Lab Technician III

We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!

Organization:

MPHS-Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

Position Overview:

Performs duties primarily in support of analyzing Laboratory quality control and patient specimens. Also performs quality assurance tasks related to the analytic phase of Laboratory work flow. Operates, maintains and does basic troubleshooting of Laboratory analyzers that perform testing classified as "waived" and "moderate complexity". Collects blood specimens and interacts with patients of diverse ages, backgrounds, values, beliefs and behavior. Receives, handles and processes a variety of specimens for Laboratory testing. Completes computerized tasks related to patient registration and/or test order entry, specimen collection, receiving and processing. Performs basic post-analytic tasks, including distributing reports, storing and/or retrieving specimens. Provides guidance to phlebotomists and lab assistants to promote optimal workflow and rapid problem resolution. Adheres to all local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies and procedures to ensure privacy and safety while delivering optimal patient care.

Job Description :

These Principal Accountabilities, Requirements and Qualifications are not exhaustive, but are merely the most descriptive of the current job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, staff changes, workload, or technical development). Job Description modifications for union represented position are subject to CBA guidelines.

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Laboratory Workflow: Analytic.

• Loads quality control and patient specimens onto analyzers for testing; follows procedures to ensure the appropriate functioning of the analyzer to ensure testing accuracy and precision

• Completes analyzer start-up sequence and function checks according to standard protocol

• Prepares reagents and maintains analyzer on-board reagent stock

Laboratory Workflow: Pre-Analytic.

• Functions as a Certified Phlebotomy Tech (CPT); collects blood specimens for a variety of Laboratory tests using age-appropriate techniques; handles/transports Lab specimens and provides post-phlebotomy care to patients

• Completes computerized tasks as appropriate for affiliate to ensure complete patient registration and/or test order entry into the lab information system, as well as generation of collection lists and/or labels.

• Receives specimens for testing; assesses specimens upon receipt according to established criteria to determine acceptability; takes action according to protocol including escalating to licensed or certified personnel for direction

• Handles and processes a variety of specimen types to prepare them for analysis; adheres to protocols to maintain specimen integrity at all times. Processes specimens which includes such tasks as sorting, centrifuging, aliquotting, decanting, racking, storing, loading an auto-processor or automated line and pre-analysis specimen preparation.

• Prepares and/or packages specimens for transport to another Sutter or outside reference laboratory and may complete computer steps necessary for processing referred specimens, such as compiling tracking lists

Laboratory Workflow: Post-Analytic.

• Verbally communicates released/reported results

• Routes, distributes and retransmits released/reported results

• Stores and retrieves specimens

Quality Assurance.

• Operates and/or uses basic pre-analytic lab equipment and waived/moderate complexity analytic lab equipment; escalates according to protocol when equipment is malfunctioning.

• Recognizes unusual, actionable and/or out-of-range test results, taking the appropriate corrective action.

• Performs preventive maintenance and minor troubleshooting for Laboratory analyzers

• Monitors temperatures and other indicators of environmental and equipment functionality

• Participates in managing the laboratory workflow by performing duties such as monitoring pending work,

escalating priority work, locating specimens, and coordinating specimen recollections.

• Provides guidance to CPT's and CPT Lab Assistants to promote optimal workflow and rapid problem resolution.

• Maintains an adequate inventory of supplies in work area and/or on phlebotomy cart

• Maintains required records by completing basic documentation of pre-, post- and analytic work, as well as quality-related tasks

• Maintains an organized and safe work space; completes required cleaning/decontamination procedures and properly disposes of waste

• Remains knowledgeable of, and adheres to, Sutter and departmental policies, processes and procedures

Customer Support.

• Receives incoming calls for the laboratory and assists the caller as appropriate or transfers these calls to the appropriate laboratory section or person

• Communicates with customer (e.g. ordering provider, physician office staff or nursing personnel) to clarify ambiguous, unclear or duplicate test orders

• Greets and interacts with patients according to affiliate-specific practices and aligned with the Sutter Values

• Answers patients’ questions within scope of job; appropriately escalates questions that can’t be answered

• Provides basic collection instructions to patients for self-collection of specimens other than blood

EDUCATION:

HS Diploma: High School or General Education Diploma (GED)

CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE:

CPTI-Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (California)

TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:

2 years recent relevant experience.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

Knowledge and practice of standard principles, processes, procedures, and equipment related to.

1. Ordering Laboratory testing,

2. Collecting blood specimens,

3. Compassionately and effectively interacting with patients,

4. Handling and processing biological specimens routinely submitted to the Laboratory for analysis,

5. Supporting the performance of waived and moderate complexity testing.

6. Ability to accurately, precisely, and reliably perform job duties and assigned tasks.

7. Ability to organize and prioritize job duties and assigned tasks for completion within expected timeframes

8. Ability to compassionately and effectively interact with patients of diverse ages, backgrounds, values, beliefs and behaviors

Workflow Management Ability to appropriately respond to.

1. Fluctuations in volume;

2. Unexpected situations or problems such as equipment or information system failure;

3. Shift-to-shift hand-offs;

4. STAT test orders;

5. Specimen integrity issues

6. Regular review of pending logs, priority assignments, etc.

Adherence to Practices & Procedures.

1. Ability to follow standard practices, processes, and procedures in sequence.

2. Knowledge of applicable local/state/federal regulations, codes, policies, and procedures aimed at ensuring the privacy and safety of patients.

Applied Job Knowledge, Critical Thinking & Problem Solving.

1. Solid critical thinking in applying knowledge and decision-making.

2. Knowledge of and ability to recognize and appropriately escalate complex and unusual deviations, problems, unusual occurrences and unexpected outcomes.

3)Team Learning & Performance: Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work in a collaborative setting where the communication of current, factual, and relevant work information is required.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS:

See required physical demands, mental components, visual activities & working conditions at the following link: Job Requirements (

Job Shift:

Days

Schedule:

Full Time

Shift Hours:

8

Days of the Week:

Variable

Weekend Requirements:

Every other Weekend

Benefits:

Yes

Unions:

No

Position Status:

Non-Exempt

Weekly Hours:

40

Employee Status:

Regular

Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Pay Range is $0.00 to $0.00 / hour

The salary range for this role may vary above or below the posted range as determined by location. This range has not been adjusted for any specific geographic differential applicable by area where the position may be filled. Compensation takes into account several factors including but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure and certifications, department equity, training and organizational needs. Base pay is just one piece of the total rewards program offered by Sutter Health. Eligible roles also qualify for a comprehensive benefits package. ​