Medical Technician

Job Title

Medical Technician

Job Description

This position is located in the Pittsburgh VA Medical Center Laboratory. They are responsible to the Supervisor of Phlebotomy/Processing. Duties include but are not limited to, specimen collection, specimen receipt, specimen preparation, specimen ordering, and specimen shipping. Major duties include but are not limited to the following: Specimen Collection/Specimen Receiving

1. Actively identifies patient using two full identifiers according to facility policy before specimen collection. Performs venipuncture and capillary collections on both inpatients and outpatients on a routine or STAT basis to obtain blood samples for testing. Accurately labels specimens according to facility policy. Delivers samples to the lab for testing. Adheres to safety, infection control and standard precautions while drawing blood samples.
2. Provides initial aid when a patient has a reaction to a venipuncture procedure and activates a condition when serious or emergency conditions exist. Recognizes, reassures and supports nervous patients during sample collections to keep them calm and comfortable.
3. Explains procedure and provides collection container to patients for collection of other lab specimens including but not limited to; random, clean catch, and 24-hour urine samples, stool samples, sputum samples, salivary cortisol. Advises healthcare providers on special collection procedures for other lab tests as requested.
4. Reviews and receives orders in VISTA, sorts and prioritizes samples collected outside the laboratory. Evaluates specimens for suitability and acceptability and labels according to facility policy. Notifies nursing or provider if samples need to be recollected.
5. Incumbent enters orders into VISTA for samples collected and sent from other VA facilities both in and outside of VISN 4. Labels samples according to facility policy and delivers samples to the correct department for testing

Clerical and Administrative Support

1. Monitors supply inventory, rotates stock, and minimizes outdating. Responsible for determining that no outdated collection containers, tubes, etc., are in work area or in use. Requests additional supplies as needed using established protocols. Uses materials in a cost effective manne
2. Completes requisitions with accuracy for samples sent to reference labs that are not interfaced with the VA lab information system. Files requisitions appropriately for result entry upon return.
3. Trains and orients new employees and students as applicable and assigned.
4. Opens and checks mail against manifest received with samples for testing at VAPHS. Receives orders for mailed samples or places orders into the lab information system and distributes samples to the respective testing area
5. Participates in inspection readiness and compliance with laboratory regulatory agencies.

Work Schedule: Rotating hours starting between 5:30am and 7:45am

Telework: This position is not authorized for telework.

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: Medical Technician/ PD02667A

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized