Hospital Lab Technician 1 - Evenings
UC San Francisco (UCSF) · San Francisco, California, United States
DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
To receive, label, and process specimens received for analysis in the Clinical Laboratories, to input patient data into the computer, answer telephone inquiries regarding test information and results, and accession (enter) specimens. To maintain, troubleshoot and operate (TLA) Total Lab Automation system. To monitor and operate TUG sample delivery system. Must be able to perform all tasks well without supervision in an efficient and accurate manner to ensure good patient care.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Within the 6-month probationary period, or within the first 6 months of talking this position if a probationary period does not apply, an employee must be able to routinely perform the following tasks at the level of the applicable standards. Attaining this level of performance will require instruction from Supervisors and/or person(s) designated by the Supervisor as well as capability and initiative on the part of the employee.
In addition, the employee must adhere to all University and departmental policies.
Task A: Receiving
1.Greet individuals bringing specimens to the lab.
2.Input patient data into the computer systems. i.e.Sunquest.
3.Process work in the following order:
a.STATs
b.Process Immediately
c.Routine Racks
d.Urine and Body Fluids
e.Research/Budget
4.Receive and sort STAT, pre-op, or routine specimens coming to the ClinicalLaboratories, whether from sources within UCSF or referred from external
physicians or institutions, and whether directly chargeable for patient care or research purposes.
5.Check for proper patient identification on both specimen and requisition and forclear test requests (i.e., a valid, offered test).
6.Obtain and verify information and specimen collection requirements fromLaboratory Manual, consulting supervisor, Laboratory Residents, or technologistsonly when information needed is not found in the Lab Manual or related readilyavailable sources by laboratory policy, including but not limited to the Synonymslists and monthly TL (Test Library) change memoranda.
7.Resolve any discrepancies or labeling problems by telephone, involving thelaboratory Medicine sections or Resident as appropriate.
8.Place blood samples and requisitions in racks for computer entry and labeling,setting aside specimens requiring special processing or handling (including theissuance of temporary patient unit numbers) in individual cups for follow-up.
9.Process specimens referred from outside institutions only if they are accompaniedby proper authorization form. If authorization is not available, process specimensto the point where the specimen may be safely held in a stable condition until theproblem can be resolved – specimen quality must be maintained!
Standards:
1.Respond immediately and in a courteous and professional manner to anyonedelivering specimens or needing assistance.
2.Maintain reasonable speed during sorting. Routine specimens should be sorted forentry within 10 minutes after arrival in Clinical Laboratories.
3.Resolve any problems by contacting physician or nursing unit in a timely manner.
4.Notify supervisor if problems cannot be resolved within 15 minutes (more rapidlyif urgency is made clear by contact with physician or nursing unit).
5.Notify physician/unit immediately whenever quantity of specimen is insufficientfor analysis so that a new specimen can be obtained and submitted in a timelymanner.
6.Alert supervisor of any Specimen Labeling Problem in a timely manner.
7.Process STATs within 15 minutes after reaching the Reception desk.
8.Specimens requiring immediate processing must be handled within 15 minutes inorder to maintain sample integrity.
Task B: Labeling:
1.Label specimens with appropriate computer-generated labels. Beware of theparticular risk of incorrectly labeling a sample when specimens collected atmultiple times or from several sites are submitted together.
2.Prepare pour-off vials for aliquoting, as necessary.
3.Verify correct computer entry of tests by checking orders on the labels againstrequisitions. In case of discrepancies, notify the floor supervisor or the orderingunit.
4.Flag specimens clearly to the analytical sections, facilitate sharing of specimens(e.g., between Chemistry and Hematology or between Hematology andMicrobiology) when only a small sample has been submitted.
5.Initial requisition in the appropriate box upon completion of labeling.
Standards:
1.Label specimens and aliquots correctly.
2.Maintain reasonable speed on a steady basis in order to complete labeling of arack.
3.No more than one rack should be waiting to be labeled to ensure a continuousflow of specimens to the aliquoting workstations.
4.Detect and correct discrepancies between request forms and computer-generatedlabels
Task C: Separation and Aliquoting of Specimens other than Urine
1.Centrifuge specimens and separate cells and/or plasma where appropriate. Operateequipment properly and safely, balancing centrifuge loads using beam balance andsetting the equipment to the correct speed.
2.Add buffers or preservatives to samples or carry out other special processing asrequired.
3.Aliquot the correct amounts of specimens into the appropriate cups, vials or tubesfor testing.
4.Maintain a continuous flow of specimens for aliquoting by organizing yourworkload efficiently.
5.Provide the correct number of aliquots (tubes) for analysis and correctly labelthem with the proper sample number.
6.Determine whether the amount and quality of the specimen meets therequirements for testing. If our requirements are not met, communicate this fact tonursing units, physicians’ offices, or referring laboratories, noting the time andname of the person to whom you gave this message in the telephone log book.Then enter the appropriate test comment into the computer noting the problem andthe action taken (usually a request for a new specimen). Note the problem on therequisition and file in the Problem folder to enter the comments.
7.Place the specimens in racks or cups as appropriate for storage and storespecimens according to the computer labels to maintain sample integrity.
8.Package specimens for send-out to Referral laboratory when assigned to thatrotation or when the send-out person is not available.
9.File requisitions in bin for scanning.
Standards:
1.Immediate processing must be completed within 30 minutes after a specimen hasbeen received in Clinical Laboratories.
2.Make the proper cups for the appropriate tests with the correct additives, andprocess, package for send-out and store specimens in accordance with label andLaboratory Manual instructions.
3.Notify physician/unit in a timely manner if quantity or quality of specimen isinadequate for testing so that remedial action can be taken.
4.Package send-out specimens for next routine pickup in a timely manner.
5.Operate centrifuges only with a balanced load and at the proper speed.
6.Report equipment malfunction or any potential hazard noted (e.g., frayed electriccord) in a timely manner.
Task D: Aliquoting of Urine Collections:
1.Verify the labels against the requisition to detect any entry errors, and alert floorsupervisor of problems.
2.Check that the proper preservative was added to verify proper collection.
3.Measure all timed urine collections. Perform a quality control check on electronicscale and immediately report any discrepancy to supervisor before urine isprocessed.
We employ the weight of the collection as an accurate substitute for urine volume.Pour the sample into one of our own containers if it has been collected in a non-standard container. Zero (tare) the electronic scale with an empty collectioncontainer by pressing the grams button. Record the scale reading in grams as theurine volume in mL.
4.Aliquot urines into the proper tubes or containers.
5.Handle the specimen as directed by the lab manual instructions.
6.Initial requisition in appropriate “Aliquot” box upon completion of task.
7.Write Urine Volume and Hours of Collection on Urine Volu