Job Description
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Molecular Technologist I is responsible for specimen labeling, processing, test performance and storage, lab maintenance, supply stocking, logging temperature and lot numbers, aliquoting reagents, and following standard lab procedures, safety guidelines, and HIPAA polices.
SPECIFIC JOB FUNCTIONS:
SPECIMEN LABELING AND ASSISTANCE DUTIES
- Check specimens for proper identification and test orders. Label for testing and with any error codes that apply to specimen preparation and transport.
- Properly seal and store specimens at the appropriate temperature after testing.
- Double check all packaging, boxes, biohazard bags, and sorting areas for missing specimens or requisitions.
- Clean and maintain the specimen labeling area.
- Clean and maintain all laboratory areas according to the Clinical Lab Cleaning Schedule and properly document and date cleaning or maintenance performed.
- Understand and follow reagent labeling and handling procedures during preparation of wash plates for extraction procedures.
- Prepare wash plates for extraction procedures according to standard procedures.
TECHNICAL DUTIES
- Follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, and maintaining records of patient test results.
- Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
- Document instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed.
- Follow the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.
- Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
- Understand and follow procedures for specimen, batch, and plate labeling and identification so that specimen traceability is maintained through the entire high-throughput, teamwork testing process.
- Understand and follow reagent labeling and handling procedures.
- Performance of TEM-PCR lab duties is expected to be accurate and efficient after initial 6 month competency assessment and maintained at an acceptable level thereafter.
- Clean and decontaminate laboratory testing areas according to procedure after each day's testing is complete in the area.
- Stock laboratory with supplies.
ALL AREAS
- Perform all work duties as assigned by shift on weekly work schedules, using any downtime for lab maintenance or other assigned duties.
- Adhere to the laboratory's quality control policies and document all quality control activities.
- Be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and correct the problem or immediately notify the day's lead technologist.
- Participate in the laboratory's quality assurance plan.
- Participate in job specific training and annual competency assessment reviews.
- Keep workstations clean according to the cleaning policy.
- Wear personal protective equipment as required.
- Observe all safety guidelines and report any unsafe conditions to a lab supervisor or manager.
- Perform any additional duties as directed by Clinical Lab management.
ADDITIONAL JOB CONSIDERATIONS
- A day's schedule can be affected by specimen delivery delays, possibly resulting in later arrival times or later finish times. Flexibility with scheduling, within reason, is required.
- Weekend and holiday work is required.
- Work during adverse weather conditions, as much as safety will allow, is required.
- Lab work requires a majority of time standing or walking and dexterity with hand-eye coordination.
- Basic computer skills are required.