CLINICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST JOB DESCRIPTION

A Clinical Laboratory Technologist performs chemical, hematological, and blood bank analyses on patient specimens to generate results that directly inform physician diagnoses and treatment decisions. This role operates within hospital or reference laboratory settings regulated under CLIA and OSHA standards, where every result carries patient safety implications. Accuracy matters here. Technologists maintain rigorous quality control cycles, respond to critical value thresholds, and ensure specimen integrity from collection through verified reporting.

As the Clinical Laboratory Technologist, you translate biological specimens into actionable diagnostic data, upholding precision standards that affect patient outcomes across every department that orders lab work. The role sits within the laboratory department, working alongside senior technologists and reporting to a laboratory supervisor, with scope spanning chemistry, hematology, or blood bank functions depending on section assignment.

Career Impact: Mastery of multi-section laboratory operations - chemistry, blood gas, and blood bank - builds the specialized credentialing profile that supports advancement toward senior technologist or laboratory supervisor roles.

Business Impact: Physicians and clinical teams depend on the accuracy and turnaround of every result this role produces, making the technologist's work a direct input to safe patient care.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to proficiency testing programs, competency assessments, and continuing education requirements accelerates eligibility for ASCP certification and broadens marketable expertise across laboratory disciplines.

• Collect, process, and deliver patient specimens to the appropriate testing section following established rejection criteria.
• Perform automated and manual diagnostic testing within the assigned section to procedure manual standards and productivity benchmarks.
• Document quality control results, corrective actions, and instrument calibration records accurately and within required timeframes.
• Report STAT and critical values to clinical staff according to hospital policy, logging each notification completely.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instruments, alerting supervisors to failures and managing preventative maintenance schedules.
• Prepare reagents, solutions, and controls used in patient testing, flagging supply shortages before stock is depleted.
• Recognize abnormal or discrepant results and escalate to supervisory personnel using established protocols.
• Integrate data across departments to identify discrepancies and support accurate final result verification.

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, biology, chemistry, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of clinical laboratory experience, with demonstrated proficiency in at least one laboratory section.
• Working knowledge of CLIA, OSHA, and HIPAA regulatory requirements governing laboratory operations.
• Ability to perform quality control analysis and apply corrective action protocols when results fall outside acceptable ranges.
• Manual dexterity and visual accuracy sufficient to perform pipetting, centrifuging, and microscopic analysis techniques.
• Strong record-keeping skills including accurate data entry into laboratory information systems and legible written documentation.
• Ability to communicate critical findings clearly and promptly to laboratory and clinical staff under time pressure.

• ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) certification or eligibility in a relevant specialty such as Medical Laboratory Scientist or Blood Bank Technology.
• Experience in a blood bank or component laboratory environment, including familiarity with cGMP manufacturing compliance.
• Proficiency in extracting and interpreting data from laboratory analytics platforms to identify result trends.
• Graduate coursework or advanced degree in Medical Technology, Applied Health Informatics, or Biotechnology.

• Specimen rejection rate, measuring adherence to collection and processing standards across assigned sections.
• Critical value notification turnaround, tracking time from result verification to documented clinician contact.
• Quality control pass rate per instrument, reflecting calibration discipline and corrective action responsiveness.
• Annual competency assessment completion rate, confirming ongoing proficiency across all assigned procedures.
• Error rate on data entry and result reporting, measured against zero-tolerance thresholds for transcription mistakes.
• Typical tools: Laboratory information systems (commonly Cerner or equivalent); automated analyzers (commonly chemistry and hematology platforms).

• Base Salary Range: $55,000 to $80,000 per year depending on section specialty and location.
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 2 to 5 percent, where offered.
• Equity: Not typically offered at this level in hospital settings.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; majority employer-funded.
• PTO: 15 to 22 days annually, plus recognized federal holidays.
• Common Perks: Shift differential pay for evenings, nights, and weekends; continuing education reimbursement; ASCP exam fee coverage.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Successful completion of a background check and, where applicable, drug screening is required as a condition of employment in this patient-facing laboratory role. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request throughout the hiring process. Candidates must hold current authorization to work in the United States.

