CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
3G12
MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
Specialties
(General )
(Bilingual )
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is full performance laboratory work performing a variety of microbiological, serological, biochemical, microscopic, parasitologic, hemotologic and other diagnostic tests and examinations or sample extraction and preparation and other laboratory maintenance. Contact with patient and medical staff is an important aspect of the work for employees assigned to Health District offices. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical superior. Work involves some disagreeable aspects.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
Both Specialties
- Logs in and labels specimens; prepares specimens for examination following standard procedures such as centrifuging samples, incubating specimens, and preparing serial dilutions; dissects and extracts brain tissue samples from animals suspected of rabies; prepares standard solutions, reagents, and other laboratory materials; observes and records test results.
- Performs a wide variety of biochemical, microbiological, serological and other clinical determinations; determines the content of various substances in body fluids, water, and food by chemical, macroscopic and microscopic examination; streaks various specimens on the proper media and isolates, counts and identifies various microorganisms by microscopic, macroscopic, and chemical examination; identifies antibodies in blood by examining titrated blood sera, determines the content and characteristics of body fluids; prepares samples and isolates parasitic organisms, larvae, and eggs.
- Operates and maintains a large variety of laboratory equipment and analysis machines; programs analyzers for desired tests and interprets results; calibrates laboratory equipment utilizing a variety of controls and prepared samples; maintains laboratory environment in a sanitary condition; disposes of laboratory wastes; transports, dates and stores supplies; subcultures control specimens; monitors and maintains incubator, refrigerator and freezer temperatures.
- Participates in training new technicians by demonstrating test techniques.
- Selects collection site and extracts venous blood from patients; discusses extraction with patient to reduce fear and distress, particularly with pediatric cases; maintains appointment records and prepares reports of laboratory activity; maintains adequate supply levels in laboratory; tracks status of tests sent to central laboratory; arranges transport of samples.
- Performs related work as required.
BILINGUAL SPECIALITY
- Performs the duties described below with English language speaking and designated non-English speaking populations.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- the principles, methods, materials and equipment used to make medical laboratory analyses
- the applicable medical laboratory state and federal regulations
- the hazards and safety precautions of medical laboratory work
- the basic principles of chemistry, microbiology, urinalysis, parasitology, hematology, microscopy and serology as related to the work
SKILL IN:
- the use and care of laboratory equipment
- venous and capillary blood extraction
- the use and operation of computer systems
ABILITY TO:
- interact effectively with patients, medical and supervisory staff
- perform a wide variety of medical laboratory tests in accordance with prescribed procedures and instructions
- make accurate observations of test results and to prepare accurate reports and records
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 11/06.
EDUCATION
- Completion of an Associate's degree program from an accredited college or university with major course work in Medical Technology.
AND
BILINGUAL SPECIALTY
- Sufficient training and/or experience to be able to understand and speak fluently and clearly in English and a designated non English language.
OR
Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of
a position in this class.
PAY RANGE: 13
Class Established:
CSC: 3/67, Ad Board: 5/67
Spec. Revision:
CSC: 9/06, Ad Board: 11/06
DBT/sg
END OF JOB CLASS SPECIFICATION - 3G12