Medical Technician

Department of Veterans Affairs

This position is located in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (P&LMS) of the El Paso Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System. The ELPVAHCS serves mainly Veterans located in West Texas and Southern New Mexico.

• The primary purpose of this position is to perform duties in P&LMS related to accessioning and processing laboratory specimens. Performs other duties as assigned. Phlebotomy Performs venipuncture on patients using proper disinfection and collection techniques without requiring repeat attempts. Communicates the procedure to the patient in a professional and respectful manner to reduce patient anxiety. Verifies the correct patient by using 2 levels of identification (full name and full social security number) prior to collection of any specimens. Prepares the venipuncture site properly for blood draw. Collects the required volumes of blood in the required collection device. Properly labels and initials all samples (in front of the patient) for subsequent testing. Delivers blood and urine samples collected to the proper testing area of the laboratory in a timely manner. Maintains all patient confidentiality. Records all phlebotomy problems with appropriate corrective action and follow-up. Complies with all laboratory safety and infection control policies. Follows established guidelines for proper disposal of bio-hazardous substances, sharps and other potentially infectious materials. References the laboratory specimen collection manual for all required collection and processing information for each test. Refers to CPRS, VISTA as well as CHCS and other computer systems for each patient to ensure all tests ordered are collected. Notifies laboratory management staff during times when orders portability is not communicating between programs. Maintains phlebotomy supplies at established levels and stocks the specimen procurement station and specimen collection trays. Leaves areas neat and clean at all times. Performs inventory counts, logs in and disburses incoming supplies when necessary. Responsible for monitoring technical equipment and performing maintenance and quality assurance on instrumentation. Monitors lab environment; such as temperatures, freezers, refrigerators and incubators to ensure that they are working properly. Accessioning/Processing Responsible for properly receiving, accessioning and preparing samples into the clinical laboratory for testing and/or transport. Ensures that all tests requested in the patient's order have been received and investigates discrepancies when necessary. Verifies all specimens received by the laboratory are properly labeled with correct patient identifying information. Answers phone calls from nurses and providers with add on testing, and other facility staff with any additional questions or concerns. If sample testing cannot be completed due to error or specimen exhaustion, the incumbent will call the patients home and request the patient to return. Recollect requirements will be communicated with the physician and new orders are entered. Follows procedures for processing specimens, understands sample requirements for tests and communicates with other lab staff the status of the sample and the requirements. Demonstrates the ability to cope with stressful situations and can troubleshoot to deal with problem samples. Must have the ability to follow detailed instructions to operate various lab equipment such as centrifuges, the vein finders, label printers, computers, and other equipment used within the laboratory. The technician is personally responsible for the timely delivery of STAT specimens to the correct testing site. The technician must notify the testing section that a STAT specimen has been delivered. Packages supplies and specimens for pick up or shipment, following established packaging requirements. Careful consideration of proper storage temperatures and the viability of specimens is critical. Notifies supervisor when there are discrepant findings or when expected shipments do not arrive when anticipated. Training Assists in training newly hired personnel, students, nurses, medical technicians, medical technologists as well as other employees in proper venipuncture technique, sample processing, ADP skills and procedures, clerical functions, etc. Ensures that each person being trained is given the attention needed to be able to perform the job independently after training has been completed. Signs as the proctor for student trainees. Work Schedule: Shift A: 06:45pm to 3:30pm, Shift B: 8:00am to 4:45pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Medical Technician/PD01269A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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