Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician

This position is located in the Core Laboratory / Blood Bank of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Program at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System.

The medical laboratory technician is responsible for performing a wide range of emergency, routine, complex, and specialized test procedures in Clinical Chemistry, Coagulation, Hematology, Immunochemistry, Urinalysis, Serology, and immunohematology (blood bank) with minimal on-site supervision.

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification / licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements : United States Citizenship : Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.

Education : Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification. Certification : (1) Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations.

a) American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) - ASCP, Board of Certification. OR ASCP, Board of Registry. (b) American Medical Technologists.

c) American Association of Bioanalysts. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations : In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be met for this position, Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician GS-7 : Experience - one year of experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level.

Examples of equivalent experience include using independent judgment to perform the full range of duties in the laboratory, from sample collection to evaluating and communicating test results.

Performing day-to-day operations in the laboratory with minimal technical supervision while ensuring testing accuracy and quality of proper patient care.

This includes providing pre-analytic instructions to patients, staff and other external entities related to collection and processing of laboratory specimens.

Using processing techniques such as centrifugation, aliquoting, storage and packaging (considering stability factors), and they accurately label and sort patient specimens.

Operating and maintain all instrumentation in assigned areas to deliver precise, timely and accurate laboratory results when analyzing body fluids such as blood, urine and tissue samples.

Analyze laboratory findings and issue necessary reports. The results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures are discussed with supervisors, pathologists and other medical professionals as needed.

Testing can be in one or more of the following areas : Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived testing, phlebotomy, hematology, immunohematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, toxicology, urinalysis, referral laboratory, microbiology and specimen processing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements and medicolegal requirements sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests.

Skill in applying new scientific / technical developments and theories to laboratory testing. Ability to work independently on a broad range of complex laboratory processes Ability to troubleshoot and repair specific / advanced complex laboratory equipment.

Knowledge of laboratory information technology (IT) systems including troubleshooting systems issues, interface requirements between new instruments and existing IT infrastructure and laboratory IT test development.

Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), Joint Commission and Occupational Safety and Health Administration along with continuing education and employee orientation to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements.

References : VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G69 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade of this position is considered above the full performance at the GS-7 Physical Requirements : must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs.

straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs.

Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability;

ability to read ordinary type without strain. " Medical Laboratory Technician : The medical laboratory technician independently performs complex automated and manual technical procedures that include but are not limited to : blood bank type and screens, blood bank compatibility testing, blood bank unit confirmations, antibody screens and advanced antibody identification testing in blood bank, automated chemistry panels, immunochemistry panels, urine and serum osmolality testing, urine pregnancy, complete blood counts in hematology, manual and automated reticulocyte counts in hematology, coagulation tests, specialized mixing studies in coagulation, automated and manual urinalysis testing, automated and manual body fluid analysis including cell counts, slide evaluation and crystal identification, peripheral blood smear evaluation, chromatography (HPLC), toxicology screenings, HIV and hepatitis testing, enzyme immunoassay, special studies, and Covid-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.

Duties include but are not limited to : evaluate requested procedures to determine the suitability of specimens for analysis, requesting new specimens if necessary.

advise laboratory personnel or healthcare workers on the appropriate collection and handling of specimens. prepares specimens for analysis and / or dispatch ensuring specimen integrity is maintained.

ensures correct routing and distribution of clinical samples to laboratory sections and informing staff of sample urgency as necessary.

prepares reagents and primary reference materials; selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of routine and complex procedures using manual and / or micro-processor-controlled instruments.

provides technical support and assistance to the medical technologists, pathologists, and other physicians / providers as needed and assigned.

calibrates, standardizes, adjusts, performs routine preventative maintenance, and documents service on the instruments. recognizes instrument or equipment malfunctions and trends and troubleshoots independently or when necessary, the assistance of the vendor.

uses the laboratory information system and middleware to review QC and patient results. documents all quality control activities and maintains accurate records in compliance with accrediting agencies such as CAP / TJC / FDA / AABB / CLIA.

uses technical judgement to screen test results prior to release to detect discrepancies, artifacts, and pathologic change that may warrant additional testing.

independently performs blood collection and specimen handling on inpatients and outpatients according to physician / provider orders.

Work Schedule : 6 : 30am-3pm, 7 : 30-4pm, 2pm-10 : 30pm, rotating weekends and holidays Compressed / Flexible : 10 hour tours / 4 days available Pay : Competitive salary and regular salary increases.

When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of existing pay, higher or unique qualifications, or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade).

Paid Time Off : 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Parental Leave : After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.

Child Care Subsidy : After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $ Retirement : Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance : Federal health / vision / dental / term life / long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework : Not Available Virtual : This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement # : 646-02695-F Financial Disclosure Report : Not required"