Equine Laboratory Microbiology and PCR Technician

Position: Medical Technologist - Generalist

Location: Hagyard Laboratory

Reports to: Lab Manager

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.  

• Perform laboratory analysis of specimens from all patients in the clinical areas of hematology, chemistry, coagulation, microbiology, and special tests using established protocol and Quality control checks.
• Provide support to all areas within the laboratory including chemistry, hematology, endocrinology, Coggins, microbiology, and administrative functions.
• Report results as required adhering to established techniques and guidelines.
• Perform daily quality control on automated equipment to assure high quality of performance. 
• Assist with preventative maintenance guidelines as directed to ensure proper function and efficiency of lab equipment and instruments.
• Report inventory and laboratory material and supply shortages to appropriate department heads and order only as directed.
• Restock supplies and tools in all areas as needed daily.
• Assist in orienting and training new employees with job responsibilities and techniques.
• Provide theoretical and technical information to other laboratory personnel, techs, or veterinarians regarding laboratory data and technical requirements.
• Adhere to hospital and laboratory policies, procedures, objectives, and quality assurance programs.  
• Maintain efficient and clean workspaces adhering to OSHA guidelines and laboratory policies.
• Attend meetings as required and participate in external industry related functions as directed.
• Enhance professional growth through participation in educational workshops, reading current literature, and attending educational programs.
• Complete and contribute to special projects as assigned.

Hematology

• Process patient specimens utilizing the hematology analyzer.  Identify any instrument errors, troubleshoot, and communicate with approved service providers as needed to resolve equipment problems.
• Read and interpret abnormal white blood cell counts utilizing the microscope.
• Process fluid analysis specimens and cytology specimens efficiently and accurately.
• Process fibrinogen request as directed in per the laboratory procedure manual.
• Run urinalysis as directed in procedure manual.
• Process NI Screen’s, JFA’s, and cross matches as directed in procedure manual.

Chemistry

• Process patient specimens utilizing the chemistry analyzer.  Identify any instrument errors, troubleshoot, and communicate with approved service providers as needed to resolve equipment problems.
• Run specialized chemistry tests: i.e.:  Ammonia, Triglycerides, running controls as outlined in the procedure manual prior to processing the specimen.
• Run blood gases, ionized calcium, SAA, PT and PTT specimens as outlined in the laboratory procedures.
• Restock and formulate reagents as needed and adhering to laboratory guidelines.

Endocrinology & Coggins

• Prepare reagents and perform endocrinology testing including Progesterones, T4, and PMSG utilizing the TOSOH as needed.
• Prepare, set up and interpret results of Coggins samples according to federal USDA guidelines (Requires federal certification).
• Federal certification of Coggins will require an employee to either do on-line training or be sent to NVSL for Coggins training.  Hagyard’s will pay for training, in return for 2 years of service.

Microbiology

• Prepare and plate all specimens as directed in the laboratory procedure manual in an efficient and timely manner.
• Process kit tests for Rotavirus, Clostridium difficile toxin and Clostridium perfringens Enterotoxin samples.
• Process, read and report fecal egg counts.
• Report significant findings to appropriate veterinarian and infectious disease officer as directed.
• Restock primary bench daily.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Provide telephone and reception report to lab administrative throughout shifts.
• Record receipt of specimen and create accurate lab requisitions properly labeling and distributing specimens to required departments for timely processing.
• Follow up and investigate incomplete specimen information as needed.
• Assist clients and visitors with questions and issues, referring significant issues to department head and lab supervisor.
• Prepare external/send out specimens to be performed at a reference lab completing proper forms and packaging as necessary following federal shipping requirements.  

Miscellaneous Responsibilities

• Process STAT tests, critical specimens, and emergency requests as directed.
• Review and sign laboratory procedure manuals in all areas at least once annually ensuring knowledge of updated procedures and policies        

Expectations

• Display a positive image of HDM by demonstrating courteous and professional behavior toward clients, veterinarians, visitors, interns, technicians, and other employees
• To treat other people with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
• To be dependable and punctual on working hours scheduled and to be willing to stay beyond scheduled hours if needed. 
• To assist in achieving and maintaining high quality standards in the overall services provided to clients and doctors.
• To be a self-starter and take the required initiative to perform all tasks successfully.
• To maintain confidentiality with regards to client-patient rights.
• To conduct oneself professionally as a representative of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute refraining from inappropriate language and behavior.
• To constructively communicate progress, problems or other issues requiring attention to the appropriate doctor or member of management.
• To foster teamwork by working with area members to find solutions to problems or needs regarding clients, patient care, operational needs, and the working environment.
• To identify ways to motivate and encourage area members.
• To offer solutions and demonstrate a positive attitude when dealing with clients, doctors, management, staff members, and outside vendors or suppliers.
• To give guidance to other personnel in understanding the importance of adhering to procedures and proper protocol.
• To maintain a professional appearance and a courteous attitude.
• To maintain a clean/sanitary and well-organized work/service area at all times.

Performance Abilities

• Professional demeanor
• Respects confidentiality of client/patient data.
• Strong oral communication skills.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• Detail oriented and able to take directions.
• Organized, dedicated, friendly and responsible.
• Punctual and low absenteeism.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience/Certificates:

Medical Technologist (MT, ASCP certified) or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT, ASCP certified)

Language Ability:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general technical procedures.  Ability to write/document technical information and general correspondence.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from doctors, other staff and clients.

Math Ability:

Ability to apply intermediate math formulas.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have general computer software knowledge and keyboarding skills.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• May be exposed to fumes or airborne particles;
• May be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals
• Regularly works near moving mechanical parts.
  

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is:

• Ability to life more than 30lbs
• Frequently (approximately 90% of the daily work) required to use arms, hands and fingers for computer work.
• Frequently required to talk and hear while communicating in person and via the telephone,
• Frequently required to stand for long periods of time,
• Occasionally required to sit or walk.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus to be able to accurately interpret of kit tests, slides and specimens via the microscope.