BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY
The Laboratory Technician can be assigned to perform one or more of the following functions, with a minimum of High School Degree and under supervision of a CLIA qualified General Supervisor*
Provide Clerical/Administrative Support
- Answer phone calls, monitor call list, make critical value calls, report results and document calls, as needed.
- Scan documents (scan requisitions and worksheets); organize and file test reports and documents, file slides.
- Identify and correct incorrect orders and specimen issues, which include duplicate tests, missing or incorrect samples, missing information, and unacceptable specimens.
- Communicate effectively with lab staff, clinicians, and other customers to meet customer service expectations and maintains patient confidentiality.
- Manage inventory, unpack shipments, stock lab supplies, and reconcile invoices.
Accessioning, Specimen Processing and Distribution
- Accession and process samples with accuracy which includes specimen receiving, centrifuging, aliquoting, and evaluating specimens for suitability of testing.
- Prioritize and accurately distribute patient samples within the laboratory consistent with quality assurance goals.
- Access and navigate the Pathology Document Control System, Hospital Information System (HIS), and Laboratory Information System (LIS) to accession patient specimens, requesting additional information from appropriate resources.
- Assist in problem solving (duplicate tests, missing samples, incorrect samples, and missing information); call on unacceptable specimens (clotted, hemolyzed, wrong container etc.).
- Work with other laboratory personnel to process patient casework with optimal efficiency and accuracy (e.g. basic sample preparation and setup of assays or loading automation lines).
- Assist medical staff by attending procedures (bone marrows procedures, interoperative surgery), as required.
Laboratory Support / Maintain and Operate Instruments for Waived and Moderate Complexity Testing Instruments.
- Perform and document daily maintenance as specified in instrument procedures.
- Analyze patient samples as specified in the instrument procedures.
- Enter test results into laboratory databases.
- Ensure continuous operation by monitoring the status of reagents, parts, and supplies.
- Monitor error codes and perform troubleshooting. Document problems, action taken and outcomes in instrument logbooks.
- Perform general lab upkeep such as cleaning, removing trash, washing/sterilizing lab ware dishes, taking and recording temperatures, refrigerator and freezer maintenance, handling biohazard and chemical waste Assist with media and reagent preparation.
- Maintain work area in a well-stocked, clean condition.
Perform Testing for Waived and Moderate Complexity Tests
- Perform and document quality control and proficiency testing for waived and moderate complexity tests. Act on out-of-range quality control values.
- Perform waived and moderate complexity testing.
- Analyze patient samples and report test results consistent with accuracy and quality assurance goals of the laboratory.
- Report test results for waived and moderate complexity testing into laboratory databases.
Other Duties
- Fulfill departmental continuing education, as required.
- Provides instructions in laboratory technique, instrumentation, and application of procedures to students and new employees.
- Maintain competencies for all assigned sections.
- Other duties as assigned.
Professional Development
- Fulfill departmental continuing education requirement.
In order to be considered for this position the applicant must have met or will have met all the required qualifications prior to the start date of employment.
- High school diploma
- Requires frequent (standing/walking/sitting/hand pipetting) for long periods of time and the ability to lift to 25lbs.
- Good communication skills
- Positive attitude
- A bachelor's or associate degree with equivalent experience preferred.
- Reasonable knowledge of the methods, materials and equipment used in laboratory activities is desirable.
- Previous experience in performance of standard laboratory procedures is highly desirable.
This full time, 40 hour position is on the evening shift and will include rotating weekends, holidays and on-call.
- Works with infectious disease and/or hazardous materials.
- May have exposure to noise from laboratory equipment and pneumatic tube system.
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
