraged to ensure
compliance with local laws and study protocol policies when considering the application of this document.
If you have any questions contact SMILE.

Job Description - Laboratory Technologist

Position Title: Laboratory Technologist
Job Family:
Pay Grade:
Position Number:

General Summary:

Coordinate and participate in a variety of complex technical tasks in the

performance of laboratory tests to obtain data for use in the diagnosis and
treatment of disease.

Essential Job Functions:

Coordinate and participate in the performance and interpretation of complex

technical duties in support of medical laboratory testing; record determinations
and results for review by laboratory management and physician/caregiver
staff.

Participate in specimen collection when required according to test requested,

either directly by venipuncture or skin puncture; maintain responsibility for
patient identification, specimen labeling and collection verification, or
instructing patients or other healthcare providers in collection and preservation
techniques for urine, sputum, stool, scrapings, autologous/directed donations,
or other specimens for analysis.

Set up, evaluate and operate current and new equipment, instruments and
apparatus required for specific laboratory tests and assume adequate
responsibility to maintain operations including preventive maintenance.
Coordinate the preparation and quality assurance of culture media, chemicals,
reagents, stains and solutions as appropriate.

Evaluate collected laboratory data and prepare reports assessing accuracy,

completeness, timeliness, progress, adverse trends and appropriate
recommendations or conclusions.

Participate in the development of new medical laboratory procedures and

techniques.

Provide technical guidance and instruction to students, interns, residents, staff

and other employees; arrange teaching or rotation schedules for students and
new employees.

Assist in the development and implementation of clinical evaluations.

Act as a person in charge (PIC) as well as a resource person/role model, as

per guidelines determined by laboratory management. Participate in various
personnel actions including, but not limited to, hiring, training, performance
appraisals, promotions, transfers and vacation schedules.

Monitor Quality Control, Quality Assurance, Safety and Inspection Control

practices to assure compliance with internal and external regulations.

Maintain sufficient inventory of material supplies and equipment for

performance of duties; clean and maintain standard laboratory equipment.

Monitor workflow, assessment of staffing levels and reassignment as needed.

Follow up to ensure work is completed.

Oversee competency testing for the staff, complete annual continual education
and DUMC updates.

Utilize various laboratory and hospital information systems and software.

Communicate in a professional and courteous manner with patients, family

and other medical personnel as necessary to obtain information for laboratory
records, explain procedures, clarify orders and communicate status.

Interact courteously with doctors, nurses and health unit coordinators (HUC)
and other healthcare providers when answering questions or providing other
information about a patient's results.

Help coordinate participation for lab inspections and work with inspectors.
Provide advanced problem solving, troubleshooting,
interpretation/consultation, verification of specimen quality and test results.

Scope of Responsibility:

Knows the informal policies, procedures and practices necessary to conduct

the normal function of a specific section, unit, or work area. Is aware of the
role of the position and its potential impact on the working unit.

Decision Making:

Carries out duties and responsibilities with limited supervision. Makes

decisions and establishes work priorities on essentially procedure-oriented
operations.

Authority:

Does not direct the activities of staff or a function.

Communication:

Exchanges routine information in an appropriate manner requiring good oral

and written communication skills.

Education:

Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology or a related field.

Experience:

Ability to demonstrate required dexterity, knowledge, and ability to complete

assigned laboratory tasks and skills, attention to detail and compliance with all
appropriate regulatory and safety requirements. Alternatively, an equivalent
combination of relevant education and/or experience.

Certification:

Required: Certification as a Medical Technologist by a nationally recognized

board/agency.

Physical Requirements:

Work produced is subject to precise measures of quantity and quality.

Work environment may include areas of unpleasant extremes of cold or heat.

Biohazardous conditions such as the risk of radiation exposure, fumes or
airborne particles, and/or toxic or caustic chemicals may be present in this
work environment which mandate attention to safety considerations.

Near vision to see objects clearly within 20 inches.

Sharp focus to adjust vision when doing close work that changes in distance
from eyes.

Full spectrum vision to identify and distinguish color.

Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with
whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard.

Handling by seizing, holding, grasping, turning or otherwise working with the

hand or hands, but without finger dexterity.

Sitting in a normal seated position for extended periods of time.

Occasionally lifting, carrying objects weighing 10 lbs. or less.

Occasionally pushing, pulling objects weighing 30 lbs. or less.

Ability to move about.

This description is a general statement of required major duties and responsibilities performed on a
regular and continuous basis. It does not exclude other duties as assigned.