Laboratory Technician

Classification Title

Medical Lab Technician II

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and 2 years of related experience

Position Summary

This position will perform a variety of diagnostic tests for the detection of antibodies in serum and viruses, bacteria, fungi, and prions from animal tissues. They will accurately record/interpret test results and prepare test reports for clients. Incumbent will consult with veterinarians, pathologists, and clinicians regarding the submission of specimens, appropriateness of tests, and interpretation of results. They will assist the Laboratory Manager in assuring the quality system and laboratory are maintained.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Various computer software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Photoshop and Acrobat) and willingness learn new computer software
• Knowledge and understanding of current version of AAVLD Requirements for an Accredited Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory and the ISO17025 standard
• Plan/prioritize tasks and function independently in sequential and logical manner
• Provide friendly customer service and interact routinely with technical and professional staff throughout laboratory, AVDL clients and professional staff
• Clear understanding of business management principles and how to serve both internal and external customers in a quality management system
• Verbal and written communication skills: develop, write and edit quality system documents

Physical Demands

• Perform repetitive tasks with hands for extended periods of time.
• Sit and stand for long periods of time.
• Lift up to 50 pounds.

Duties/Responsibilities

Diagnostic Testing and Reporting

• Perform a variety of diagnostic tests for the detection of antibodies in serum and viruses, bacteria, fungi, and prions from animal tissues.
• Work content will include: receiving/recording of samples; preparing samples for testing; performing a wide variety of diagnostic tests including but not limited to: ELISA, direct & indirect immunofluorescence, serum neutralization, latex agglutination, and agar gel immunodiffusion
• Conduct simple troubleshooting of test procedures to assure accuracy of results
• Accurately record/interpret test results and prepare test reports for clients

Percentage of time: 50

Research and Development

• Assist in the Research and Development of new diagnostic tests.
• Prepare reagents, maintain inventory, and assure proper equipment maintenance.
• This also includes any other research and development-related duties or responsibilities assigned to it by the Management of the Laboratory as needed.

Percentage of time: 15

Perform cytology organization and staining for pathologists

• Organize, prepare, and stain cytologies from AVDL and TVDIL for pathology.
• Prepare reagents, maintain inventory, and assure proper equipment maintenance.

Percentage of time: 15

Quality control/quality assurance and laboratory maintenance

• Perform quality control of test procedures, record control data, and report to management any deviant trends.
• Assist the Laboratory Manager in reviewing/revising standard operating procedures, maintaining the quality system, ordering supplies, maintaining inventory, and assuring general laboratory cleanliness, tidiness, and equipment maintenance.
• Prepare culture media, buffers, test antigens, etc. used in various tests.
• Consult with submitting veterinarians, pathologists, and clinicians regarding the submission of specimens, appropriateness of tests, and interpretation of test results.
• Package and ship diagnostic specimens following federal regulations for the transportation of dangerous goods.

Percentage of time: 10

Client service and specimen shipping

• Data entry of client and sample information
• Assist with document management, including scanning and filing

Percentage of time: 5

Other Responsibilities

• This role may involve other tasks and responsibilities related to the smooth and efficient operation of the laboratory as determined by Laboratory Management.

Percentage of time: 5