Clinical Lab Technologist - M&MD

30001812

Performs a wide variety of laboratory chemical, microscopic and/or bacteriologic tests to obtain data for use in diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

• Working in Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare Clinical Laboratory Services Section/Medical & Technical Support Services department in Dhahran, Al Hasa, Ras Tanura, Abqaiq and Udhailiyah (HA, RT, ABQ and UDH) under direction and supervision of Clinical Laboratory Technologist Specialist. 
• Technologists deal with infectious samples, examining microorganisms for medical purposes while exercising the best safety measures to minimize the risk of any hazardous accidents.
• Dhahran Medical Technologist may rotate through the various areas within the laboratory in order to be familiar with the different lab procedures/tests performed throughout the lab especially when working shifts. 
• District Medical Technologist performs a variety of clinical tests in a combination of areas of specialization.

Has daily direct contact with triage/collection lab for specimen collection, and with physicians/nurses   or other healthcare workers such as infection control and epidemiology in order to collaborate results and attend to questions/concerns about specimens, communicable/reportable diseases and laboratory reports.  Report to Technical Supervisor.

• All techs should be familiar with Laboratory interface system (LIS), daily Quality Control (QC), Calibration and Preventive Maintenance (PM) activities along with basic troubleshooting of instruments.
• Responsible for the operation and maintenance of instrumentation as assigned.
• Performs monitoring, recording waste and inventory of supply items.
• Performs and effectively evaluates & documents the quality control for each procedure performed.
• Demonstrates general knowledge and understanding of QC by effectively using the appropriate   QC guidelines and follow up.
• Responsible for performing and reporting internal and external proficiency following the same guidelines and care used with patient specimens.
• Maintaining and operating standard laboratory equipment, for example Centrifuges and pipettes.   
• Performs all functions that are required for the laboratory to maintain and meet the standards specified by accrediting agencies such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), Joint Commission International (JCI) , American Association for Blood Bank (AABB), Saudi Central Board for Accreditation of Healthcare Institutions(CBAHI)

Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory (MDL):

• The general microbiology area is divided into benches that are specialized in certain types of specimens. Techs are assigned to each bench and rotate throughout the month.
•  Inoculating and streaking of all specimens on respective plates/incubation conditions along with performing all STAT samples.
• Samples processed in the micro lab include but are not limited to : swabs from wound, pus, abscess, anaerobic swabs, catheter tips, Acinetobacter screens, genital swabs, all sterile body fluids including blood culture and MRSA screening, stool culture, urine culture, MRSAM molecular testing, H1N1 molecular testing, upper and lower respiratory tract samples including eye and ear cultures.
• Detect and identify microorganisms to genus/species level from patient specimens such as blood, urine, feces, tissue, or body fluids.
• Determine the presence of bacteria by setting up the specimens for testing through culture, observing growth changes in testing medium and performing biochemical reactions that indicate the presence of an infection.
• Use technical knowledge in colony discrimination and choices for subculture. Accurately reads (interprets) the microbiology growth; selects appropriate serological testing if needed.
• Uses technical judgment to determine/distinguish:
• Pathogen from normal flora
• Possible source of error in collection and/or processing of the specimen
• Correlates all results for identification of pathogen(s).
• Upon identification of the microbe, antibiotic susceptibility tests are conducted. Interprets and correlates the antibiotic choices with the organisms identified, and selects antibiotics for testing based on specimen source and physician-directed request. Notes all findings on computer worksheet.

Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory (MDL) (Cont'd):

