LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST

Independence; Latrobe, Northern (Westmoreland County, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Independence Health in Latrobe, PA seeks a Laboratory Technologist to perform high complexity testing across multiple lab areas. The role requires independent work, phlebotomy, specimen handling, and adherence to quality controls while using LIS and instrument platforms.

The incumbent will participate in readiness for CAP, JCAHO, OSHA and DOH compliance, ensure accurate data entry, and communicate results effectively to healthcare providers within standard turnaround times.

Qualifications

• Associate of Science or higher in clinical laboratory science or medical technology.
• Equivalent CLIA high-complexity training/experience.

Responsibilities

• Procure, prepare and process specimens per approved procedures.
• Perform phlebotomy per established procedures.
• Validate test orders and ensure documentation is complete.

Skills

Laboratory terminology

LIS knowledge

Microsoft Office

Critical thinking

Communication

Education

AS or higher in clinical lab science

CLIA high-complexity training/experience

Tools

LIS

HIS

Instrument maintenance

Job description

The Laboratory Technologist will demonstrate multiple analytical and judgment skills and knowledge of clinical laboratory science to provide accurate, timely results. The incumbent uses high complexity methods and instrumentation and will work independently in multiple areas of the laboratory.

Essential Job Functions

• Procure, prepare and process specimen using various approved techniques and procedures.
• Perform phlebotomy in accordance with established procedures and in a manner consistent with customer service needs and expectations.
• Receive specimens into the LIS, verifies orders, understands priorities and communicates all pertinent information.
• Validate test orders, appropriateness of specimen and ensure required documentation is present.
• Process and organize specimens using standard precautions, maintaining specimen integrity and identity.
• Recognize, resolve and document specimen tracking and integrity issues.
• Utilize specimen rejection and irretrievable specimen policies to document specimen issues.
• Validate and research unusual reference test orders, arrange proper specimen collection, and ensure that documentation is complete and information effectively communicated.
• Package specimens for transport according to regulations and established protocol.
• Prepare appropriate quantity of reagents and consumables in accordance with section guidelines; maintains reagents to maximize stability and shelf-life.
• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance; anticipate problem situations and take preventative action to avoid delay of patient care.
• Maintain supplies at adequate levels to support operations, monitoring utilization and reporting unusual situations to supervisor.
• Perform low, moderate and high complexity technical assays, evaluate and interpret results forming conclusions requiring a high level of judgment.
• Determine and validate appropriate instrument settings and making adjustments as needed.
• Demonstrate competency on all instrumentation and methods in assigned work areas.
• Perform laboratory tests in assigned area, using established protocols and with an awareness of accuracy, method sensitivity, specificity, and turn-around-time and cost management.
• Assess test methods for procedural validity and testing accuracy, re-evaluating patient data for validity when instrument or methodology malfunctions are suspected.
• Perform and document all quality control, maintenance and variances.
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the test methods and procedures in two or more laboratory sections, and show an understanding of the correlation of patient results to the overall clinical picture.
• Identify, investigate and resolve questionable test orders and/or results through correlation of disease state/diagnosis and patient history.
• Assess specimen integrity, validity and identification; recognize abnormal, unusual, or problem situations, and correlate patient laboratory results when specimens are suboptimal.
• Correlate patient data with other clinical information to assess the possibility of inconsistent orders or results.
• Participate in a quality management system to include quality control and assurance of laboratory testing, competency assessment and appropriate utilization of laboratory services.
• Compose correlation studies, QC reports, and maintain monthly logs.
• Evaluate quality control data to assist the supervisor in the assessment of accuracy, reproducibility and validity of methods.
• Participate in section readiness to meet CAP, JCAHO, OSHA and DOH compliance.
• Utilize HIS as needed for patient or test order information, and to process supply or work orders.
• Utilize functions of LIS to accession, receive, result and monitor functions related to patient testing.
• Participate in initial and monthly validation of LIS and instrument interfaces.
• Evaluate laboratory data to assess the need for recollection of the specimen.
• Correlate patient laboratory results to suspect pathological state, and recognizes the need for follow-up or reflex testing.
• Redirect testing to appropriate backup or secondary test methods and seeks to resolve primary testing issues.
• Interact with healthcare providers to interpret laboratory results within the framework of medical technology.
• Answer inquiries from other healthcare providers concerning test appropriateness, quality, accuracy and procedural requirements.
• Assist in the evaluation and development of new methods/instruments.
• Recommend process improvements to workflow and assist in implementation of changes to improve operation.
• Report and document critical values and read back verifications according to policy.
• Adhere to laboratory and section specific Environmental Control Plan.
• When appropriate, enter reflex testing codes into LIS to generate billing.
• Retain records of instrument printouts and specimens according to policy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competency and Experience [Knowledge, Skills and Abilities]

Required Qualifications/Experience

• Associate of Science or higher-level degree from an accredited institution in chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology, OR,
• Equivalent laboratory training and experience meeting the requirements defined by CLIA 88 for individuals performing high complexity testing.
• Knowledge of Medical terminology and laboratory information system.
• Functional skills in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook.
• Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of nursing practice.
• Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

• Prior experience within a clinical laboratory.

License, Certification & Clearances

• ASCP preferred.
• Act 33 clearance with renewal.
• Act 34 clearance with renewal.
• Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
• Travel may be expected locally between System locations.

Independence Health and its affiliated companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. It is their policy to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other classification protected by law. Independence Health and its affiliated companies will comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Moreover, duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Essential – Absolute Necessity.

Marginal – Minimal Necessity.

Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.

Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.

Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.

Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.

Physical Condition

Marginal

Constantly

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

Extreme Heat

X

X

Extreme Cold

X

X

Heights

X

X

Confined Spaces

X

X

X

X

Mechanical Hazards

X

X

Use of Vibrating Tools

X

X

Operates Vehicle

X

X

Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices

X

Rotates All Shifts

X

X

X

X

X

X

On-Call

X

Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hrs/wk)

X

X

X

X

X

X

Respirator Protective Equipment

X

X

Eye Protection

X

X

X

Hearing Protection

X

X

Hand Protection

X

X

Feet, Toe Protection

X

Body Protection

X

X

Latex Exposure

X

X

Solvent Exposure

X

X

Paint (direct use) Exposure

X

Dust (sanding) Exposure

X

X

Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure

X

X

X

X

X

Mist Exposure

X

X

X

X

Laser Exposure

X

X

Physical Demands

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Essential – Absolute Necessity.

Marginal – Minimal Necessity.

Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.

Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.

Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.

Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.

Physical Condition

Marginal

Constantly

Frequently

Occasionally

Rarely

Never

X

X

X

X

Walking

X

X

X

X

Climbing Ladders

X

X

Standing

X

X

Kneeling

X

X

Squatting (Crouching)

X

X

Twisting/Turning

X

X

Keyboard/Computer Operation

X

X

Gross Grasp

X

X

X

X

Hand/Arm Coordination

X

X

Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force)

X

X

Carry

X

X

Transfer/Push/Pull Patients

X

Seeing Near w/Acuity

X

X

Feeling (Sensation)

X

X

X

X

Hearing Clearly

X

X

Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead

X

X

Reaching Above Shoulder Level

X

X

Reaching Forward

X

X

Lifting Floor to Knuckle

X

25#

Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle

X

10#

Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder

X

10#

Lifting Shoulder to Overhead

X

10#

When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.