Medical Lab Technician
Oregon Health & Science University Hospital
Portland, OR
days
Sign-On Bonus

Medical Lab Technician

Department Overview This position provides technical support in the Transfusion Services to complete laboratory testing for OHSU hospital and clinic patients. The incumbent will be a qualified Medical Laboratory Technician with generalist experience or equivalent capable of performing laboratory testing and associated activities needed to support the technical services provided by the Transfusion Services. This position will require testing skills in Transfusion Service. Testing is performed in Transfusion Services suing the Grifols Erytra and manual testing processes utilizing both gel and tube. This position will also have some limited testing responsibilities in the Core Lab. Specimen processing, test performance, and result reporting is performed independently after appropriate training. Additional review of results is required in the case of unusual/complex results, procedural problems, or when dictated by policy or procedure. The person filling this position will be of professional demeanor and perform their duties with an attitude, which will best serve the clients of the department. Function/Duties of Position Medical Laboratory Technician Testing Duties * Perform routine lab testing; accurately record results and interpretations by computer entry and/or legibly in writing. * Use lab instruments to include the Grifols Erytra. Utilize supplies and equipment responsibly and according to lab and manufacturer's guidelines and Transfusion Service procedures. * Perform gel and manual serologic testing to resolve problems encountered in routine testing, accurately record results and interpretations. * Follow established policies and procedures, but obtain consult to resolve complex issues; bring to the attention of the Medical Laboratory Scientists, Technical Coordinator, Manager, or Medical Director. Seek guidance from or notify the Technical Coordinator, Manager, Medical Director, or Resident, when appropriate. Medical Laboratory Technician Product Bench Duties * Recognize incorrect or unusual blood product orders and take steps to modify the order after consult with patient physician or Transfusion Service medical staff or resident. * Maintain and manage an adequate inventory of perishable blood products and ensure that excessive wastage does not occur. * Choose appropriate blood products for patients based on urgency of need, available inventory, lab results, and therapeutic requirements. * Prepare blood components; document preparation, and label according to SOP. Thaw plasma and cryoprecipitate; irradiate blood products, divide blood products into aliquots using correct technique; pool blood products. * Properly issue blood products and document issue/inspection manually and in HCLL. Receive and document returned blood products to inventory; quarantine as appropriate. * Sign in blood products received from Red Cross with appropriate documentation. Issue and receive blood products to and from patient care areas. * Document transactions involving blood products correctly and legibly, i.e., receive/issue documentation; verbal orders; and orders placed with Red Cross, etc. Quality Control Monitoring, Maintenance and Review * Perform Quality control, periodic maintenance and Proficiency Testing as assigned. * Perform and document maintenance of analyzers, blood storage and other equipment. Troubleshoot equipment and interact with vendors, as needed. * Participate in departmental Quality Monitoring/Improvement processes. Recognize and document variations, errors, and accidents. * Document proper temperature of blood products in transit from hospital to hospital, and internally at OHSU. * Inspect blood products for appropriate appearance. Organize, check for accuracy, and report blood product usage statistics as assigned. * Maintain inventory of supplies and ordering; alert Technical Coordinator or Manager when supplies are low in a timely manner. * Accurately bill blood products and testing, and record audit trail of product use in compliance with regulatory and accrediting requirements. Departmental Personnel Duties * Adhere to Pathology Infection Control Policy. Maintain safety and cleanliness of lab space and instruments. Follow established infection control policies, fire safety, and precautions for blood borne pathogens. * Communicate effectively with co-workers, other hospital medical and nursing staff, and Red Cross Blood Center staff. * Promote excellent teamwork and customer service for all hospital personnel. Answer telephone queries correctly, courteously, and promptly; refer questions when appropriate. * Maintain a professional demeanor with customers and fellow staff. Recognize opportunities to improve services and actively participate in suggesting, planning, and monitoring solutions. * Adhere to attendance policy: report to department on time at scheduled beginning of shift, do not leave before scheduled end of shift without first checking with Technical Coordinator or Manager; remain in area; do not abuse break or meal time allotments; record time worked accurately; clock in and out on Transfusion Service phone. * Do not use Internet on OHSU workstations for other than work-related business during work hours. * Attend and participate in staff meetings. * Participate in training programs. Guide, instruct, and evaluate Medical Technician and Medical Laboratory Scientist students * In addition to scheduled working hours, this position may require the employee to work weekends, after hours and holidays. * Monitor fellow employee performance. Provide Manager with peer review feedback, if requested, for annual performance review. * Complete other duties and special projects assigned by the Technical Coordinator, Manager, or Medical Director. * Carry out job responsibilities in an ethical, responsible, honest, effective, and professional manner. Required Qualifications * Completion of a 2 year accredited program in Medical Laboratory Technician training plus MLT (ASCP) or AMT certification completed within 90 days of hire; depending on date of training, different continuing education requirements will apply. * OR Bachelor's degree in a chemical or biological science, and two years of Medical Laboratory training/experience performing standardized laboratory tests in the specialty area(s) in which high complexity testing will be performed; MLT(ASCP) or AMT certification preferred; depending on date of training, different continuing education requirements will apply. * General knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, materials and techniques, regulations and safety. * Skill in handling of laboratory specimens, record keeping and laboratory equipment. * Skill in identifying cells and cell morphology. * Skill in using several different computer systems, including: word processing, dedicated LIS/HIS, etc. * Ability to follow written and oral instructions accurately, and operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment. * Ability to work independently within established guidelines, to adjust to rapidly changing priorities, and apply problem-solving skills. * Ability to demonstrate performance of job duties to trainees. * Demonstrate personal integrity, efficiency, and ability to adjust to rapidly changing testing priorities. * Ability to work in a multi-tasking environment and display technical skills at many different workstations throughout the laboratory. * MLT (ASCP) or equivalent. * Compliance with Code of Conduct, Respect in the workplace and Applicable policies, procedures and agreements related to position, department or OHSU as a whole * Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation Preferred Qualifications * Generalist experience in Transfusion Services within last two years preferred. Additional Details Pay Range: $29.96 - $40.50 per hour * Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nights weekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature control problems in building. * Positions in laboratory departments require the ability to carry and lift up to 30 lbs.; ability to stand or sit for 4-8 hours depending on the tasks assigned; ability to bend, reach, and carry as required for assigned tasks; ability to utilize simple and complicated laboratory equipment and computers; ability to utilize multi-line phones, pagers, dictation equipment, and office equipment. All are welcome Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or [email protected].