SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

Class Code: NC6

Analyst: MM

Date Originated:	08/15
Date Revised:

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs a variety of waived and moderately complex laboratory testing. May provide technical supervision to lower level laboratory staff; and performs other work as required. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Medical Laboratory Technician class performs the full range of specimen collection, processing and testing for hematology, chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis and coagulation.  Incumbents are responsible for the technical accuracy of hematological, biochemical, serological, and coagulation tests. 

The Medical Laboratory Technician is distinguished from the Clinical Laboratory Scientist and Public Health Microbiologist series in that incumbents may not perform highly complex laboratory tests as defined by State and Federal regulations.

TYPICAL TASKS

• Performs, verifies, and reports results of moderately complex laboratory tests including but not limited to: complete blood counts: urinalysis; sedimentation rates; wet mount; other moderately complex microbiology tests;
• Analyze, record and report test data accurately and within established timeframes and quality control standards;
• Perform and maintain quality requirements of waived CLIA tests including but not limited to:  hemoglobin A1c, microalbumin, pregnancy, fecal occult blood, direct strep and rapid flu;
• Perform venous and skin punctures to obtain blood samples for test purposes;
• Performs chemistry, immunochemistry, and therapeutic drug testing;
• Participate in required proficiency testing programs and required laboratory inspection surveys;
• Enters quality control and test results into information systems accurately and within established timeframes;
• May provide technical supervision to laboratory assistants/phlebotomists;
• Prepares specimens for transportation;
• Confers with clinic providers;
• Takes inventory of materials and supplies;
• Performs other work as required.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge:

Working knowledge of:

• Laboratory concepts, techniques and practices used in moderately complex laboratory testing;
• Quality control and quality assurance concepts, standards and practices;
• Proper and safe handling and disposal of laboratory specimens, chemicals and hazardous waste;
• Phlebotomy techniques, specimen handling and integrity issues.

Ability to:

• Perform a wide variety of waived and moderately complex laboratory testing within prescribed procedures;
• Conduct clinical laboratory tests according to establish procedures and within acceptable quality control standards;
• Maintain accurate records of test data results, and prepare factual reports in a timely manner;
• Train others in technical laboratory procedures and equipment use;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in course of work;
• Input, access and analyze data utilizing a computer;
• Occasionally lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Training and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, unless otherwise specified. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

• Possession and maintenance of a valid Medical Laboratory Technician License issued by the State of California Department of Public Health, Laboratory Field Services.

Special Requirements/Conditions:

License:  Upon appointment, possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California driver license or the ability to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.

Environmental Factors: Exposure to communicable diseases, pathogenic organisms and toxic or caustic chemicals.

PREVIOUS CLASS TITLES:  None
Bargaining Unit: 41
EEOC Job Category: 02
Occupational Grouping:  45
Workers Comp Code: 0290