Clinical Laboratory Technician
Worcester, MA General Operations
Job Type
Full-time
Description

JOB OVERVIEW


Ethos Laboratories, Massachusetts facility, is CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited, New York State licensed clinical diagnostic testing facility The Clinical Laboratory Technician is responsible for specimen accessioning, preparation, and analysis using enzyme immunoassay (EIA) instruments. This position requires a high level of attention to detail, the ability to multitask, and the ability to use, maintain, and troubleshoot moderate complexity instrumentation.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Receive incoming urine specimens; open, count, and sort specimens 
  • Ensure specimen integrity by verifying that specimens are labeled appropriately and that identifying information on the specimen matches identifying information on accompanying documentation and/or electronic orders 
  • Accession urine specimens into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) by entering patient data, specimen information, medication lists, ordered tests, and point-of-care results into the LIS – manual data entry may be required for some specimens 
  • Correctly identify specimens that do not meet criteria for testing and specimens that need to be placed on hold for missing information 
  • Pipet (aliquot) accessioned urine specimens into appropriate test tubes and 96-well plates to prepare for testing and storage
  • Dispose of urine specimens that have reached their retention date 
  • Prepare urine specimens, calibrators, and quality controls for testing using established standard operating procedures (SOPs) 
  • Document room temperature, humidity levels, reagents, and controls per CLIA and CAP regulations 
  • Aid in routine and special projects (AMR studies, validations, proficiency testing, CAP inspections, etc.) that arise throughout the year
  • Oversee the daily operation of EIA instrument(s) for processing of urine specimens for toxicology
  • Prepare and run daily Calibrations, Pre-QCs, and Post-QCs for EIA instrument(s)
  • Interpret data from Calibrations, Pre-QCs, and Post-QCs to ensure that appropriate values are produced. Recalibrate and rerun QCs as needed 
  • Analyze data from EIA to ensure complete testing. Identify and prepare specimens needing reruns
  • Flag specimens that do not meet specimen validity requirements 
  • Perform and document required daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance for EIA instrument(s) following the established maintenance schedule. Schedule preventative maintenance (PM) when necessary, utilizing instrument service contracts and agreements.
  • Recognize and help troubleshoot issues with the EIA instrument(s)
  • Maintain inventory for all EIA supplies including (but not limited to) receipt and filing of ordered supplies; dispose of packaging
  • Print and file daily printouts for Calibrations, Pre-QCs, and Post-QCs, making appropriate notations 
  • Comply with quality assurance procedures, participating in proficiency testing and competency evaluation throughout the year.
  • Communicate issues, as needed, with supervisor and/or Lab Director in a timely manner
  • Participate in the evaluation, validation, and/or implementation of new methodologies.
  • Support and assist coworkers as needed to ensure the best possible patient care; able to work independently while also functioning as part of a team.
  • Remain flexible to changes in job assignments or schedules; request assistance when needed occur to ensure minimal disruption of workflow.
  • Complete general lab tasks as needed 


Requirements
  • Familiar with typical laboratory operations including use of computer systems
  • Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment, organize and prioritize work as needed
  • Capable of following written procedures, both technical and administrative
  • Regular and prompt attendance
  • Ability to perform work following established SOPs and ensure the highest quality standards are maintained
  • Proficient in ability to operate laboratory instrumentation and computers with scientific software applications
  • Ability to listen, learn, and promote accountability and responsibility related to all processes
  • Requires ability to effectively troubleshoot process and instrument issues using critical, strategic, and analytical thinking
  • Proficient in use of single-channel and multi-channel pipettes
  • High level of attention to detail
  • Must be able to work with limited supervision where the work assignments are subject to established procedures, practices, precedents, methods, techniques, standards, and/or well-defined policies
  • Must be able to achieve superior results when work is reviewed in terms of quality, volume, timeliness, and adherence to established methods, standards and policies
  • Must be able and willing to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when required
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office applications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toxicology, Biochemistry, Biology, Forensic Science, or a similar analytical science field; or Associate of Science in Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) with appropriate national certification and 3 years of experience
  • Minimum of 1 year of data entry experience required 
  • Preference for candidates with EIA instrument experience
  • Preference for candidates with bodily fluid work experience, such as urine
  • Knowledge/skill in a specific/multiple laboratory area(s) acquired through training or previous work experience of at least one year (full-time) preferred.
  • Previous experience with LIS preferred; familiarity with Windows software applications a plus

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
  • Skilled in data entry with minimal errors
  • Excellent time management, scheduling, documentation, and organizational skills
  • Demonstrated troubleshooting abilities
  • Must be flexible, innovative, and self-motivated
  • Ability to function independently and in a team environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Work is performed in a laboratory environment and exposes the incumbent to normal laboratory hazards and chemicals, including biohazard materials
  • Work in varying degrees of temperature (heated or air conditioned)
  • Position requires sitting, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and handling objects with hands and/or fingers, talking and/or hearing, and seeing
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs

DIRECT REPORTS

  • None