Gema Kartomo, a medical technologist at Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma (DLO), talks about the daily tasks and how to become a medical technologist.
Basic Purpose
A DLO Medical Technologist/Clinical Laboratory Specialist (CLS I) is responsible for performing routine and non-routine activities pertaining to laboratory testing and the reporting of results. Performs moderately difficult to complex tasks. Performs assigned analytical testing procedures in an accurate, precise, and timely manner.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test result.
- Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
- Analyze specimens using approved testing procedures (see department SOPs).
- Review and release test results.
- Follow CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA, and safety guidelines as described in their respective guidelines.
- Adhere to the laboratory's quality control policies, document all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and all maintenance performed.
- Follow the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.
- Identify problems that may adversely affect test.
- performance or reporting of test results, correct the problems encountered or immediately notify the senior technologist or supervisor.
- Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
- Follow department’s procedure in reporting STATS or critical results to clients.
- If applicable, answer questions from customers or other lab personnel.
- Maintain complete records of all testing performed on-site.
- Maintain general appearance of the department.
- Make sure reagents/test kits have received dates, expiration dates, and if applicable opened dates.
- Review/train on new procedures.
- Attend monthly department and any additional training/educational meetings.
- Participate in all applicable safety training sessions. Know the location and contents of the safety manual. Know the location/use of all applicable safety equipment.
- If needed, participate in government or regulatory agency inspections.
- Perform other duties as directed by supervisor.
Educational Requirements
- BS in Medical Technology, or an Associates degree in a Laboratory Science or Medical Technology, or,
- Previously qualified as a Technologist under 42 CFR 493.1489.
Work Experience
- One year clinical experience (high complexity testing) preferred.
- Minimum of one year of clinical laboratory experience in highly complex testing for those with BS/BA in Chemistry or Biology.
Other Requirements
- Must have the ability to establish work priorities and handle several procedures simultaneously.
- Must interact with other departments.
- Contact with clients may be required, good customer service skills important.
- Must protect patient confidentiality at all times.
CLIA