Reporting to the Laboratory Director with accountability to the Laboratory Supervisor and Manager, the Medical Technologist performs laboratory procedures to provide physicians and pathologists with information to assist in the diagnosis and/or treatment of medical disorders; performs related clerical and service duties.

The Medical Technologist is responsible for the performance of laboratory tests that require the exercise of independent judgement and responsibility. This includes the performance of tests defined under CLIA ’88 as high complexity tests. Medical Technologists are to be knowledgeable in the technical areas to which they are assigned and is expected to resolve technical equipment and procedural problems to completion.

1. Performs high complexity and moderate (if applicable) complexity testing accurately and efficiently. Follows lab procedures carefully.

2. Receives blood and other patient specimens. Accurately labels, numbers, and routes specimens and their associated paperwork and computer records.

3. Performs laboratory procedures as assigned by the Supervisor; accurately performs routine and special laboratory tests according to procedure manuals and records their results; evaluates test results, including normal and abnormal results which require notification, documentation, and/or verification.

4. Maintains operational level of equipment, cleans when needed, and reports all malfunctioning equipment to team facilitator; performs and records maintenance procedures and basic troubleshooting.

5. Performs test procedures on quality control specimens, records their results, takes corrective action when indicated, and notifies supervisor when results are out of control; participates in quality assurance programs.

6. Updates knowledge of hospital and laboratory information system hardware and software as needed to perform assigned duties; troubleshoots and communicates problems to supervisor.

7. Follows all security procedures concerning confidential patient information, both written and computerized.

8. Maintains adequate level of supplies, restocks as needed, and notifies supervisor of inventory needs; checks in and documents use of new reagents as needed.

9. Participates in teaching of students and other health professionals as required.

10. Assumes a supervisory role in appropriate situations or when staffing needs warrant it. Assists in training new employees.

11. Communicates problems and suggestions for improvements to section supervisor.

12. Assumes responsibility for own professional growth by attending continuing education classes, seminars, and by reading professional journals.

13. May perform chain of custody drug screen collections and/or breath alcohol analysis to include analysis and completion of forms according to regulatory guidelines.

14. Adheres to all Northwest Community Hospital standards, policies, and procedures.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Moderate physical effort. Requires continuous standing or walking. May require frequent lifting or moving of average weight material, or occasional lifting of moving heavy weight material.

2. The flow of work and character of duties involves concentrated mental and visual attention much or all of the time along with manual coordination.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
1. Continuous risk of exposure to infectious disease and hazardous chemicals and solutions.