•  Results are reported and read back to physicians for proper treatment of patient in cases requiring immediate phone notice such as critical values.
• Performs chemical and microscopic analysis of urine using automated urinalysis systems.
• Performs special procedures such as reducing substances, urine B-HCG and identification of urine parasites such as Schistosoma and trichomonas species.
• Identifies intestinal parasites, parasites which invade the blood and or/other tissues, such as protozoans, tapeworms, roundworms, flukes, and other parasitic organisms.
• Provides direct diagnostic information from Parasitology studies.
• Processes specimens by methods specific to the type of parasite suspected.
• Detects parasites by immunological methods.
• Prepares direct wet mounts for WBC, RBC, fatty acid crystals, and parasites.
• Performs technically dependent concentration procedures.
• Prepares and reads trichrome slides.
• Performs special procedures for identification of parasites such as Enterobius vermicularis. Performs a variety of molecular tests using sophisticated and automated analyzer, as well as manual DNA or RNA extraction techniques. 
• Participate in validation process of the instruments and new assays.
• Performing and reporting of CAP samples
• Maintains systems for functions of the lab such as supply procurement and inventory, quality assurance, continuing education and staff development.
• Following, Maintaining and monitoring the corporate safety management system measures and protocols to promote safety in the work place in MDL.
• Participate in performing a new validation for new or old assay. Ensure that method evaluation and implementation proceeds according to the standards of CAP, JCIA, AABB, and Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI)
• Maintains systems for functions of the lab such as supply procurement and inventory, quality assurance, continuing education and staff development.
• Performs other miscellaneous related duties as requested by the lab senior supervisor.

• Prepares direct wet mounts for WBC, RBC, fatty acid crystals, and parasites.
• Performs technically dependent concentration procedures.
• Prepares and reads trichrome slides.
• Performs special procedures for identification of parasites such as Enterobius vermicularis. Performs a variety of molecular tests using sophisticated and automated analyzer, as well as manual DNA or RNA extraction techniques. 
• Participate in validation process of the instruments and new assays.
• Performing and reporting of CAP samples
• Maintains systems for functions of the lab such as supply procurement and inventory, quality assurance, continuing education and staff development.
• Following, Maintaining and monitoring the corporate safety management system measures and protocols to promote safety in the work place in MDL.
• Participate in performing a new validation for new or old assay. Ensure that method evaluation and implementation proceeds according to the standards of CAP, JCIA, AABB, and Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI)
• Maintains systems for functions of the lab such as supply procurement and inventory, quality assurance, continuing education and staff development.
• Performs other miscellaneous related duties as requested by the lab senior supervisor.

Mycobacteriology:

• Performs procedures for proper decontamination, culturing and sensitivity of mycobacteriology.
• Performs and interprets stained smears on all specimens requested.
• Examines cultures weekly for 8 weeks. Performs AFB stain on all growth.
• If stain is positive for “AFB” refer culture for identification and susceptibility testing.
• Follows up with reference laboratory and reports results to physician, infection control and epidemiology.

Mycology:

• Performs culture for fungi and yeast.
• Examines cultures weekly for 4 weeks.
• Identifies and performs biochemical testing for yeast and sensitivity if appropriate.
• Examines microscopic wet preparations.
• Reports fungus from colony characteristic ad microscopic morphology.
• Prepare slide cultures, if difficult to identify, the specimen is subject to referral.

Other if applicable:

• LIS Functions:  Must have full knowledge and proficiency on the day to day LIS functionalities employed in the section such as MEM, OEM, OER, PL, MIQ, IQ, REI, Transfusion and Donor Processing, etc.  Train the new-hires on the LIS functionalities used in the section as deem necessary.
• Comply with the applicable JHAH Safety rules and policies, standard precautions and maintain safe work practices at all times.
• Report injuries, spills, unsafe conditions, near misses and incidents immediately.
• Maintain knowledge of Safety requirements including Emergency Response actions, Fire Training, mandatory Safety courses, BLS certification and participate in all required Safety drills

Bachelor's degree in medical technology or science program accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) is required.

• Minimum of 2 years’ technical experience in Clinical laboratory.
• Experience in basic laboratory practices including safety.
• Completion of 1 year internship

• Saudi Commission for health specialties Licensure requirement must be met.
• All medical technologists must be certified through the Board of Certification (BOC)
• Good communication in oral and written English.
• Good understanding of Clinical lab standards and policies.
• Good computer skills.
• Thorough knowledge of company policies and procedures, statistics and JHAH emergency disaster plans and response.
• Acceptable level of analytical ability in order to complete tasks assigned, gather and interpret data from different courses, and resolve problems.
• Must be qualified for the required Medical License.
• Willing to work shift pattern as required (day, evening, night).
• Willing to work overtime if required.
•  Flexible, and willing to work in any Clinical laboratory District –wide (HA, RT, ABQ and UDH)