LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

The Laboratory Technician at Riverside Healthcare is responsible for processing specimens for a variety of laboratory tests and procedures to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. This role involves working closely with the laboratory team to ensure accurate and timely results, maintaining laboratory equipment, and adhering to all safety and quality standards. The Laboratory Technician plays a critical role in delivering high-quality care by working closely with laboratory professionals to support the laboratorys operational needs. Computer skills, ability to multitask, and positive customer service interactions are also required. Position includes rotating weekend and holiday shifts.

Essential Duties

• Specimen Processing: Receive, sort, aliquot, process, and store patient specimens (blood, urine, tissue, etc.) following established protocols, including processing add-on test requests and send-out testing samples. Set up cultures on patient specimens.
• Laboratory Testing: Perform waived and moderately complex laboratory tests in accordance with established departmental procedures and regulatory requirements. Operate and maintain laboratory equipment.
• Quality Control: Perform and document quality control procedures. 
• Troubleshooting: Identify and troubleshoot any errors or issues that arise during testing, taking corrective action as needed and reporting atypical sample or equipment behavior to a supervisor.
• Documentation and Reporting: Accurately enter and manage patient information and test results in the laboratory information system (LIS). Review and verify test results prior to releasing them to the electronic medical record (EMR). Maintain records of all tests, procedures, and quality control activities.
• Collaboration and Communication: Work closely with medical laboratory scientists, lab assistants, and other healthcare providers to ensure the timely delivery of test results. Communicate effectively with other departments to resolve any issues related to specimen handling or test orders. Participate in departmental meetings and contribute to ongoing process improvement initiatives.
• Learning and Development: Engage in ongoing educational opportunities related to laboratory science. Complete all competency assessments at required intervals.
• Inventory Management: Assist in managing laboratory inventory, including ordering and stocking supplies, reagents, and equipment. Prepare routine and special solutions, reagents, and stains using established procedures.
• Safety and Compliance: Adhere to all laboratory safety procedures, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), infection prevention standards, and handling and disposal of biohazardous materials and chemicals. Ensure compliance with all regulatory standards, including CLIA and CAP.
• Flexibility: Demonstrate flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Non-essential Duties

• Assist with inventory management, including ordering and stocking laboratory supplies.

Required Experience

• Strong knowledge of laboratory procedures, techniques, and safety protocols
• Basic computer skills required, proficiency in laboratory information systems (LIS) a plus
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in performing tests and recording results
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills

Preferred Experience

• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience working in a laboratory setting preferred

Required Licensure/Education

• Bachelors degree in a biological or chemical science

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: Multiple acids, bases, caustics, corrosives, and carcinogens, formalin
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: Work with all forms of blood and body fluid specimens so potential for exposure is very high
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: High risk for TB and other airborne pathogens when working with patient specimens

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Necessary for all communication with coworkers and customers whether direct or via phone.
• Vision: Needed for computer operation and specimen processing and testing
• Smell: Electrical/fire safety
• Hearing: Needed to listen to customers and patients.
• Touch: Needed for all specimen processing with a great deal of fine motor skills involved

Activity/Lifting Requirements

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 10%
• Twist: 10%
• Stand: 30%
• Crawl: 0%
• Walk: 20%
• Kneel: 5%
• Lift: 5%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 5%
• Climb: 0%
• Bend: 10%
• Reach above shoulders: 5%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 35 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 50 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

Supply stock - 50' maximum distance normally carried to fill cabinets from floor to above shoulders. Lift printer paper and roll of labels to bar code printer. 

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each

• activity:
• Sit: 40
• Twist: 3
• Stand: 45
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 20
• Kneel: 1
• Lift: 2
• Drive: 0
• Squat: 4
• Climb: 0
• Bend: 2
• Reach above shoulders: 2

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

• Simple grasp up to 10 lbs. Normal weight: frequently
• Pushing & pulling Normal weight: up to 3-50 lbs frequently
• Fine Manipulation: Writing, typing, pipetting, slide making, instrument maintenance, manipulating specimens for testing procedures

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: None

Environmental Factors &Special Hazards

Environmental Factors (Time Spent):

• Inside hours: 8
• Outside hours: 0
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Very Bright
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Normal Range
• Atmosphere: Fumes, Odors

Special Hazards: Electrical,, Other - Chemical additives for tests, electrical shock hazard in centrifuges. Constant exposure to blood and body fluids.

Protective Clothing Required: Gloves, lab coat, closed-toe shoes, occasional mask and goggles