Medical Laboratory Technician

Summary

Performs basic clinical laboratory testing to assist in the detection and diagnosis of disease. All functions are performed with consideration of age-specific patient needs. Escalates unusual situations to a Medical Technologist or Manager for guidance.

Employees are expected to demonstrate Brown University Health’s core values:

• Compassion
• Accountability
• Respect
• Excellence

Core Success Factors:

• Instill trust and value differences
• Focus on patients and community
• Collaborate effectively

Key Responsibilities

General Duties

• Understand and support the organization’s mission, vision, and values

• Meet job performance and competency expectations

• Deliver high-quality customer service

• Comply with hospital and departmental policies and procedures

• Complete required safety and compliance training

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives

• Communicate:

  • Unusual test results to providers
  • Delays in testing

Laboratory Operations

• Operate mechanical and semi-automated equipment
• Perform quality control (QC) and routine maintenance
• Maintain lab readiness (cleaning, stocking, setup)
• Clean and maintain equipment and workspaces

Technical / Functional Areas

Phlebotomy

• Verify patient identity and specimen integrity

• Collect blood samples from:

  • Neonates
  • Children
  • Adults

• Ensure proper specimen labeling

• Follow sterile techniques to prevent contamination

• Safely dispose of collection materials

• Prepare routine clinical and microscopic slides as directed

Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)

• Enter and edit patient requisitions and test orders
• Record test results (manual and non-interfaced)
• Document report updates accurately
• Operate laboratory information systems

Hematology

• Perform:

  • Blood counts
  • Cell morphology and differentiation
  • Sedimentation rates
  • Reticulocyte counts
  • Clotting studies

Blood Bank / Immunology

• Assist with preparation and dispensing of blood components:

  • Fresh frozen plasma
  • Platelets
  • Cryoprecipitate

• Perform:

  • Blood typing and Rh testing
  • Antibody screening and identification
  • Compatibility testing
  • Infectious disease serology
  • Cord blood testing

• Conduct quality control procedures

Microbiology

• Perform gram and special stains
• Culture specimens on appropriate media
• Identify microorganisms microscopically
• Conduct rapid antigen (EIA) testing
• Operate blood culture systems and STAT PCR tests

Chemistry

• Perform coagulation studies
• Conduct routine chemistry testing on analyzers
• Maintain QC within acceptable ranges (±2 SD)
• Perform minor equipment repairs
• Calibrate instruments

Safety Responsibilities

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Follow infection control and aseptic techniques
• Handle and store chemicals safely (per SDS guidelines)
• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment

Proficiency Testing

• Participate in external proficiency testing programs
• Maintain satisfactory results
• Adhere to Laboratory CLIA Proficiency Testing Policy

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Associate’s degree in:

  • Clinical Laboratory Science
  • Medical Technology
  • Chemical, Biological, or Physical Sciences

  OR equivalent education/experience per CLIA standards

Certifications

• ASCP certification (or equivalent) preferred or required

  OR

• Eligibility for certification through an approved program (NAACLS, ABHES, or similar)

  OR

• Meets CLIA qualification standards

Experience

• 1 year of clinical laboratory experience
• Clinical internship may substitute for experience

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to operate laboratory instruments and perform tests accurately
• Strong analytical and observational skills
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to provide patient-centered care across all age groups
• Physical and visual ability to perform detailed lab work

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Healthcare setting (hospital, lab, or clinical environment)

• Exposure to:

  • Infectious materials
  • Chemicals and hazardous substances

• Physical requirements:

  • Standing for extended periods
  • Lifting and carrying supplies
  • Working at laboratory benches

• Visual strain due to detailed specimen analysis

• May require rotational on-call coverage

Pay Range

$24.29-$40.07

Location

Newport Hospital - 11 Friendship Street Newport, Rhode Island 02840

Work Type

2:45pm-11:15pm with weekend and Holiday rotation

Work Shift

Evening

Daily Hours

8 hours

Driving Required

No

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.