Serves as an Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician under Ancillary Service, rotating in Microbiology, Core lab, and performing phlebotomy as needed. Responsibilities include a variety of procedures including complex analysis and infrequently requested tests, evaluating abnormal results, using and maintaining equipment, and implementing and monitoring Quality Control. Day to day tasks include processing specimens to prepare them for specific analysis to assure quality of test results.

Duties

Major duties include, but are not limited to: Specimen Collection and Processing- Performs phlebotomy, processes, and transfers specimens accurately. Assists with training of new staff and phlebotomy students. Packages and ships diagnostic specimens to reference labs and upon return, evaluates the validity of the test result and enters the results into the electronic health record (EHR). Hematology- Blood cell testing which includes impedance testing, flow cytometry, immunochemical staining. The MLT is responsible for identifying abnormal cellular morphology that will provide the clinician with information related to disease processes and blood cell abnormalities to include leukemias and lymphomas which requires independent expertise. They also perform manual cell counts on body fluids, sedimentation rates on blood, cytocentrifugation preparations, and crystal examinations on body fluids utilizing polarized microscopy. Urinalysis- This includes urine microscopy examinations, urine drug screen analysis, fecal occult blood analysis and pregnancy tests. Coagulation- Determinations of prothrombin time for warfarin monitoring, activated partial thromboplastin time, and d-dimer testing. Chemistry- The MLT is responsible for the operation of the analyzers to include troubleshooting, calibrations, preventative maintenance, quality control test performance, and proficiency testing. Testing performed in this area includes general chemistries and immunochemistry's such as glucose and total lipid, endocrine markers, anemia, thyroid, cardiac, and infectious disease testing for HIV and Hepatitis. Microbiology- Requires setup of cultures, staining of specimens, and isolation of bacteria and testing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for methicillin resistant Staph, aureus, C. difficile, respiratory pathogens, GI panels, and COVID-19 among others. A diverse knowledge of gross morphology, chemical reactions, and microscopic morphology are required for the processing of specimens and identification of organisms. Immunohematology (Blood Bank) - Possesses firm knowledge independently make sound decisions based upon the results of the immunologic testing to provide a safe product for transfusion. Additional duties- Development and maintenance of detailed records which may include data analysis, calculations, graphing of data, preliminary statistical evaluations, and records of specimen storage and reagent use. Acts as an information specialist providing assistance with locating results, adding tests to existing orders, explaining collection procedures, handling requirements and any special requirements for esoteric testing. MLTs determine the validity of results and the potential for invalid results as well as investigate and document specimen errors. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 12:30pm-9:00pm with rotating weekend/holidays. Functional Statement #: 93078-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

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. NOTE: Graduates of foreign MLT programs are considered to meet the basic education requirements if they have a current certification as described below. Certification. Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations: (a) American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP): i ASCP, Board of Certification OR ii ASCP, Board of Registry. (b) American Medical Technologists. OR (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 GS-07: Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level and demonstrate the KSAs below. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate: 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G69 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurrent standing to perform procedures and tests, walking between different areas within the laboratory and throughout the medical center. The work involves sitting at a microscope, manual dexterity, visual acuity, color vision and the ability to sit and concentrate for long periods of time. Requires intermittent moderate lifting (15-44 pounds); light carrying (under 15 pounds); use of fingers; both hands required; intermittent, but possible prolonged stooping and kneeling; ability to read and comprehend ordinary type and computer screens; ability to hear (aid permitted) and work in an environment with constant noise; working closely with others; high cognitive function required to work in a fast paced environment with competing priorities without loss of accuracy; emotional stability required to maintain self-control in difficult and stressful situations.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Battle Creek VA Medical Center 5500 Armstrong Road Battle Creek, MI 49037 US
• Name: Carol Phillips
• Phone: 765-251-1129
• Email: [email protected]