Medical Technologist - Microbiology performs a variety of microbiological procedures in order to cultivate, isolate and identify microorganisms in skin scrapings, exudates, body fluids and surgical specimens. Conducts routine and specialized microbiological procedures, including virological, mycological, bacteriological, and parasitological assays for use in diagnosing and treating disease. Being a Medical Technologist - Microbiology verifies accuracy of findings, identifies test inconsistencies, and takes appropriate action to make corrections and resolve problems. Operates, cleans, and maintains laboratory equipment used in microbiological analysis and procedures. Additionally, Medical Technologist - Microbiology requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires an American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification or its equivalent. May require a state license to practice. Medical Technologist - Microbiology's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement. (Copyright 2024 Salary.com)
Job Description:
Performs patient testing in all areas of the laboratory including coagulation, urinalysis, serology, hematology, chemistry, microbiology, and blood bank. Analyzes data to assist physician and other health care personnel in detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease. Performs and evaluates quality control, preventive maintenance and troubleshooting and computer entry. Performs blood collection by venipuncture or capillary puncture and processes samples for internal and external distribution. Prints and/or processes patient reports and provides reception support. Performs additional duties including policy review, corrective action and supply ordering as needed.
Job Requirements:
Minimum Education: Must hold either a valid certification in Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technician, or a Bachelor's/Associates degree or required courses completed for Medical Laboratory Technician programs. BLS required within 30 days of hire.
Minimum Work Experience: Prefer one or more years of clinical laboratory experience.
Functional Demands:
Population Served
Neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric.
Physical Demands
Lifting: Occasional-Maximum of 44 lbs. from floor to knee, 1 x day. Frequent-none. Items lifted-20 liters of water.
Transfers: Max assist transfer from chair to floor, 1 x month
Push/Pull: Moderate force required to push down centrifuge and to push equipment up to 3 feet, several times a day.
Carry: Up to 5 lb. phlebotomy tray 300 feet
Fine Motor: Very high degree required to use syringes, microscopes, computers, etc…
Computer: Intermittent use required.
Standing: Up to 30 minutes at one time and 7 hours in one day.
Sitting: Up to 15 minutes at one time and 3 hours in one day
Kneeling: Up to 1 minute at one time and 2 minutes in one day
Crawling: Up to 1 minute at one time and 2 minutes in one day
Stooping: Up to 5 minutes at one time and 2.5 hours in one day
Driving: None
Climbing: Up to 2 minutes at one time and 60 minutes in one day
Other: Must be able to accurately visualize all colors.
Environmental Conditions:
Location: Inside. Exposure: Constant exposure to wet conditions from hand washing and solutions. Frequent exposure to noise from centrifuges, telephones, computer printers and laboratory equipment. Constant exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals in laboratory reagents. Constant exposure to biohazardous materials from patient specimens, including blood, urine, stool, CSF and other body fluids. Occasional exposure to fumes from staining reagents and body fluids.
Required protective equipment: Laboratory coat required, either personal or hospital supplied. Gloves required for all specimen collection and processing. Safety goggles or safety shield required for specimen processing. Closed-toed shoes required.
OSHA Category: Class I High Risk