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This is the second class of the Medical Techno1ogist Series. Positions in this class perform specialized and comp1ex laboratory analyses in a hospital or clinical laboratory, or serve as a lead worker over other Medical Technologists. Test results provide clinicians with information to diagnose and treat disease. This class is distinguished from the Medical Technologist by the requirement either to perform more complex analyses or to act as lead worker. This class is distinguished from the Medical Technologist Supervisor by the absence of supervision of a laboratory unit.

Complexity of Work: Work is of moderate difficulty requiring the independent analysis of complex laboratory procedures or the coordination and review of the work of Medical Technologists and laboratory support staff. Work involves the conduct of routine and specialized laboratory procedures and studies requiring a determination of the acceptability of the specimen, the selection of the appropriate laboratory controls, and the accurate analysis and recording of the results. Responsibilities include modifying and developing laboratory procedures, overseeing quality control activities, troubleshooting instrument problems and performing preventive maintenance on equipment, and training students, residents, and other laboratory staff in laboratory procedures. May serve as a lead worker by managing the laboratory workload, assisting laboratory personnel with problems, and reviewing test results and procedures for accuracy.

Supervision Given: Generally supervision is not a factor. As a lead worker, positions oversee the work of Medical Technologists and laboratory support personnel.

Supervision Received: Receives direction from a Medical Technologist Supervisor or other higher level laboratory personnel. Advice is received regarding the implementation of new procedures or when unusual technical problems arise.

Scope: Work affects the ability of a clinical or medical laboratory to provide routine and specialized test results for the diagnosis of disease and the identification of disease agents in hospital or clinic patients.

Impact of Actions: Work has a moderate impact on the accuracy and timeliness of clinical laboratory services through the conduct of routine and specialized tests, the development of procedures, and the training and direction of other laboratory workers. Inaccurate or late test results can lead to the misdiagnosis of symptoms, inappropriate treatment, and re-testing of specimens.

Persona1 Contacts: Frequent contacts with patients, laboratory staff, nurses, and clinicians to discuss test results and diagnostic and treatment implications. Occasional external contacts with regulatory and accreditation personnel regarding laboratory procedures, with representatives of laboratory supply companies regarding new equipment and test procedures, and with vendors to order supp1ies and repair equipment.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of the theory and practice of clinical laboratory methods and instrumentation related to field of assignment. Working knowledge of anatomy, physiology, laboratory medicine, disease processes, and laboratory procedures.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to independently conduct a variety of routine and specialized clinical laboratory analyses; operate clinical laboratory equipment; make subtle discriminations and accurately interpret, record, and present laboratory test results; train others and direct their work; develop and document procedures; and make and implement procedura1 changes.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in medical technology, chemistry, microbiology or biological science.

Level and Type of Experience: Experience as a Medical Technologist.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may be substituted for this education and experience.

This class was developed as a result of the Statewide Classification Review/ Specification Update Program in July 1989 and replaces the Medical Laboratory Technologist Senior class.