The incumbent serves as a generalist medical technologist with the responsibility for performing procedures in the areas of Chemistry, Hematology/Coagulation, Urinalysis, Immunohematology, and Microbiology and works as a technologist in any section area as needed with supervision. The medical technologist rotates with other generalists through the above-mentioned areas. He/She also works off-hour shifts, weekends, and holidays. The functions of the Medical Technologist - Generalist include but are not limited to the following: Properly collects, handles, accessions, and labels specimens according to but not limited to safety, patient identification and infection control policies. Instructs Medical Center or CBOC personnel on preliminary procedures in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Users guide. Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable. Prepares specimens for analysis, insuring that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained. Selects, performs, evaluates and monitors the performance of test procedures using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections. Conducts quality control procedures on equipment, reagents, and products and maintains proper records for quality control reports. Operates a variety of instruments such as electronic cell counter, discrete chemistry analyzer, discrete urinalysis analyzer, centrifuge, microscope and others. Calibrates, standardizes, adjusts and maintains instruments. Verifies correct instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks and monitoring. Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs. Difficult repairs or malfunctions are resolved with assistance of manufacture technical service center. Evaluates the validity of data in relation to the test system and accepted assay procedures. Correlates quantitative data with patient data (i.e., history, and medications) to verify results. Performs additional tests to clarify or confirm abnormal patient results. Recognizes abnormal results that require immediate attention by the physician and reports them directly. Responsible for the generation of laboratory results from the work area into the laboratory computer system and for the editing and verification of the results recorded into the computer system. Assists in development and maintenance and modification of various computer applications liaison are maintained with technical representatives to correct computer programming and to resolve common problems. Participates in the quality control program for the Section, assures that appropriate records are maintained. Reports complaints from the hospital staff concerning questionable results to Laboratory Manager. Performs routine work utilizing established protocols for chemical, infectious and other safety and fire, and accident hazards having knowledge of possible carcinogenic agents' blood-borne and other pathogens. Utilizes protective equipment necessary and required and including special techniques to avoid risks. Work Schedule: Midday shift (generally 10:00am to 6:30pm, but may be earlier or later based on need), Monday through Friday, including holidays and weekend rotation, as needed. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
