Summary

The primary function of this position is to Accession orders and receive laboratory specimens into the laboratory information computer system; collect blood by venipuncture on both in and outpatients; receive collected urine - sputum - and stool specimens in the Outpatient Phlebotomy department of the Laboratory; ascertain correct specimen labeling - processing and distribution; transports specimens from the collection site to the testing Laboratory.

Qualifications

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: Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations
• American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP)ASCP - Board of Certification
• ORASCP - Board of Registry
• American Medical Technologists
• American Association of Bioanalysts
• Exception: Non-certified applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements for certification may receive a temporary appointment up to the full performance level not to exceed two years as a graduate MLT under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2) without the option to extend
• For grade levels above full performance level - the candidate must be certified in accordance with paragraph 4.c.(1) above
• Loss of Certification
• Management officials - in collaboration with HR Office staff - must immediately relieve employees of the duties and responsibilities associated with the MLT occupation who fail to maintain the required certification - which may also result in separation from employment
• 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: Medical Laboratory Technician - GS-05 Experience: None beyond the basic requirements
• Demonstrated Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: None
• Assignment: This is an entry-level developmental MLT position
• MLT's will typically receive guidance from experienced staff members and require frequent and direct supervision
• MLT's at this level perform testing in one or more of the following areas: Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived testing - Phlebotomy - toxicology - urinalysis - referral laboratory - microbiology and specimen processing
• Medical Laboratory Technician - GS-06 Experience: In addition to the basic requirements - candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-05 grade level
• Knowledge - Skills and Abilities: In addition to the experience above - the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of MLT principles - practices - concepts and theories for sound independent work
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures to manage reagents and supply inventories using document control systems
• Ability to maintain - troubleshoot and repair instrumentation
• Ability to work as a team member in a laboratory setting to effectively complete assignments
• Ability to use technical judgment to interpret laboratory results
• Ability to apply complex written laboratory instructions
• Ability to consult with other members of the health care team - patients and external customers
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-5 to GS-6. Physical Requirements: The position primarily involves work performed in both sitting and standing positions with occasional requirements to lift objects - computer work and operating office equipment
• The position requires the ability to process written and electronic information
• The work requires the ability to physically control or defend against emotionally distressed patients
• The work requires above average agility and dexterity due to the fine skills of some of the point of care lab testing
• The work may require heavy lifting of equipment or patients however standing and bending for a prolonged period of time - walking - lifting up to 20 pounds - kneeling - and some climbing of stairs is also required
• The work requires manual dexterity - a large degree of concentration - and working at top speed for several hours at a time
• The ability to distinguish colors and color intensity is required
• The Medical Technician may be required to commute between two outpatient clinics with the workweek - depending on the clinic workload
• Per VA handbook 5003/4 - Functional Statements are to be reviewed.

Duties

• Performs a range of diagnostic laboratory support duties such as collection and labeling of specimens for the laboratory
• Uses proper sterile venipuncture technique to adequately obtain blood from inpatient and outpatients according to provider requests
• Accessions samples and receives requests for testing into the laboratory computer information system by automated and manual methods
• Ensure that samples are collected correctly in the correct tubes with the correct anticoagulants - labeled correctly - at the correct temperature - and specimen integrity is maintained
• Adheres to special instructions - such as transport on ice - deliver immediately - protect from light - etc
• Evaluates the suitability of all collected specimens for testing
• Transport STAT or routine specimens collected in the Outpatient Phlebotomy Department to the testing laboratory in a timely manner - according to priority - without delay - and without undue absence from the incumbent's usual post
• Assesses patient's physical and emotional condition with respect to procedure being performed
• Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients by explaining procedures - performing blood-drawing duties in a courteous manner - and making the patient feel as comfortable as possible during the phlebotomy procedure
• Adheres to safety - infection control - and standard precautions at all times while drawing blood or performing testing
• Responds to calls for assistance in the collection of blood on the most challenging patients
• Collect blood samples with a minimal number of failures - patient bruising - or required resticks
• Must develop the essential speed required to complete the blood drawing duties in a timely and efficient manner
• Use hospital computer system to accurately perform routine work such as reviewing and accepting lab orders - gather information required to complete assigned duties - and research and resolve problems
• Conducts glucose tolerance testing - including administration of proper amount of glucola and monitoring patient throughout the test for adverse reactions
• Performs thorough checks of all specimens coming through the Outpatient Phlebotomy and identifies unusual conditions and discrepancies which may affect lab testing and cause erroneous results
• Records all samples collected using an electronic manifest
• Monitors supply inventory - rotates stock and minimizes outdating
• Responsible for determining that no outdated reagents - tubes - etc. - are in work area or in use
• Orders or requests additional supplies as needed using established protocols
• Performs waived point of care testing - such as fingerstick glucose testing - performs and understands established quality control procedures and reviews results for accuracy and validity
• Participates in CAP proficiency testing for testing performed
• Greets patients and visitors in the Outpatient Phlebotomy Department of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service
• Respond to and assists in emergency situations
• Must know CPR and preliminary first aid procedures for the care of patients who bruise - become sick - arrest - or faint while having blood drawn
• Demonstrates self-control in difficult or emergency situations with minimal assistance
• VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws Work Schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm - Monday - Friday Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized Telework: Not Authorized Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized