Position Description
Title: Laboratory Technician-Data and Specimen Handling Unit
Employee Name: TBD
Supervisor: Matthew Bashore
Purpose: The function of this position is to work at a variety of activities within the specimen receiving and accessioning area of the Data and Specimen Handling (DASH) Unit. Specific tasks include, are not limited to, pickup up, sorting, and accessioning clinical specimens and environmental specimens, performing of routine waived specimen testing and reporting, performing send out of clinical specimens to reference laboratories, resolution of specimen level errors through communication with clinical and environmental partners. Routine clerical activities such as performing data entry, answering phones, and performing submitter requested “look ups” in the data base with minimal supervision. Error resolution related to samples that are received lacking required information. Shipping of Dangerous and Non-Dangerous infectious substances. Work is performed under well-defined guidelines and guidance and direction are available as needed. A moderate level of judgment is required in the performance of the work.
Duties and Responsibilities:
· Duty 1 - 30% of time - Under general supervision, the employee will participate in the daily pick up, sorting, screening, and accessioning of microbiological, clinical and environmental chemistry, and virological specimens.
1. Retrieve incoming clinical specimens from mail room or designated pickup points.
2. Sort incoming clinical specimens by laboratory destination
3. Sub-sort, screen and accession clinical specimens by type of test requested
4. Prepare and enter clinical specimens by type of test requested.
5. Perform aseptic manipulation of clinical samples pre analytically to prepare the sample for testing
6. Deliver clinical specimens to the appropriate laboratory for testing, with test requisition forms if required.
7. Maintain the cleanliness of the clinical specimen sorting and accessioning area
including tools and equipment.
· Duty 2 - 20% of time - Under general supervision, the employee will participate in the entry of data into various computer databases.
1. Enter clinical specimen and environmental data from submitter’s test requisition forms into various archival databases.
2. File hard copies of specimen data from submitter’s test requisition forms in the Unit’s file system.
3. Retrieve and/or distribute specimen data from archival databases and/or hard copy file system upon laboratory personnel request or public inquiry by mail, phone or FAX.
· Duty 3 - 5% of time - Under general supervision, the employee will perform various tasks that enable the unit to operate smoothly.
1. Answer telephones to route calls.
2. Actively participate in the appropriate disposal and/or recycling of specimen shipping containers.
3. Operate steam autoclaves according to accepted safety and sterilization techniques.
4. Participate in the copying, sorting, and distribution of outgoing mail.
5. Close/open the office by turning lights on/off, verifying copy machine and printer status is operational, phones and appropriate phone transfers are made and door locks are open/secure as appropriate.
6. Completes preventative maintenance work orders on laboratory equipment and facility as assigned.
Duty 4 - 20% of time - Under general supervision, the employee will participate in the safe packaging and shipping of Dangerous and Non-Dangerous infectious clinical specimens and referred cultures to outside reference laboratories and the distribution of a variety of proficiency samples to the various laboratories within the Bureau of Laboratories.
1. Properly pack and ship Dangerous and Non-Dangerous clinical specimens to the appropriate laboratory.
2. Review and forward a variety of proficiency samples to appropriate laboratories for processing.
3. Notify appropriate laboratory that proficiency has been forwarded to them for processing.
4. Maintain appropriate records for verification of proper CDC specimen and proficiency processing.
5. Participate in federal exercises for shipping and receiving of Bioterrorism and Chemical Terrorism samples.
6. Evaluate incoming sample packaging as a part of state wide shipping competencies.
Duty 5 – 15% of time - Under general supervision, the employee will take part in resolution of submitter errors associated with samples.
1. Ensure that sample received is correct form testing and that the sample is acceptable per BOL testing requirements
2. Ensure that all information required by federal regulations is present on a MDCH test request form.
3. Ensure that all specimens received with the Bureau of Laboratories have clear identification present.
4. Contact submitters regarding missing information and obtain information either verbally or in written form.
5. Amend and correct reports and database information based on information obtained from submitters.
Duty 6 – 10 % of time - Under general supervision, the employee will take part in the routine testing and reporting of specimens submitted to the Bureau of Laboratories.
1. Ensure the acceptability of specimens for testing
2. Ensure acceptability and quality assurance of testing materials
3. Conduct testing following laboratory procedure or package insert.
4. Ensure proper disposal of testing and specimen materials
5. Prepare reports on results of testing to hospitals, clinics, physician, public health departments and other public health agencies.
Qualifications/Requirements:
Education: A minimum of an associate’s degree in biological or chemical science (e.g., clinical laboratory science, biology, chemistry, etc.)
Experience: No specific type of amount of experience is required. A desire to participate in laboratory support functions in a variety of capacities is desired.
Important Skills and Characteristics: No specific knowledge or skills are required, however, the position does require the following:
1. The ability to stand for long periods of time.
2. The ability to stoop, lift, and carry large, awkward or heavy boxes often in excess of 20 pounds in weight.
3. The ability to enter data using a computer keyboard.
4. The ability to follow written and oral instructions.
5. The ability to work cooperatively as part of a team.
6. The ability to communicate in a professional manner with the public.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
An employee working with specimens of human origin is required to employ “universal precautions” in the laboratory; that is, to treat each specimen as if it were capable of disease transmission and to use personal protection devices such as gloves, safety glasses, and lab coats to prevent contamination.
Physical Activities: Standing, lifting, carrying, kneeling, bending, squatting, keyboard entry- daily
Conditions/Hazards: Dust, odor, fumes, chemicals, noise- daily.
Must have ability to work at a computer and operate normal office equipment. Job involves keyboarding and viewing a CRT or VDT screen up to 100% of the time.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS
No assigned responsibility.
IMPACT ON PROJECTS, SERVICES AND OPERATIONS
This person is a key member of the team. This person also ensures that the needs of the laboratory staff and external clients are met in a timely manner and maintains professional relationships.
REQUIRED COMMUNICATION
Contact Person/Group Frequency Purpose
- Supervisor daily Reporting
“For purposes of employment standards, this classification is “Non-Exempt” from the overtime provisions of the Fair labor Standards Act”
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Employee Signature Date
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Supervisor Signature Date
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