The Clinical Laboratory Technologist owns chemical analysis of patient specimens in the Chemistry Lab, performing automated and manual testing in chemistry and blood gas departments while ensuring accuracy, timely critical value reporting, and compliance with prescribed procedures. Reporting to laboratory supervisors, the technologist collaborates with hospital clinical staff to deliver diagnostic results that directly inform medical decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure accuracy, interpretation, and reporting of results with supervisor review as appropriate.
• Perform and maintain accurate records of equipment maintenance and quality control.
• Document corrective actions according to laboratory procedure.
• Refer problems and unusual results to appropriate personnel.
• Perform clerical and support services as needed.
• Respond to customer needs and requests.
• Participate in proficiency testing according to lab policy.
• Participate in continuing education programs related to laboratories.
• Collect specimens from Central Processing and deliver to proper testing stations.
• Prepare specimens for processing using techniques such as centrifuging or pipetting.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment including centrifuges and automated blood analyzers.
• Measure specimens and reagents quantitatively using pipettes and make necessary dilutions using manual or automated methods.
• Perform automated and manual testing in chemistry and blood gas departments.
• Record all test results per procedure and operate computer terminals to enter, retrieve, and correct laboratory information.
• Call critical patient results per lab and hospital policy and document all calls completely and in a timely manner.
• Recognize factors that affect measurements and take appropriate action according to predetermined protocols.
• Practice standard safety and infection control procedures including standard precautions.
• Participate in safety education and all required competency activities.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of standard laboratory math, calculations, practice, and technique.
• Basic computer skills including word processing, spreadsheet documents, and LIS.
• Ability to learn multiple aspects of laboratory operation including testing, LIS, and quality control.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all laboratory and hospital staff, patients, and outside locations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other laboratory staff to gain skills and experience across a variety of duties.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to interact effectively with individuals in the lab and hospital.
• Neat and orderly work habits with careful attention to detail and written protocols.
• Appropriate level of professionalism with good customer service skills.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and comprehending English sufficiently to follow procedures and communicate with staff and patients.
• Manual dexterity and visual accuracy required.
• Able to work under stress of time constraints and heavy workload demands requiring accuracy.

Embedded within the Blood Bank and Pathology department, the Clinical Laboratory Technologist carries out blood component manufacturing, bacterial detection, and product disposition in compliance with cGMPs, while managing inventory, quality control, and equipment maintenance to meet patient and departmental needs. Working closely with senior technologists, supervisors, and co-workers, the technologist ensures ongoing competency development and upholds professionalism and hospital safety standards.

Core Functions

• Perform all tasks required including thawing, splitting, and pooling products in preparation for issue.
• Receive specimens and return blood products as required.
• Take inventory of supplies and receive and distribute delivered supplies.
• Perform tasks to assist in the coordination of workflow.
• Seek technical guidance from senior technologist when appropriate.
• Manufacture blood components in compliance with cGMPs.
• Perform bacterial detection procedures and ensure accurate disposition of all products from the Component Lab.
• Receive blood products into inventory and modify and divide blood products as needed.
• Prepare batches of units for retyping and perform quality control and equipment maintenance.
• Participate in projects to enhance the Blood Bank and complete assigned projects within the designated timeline.
• Ensure ongoing training and increase knowledge of different areas within the Blood Bank.
• Complete annual required competency assessments and meet department requirements for continuing education.
• Adhere to departmental standards for professionalism and comply with all hospital safety requirements.
• Prioritize tasks effectively to meet patient and departmental needs.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, or biological science from an accredited college or university.
• Some laboratory experience preferred; training provided.
• Ability to remain calm and efficient in stressful situations.
• Knowledge of the proper use and care of laboratory equipment.
• Ability to work independently within established departmental guidelines and assume responsibility for own work.
• Dexterity and fine motor skills to perform multiple laboratory testing techniques.
• Excellent record-keeping skills including clear legible writing, careful filing, and accurate computer data entry.
• Familiarity with and adherence to all policies and procedures for each area of the Blood Bank.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team member and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, senior technologists, and co-workers.

Reporting to laboratory leadership, the Clinical Laboratory Technologist delivers diagnostic testing across assigned sections, performing specimen collection, quality control documentation, and STAT critical value reporting in full compliance with CLIA, OSHA, and HIPAA requirements. Partnering with staff across departments to integrate and reconcile data, the technologist supports accurate result verification and contributes to the laboratory's regulatory standing and operational precision.

Primary Duties

• Collect and process specimens for analysis according to established procedures.
• Deliver specimens to laboratory sections as directed.
• Evaluate specimen problems and apply procedures for specimen rejection.
• Perform all tests within the assigned section according to the procedure manual with accuracy, precision, and within productivity standards.
• Confirm abnormal results and institute follow-up procedures as required.
• Report STAT and critical values according to procedure.
• Perform and document daily quality control, corrective action, and routine and preventative instrument maintenance.
• Recognize problems and abnormal values and apply judgment to maintain test accuracy and precision.
• Use microscopes to analyze blood cell count and condition.
• Analyze Levey-Jennings Charts to identify trends and preemptively detect errors.
• Use computer functions as directed and report manual results clearly.
• Prepare and label reagents according to policy and inform supervisor of supply shortages.
• Follow waste management policy and discard waste in proper containers.
• Teach new employees and students theory and technique.
• Integrate and relate data from other departments to identify possible discrepancies.

Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree or foreign equivalent in Medical Technology, Applied Health Informatics, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Experience with clinical laboratory information systems and understanding of clinical terminologies.
• Knowledge of guidelines and compliance with regulatory agencies including CLIA, NYS, OSHA, and HIPAA.
• Adherence to laboratory quality control policies, procedures, and OSHA regulations for PPE including lab coats, gloves, and protective shields.
• Ability to extract lab data using analytics tools and apply data analytic tools as applicable.
• Skilled in documenting quality control activities, instrument calibration, and maintenance performed accurately.
• Ability to accurately record and report lab results.