Occ. Code 6225100

MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN 1, GRADE 9	6225100
MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN 2, GRADE 12	6225200

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS SERIES

          Medical Laboratory Technicians participate in any or all steps of medical laboratory tests on human tissue specimens and body fluids to provide data about physiological conditions to physicians and other health care professionals and scientists.  This might include specimen collection, labeling, processing, packaging, computer entry, laboratory analysis and results reporting.    

The positions are classified at laboratories operated by the Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, and the State University of New York.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN 1: entry level; follows all procedures for proper collection, labeling, preparation and computer entry for laboratory specimens; conducts standard tests and procedures under direct supervision of higher level technical or professional staff and records all results, quality control and maintenance into appropriate logs, ledgers or computers as required; may be required to prepare specimens for analysis, or package these specimens for transport to another laboratory; may supervise non-technical staff assigned to the laboratory.

MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN 2: advanced performance level; in addition to functions of the Medical Laboratory Technician 1 duties described above, conducts the more difficult tests or procedures under the general direction of higher level laboratory staff, and may supervise Medical Laboratory Technicians 1 and non-technical staff assigned to the laboratory. 

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Medical Laboratory Technician 1

Performs routine medical laboratory tests in accordance with established protocols, written guidelines, and testing procedures.

• Explains to people providing samples how the sample is taken.
• Takes samples from people and records matching identifying information.
• Prepares specimens for analysis and/or packages these specimens for transport to laboratory departments and/or remote laboratories, and enters all pertinent information into the laboratory information system.
• Sets up and operates equipment for tests.
• Prepares media, cultures, reagents, stains, and solutions.
• Applies sterile and isolation techniques and protocols to prevent contamination of samples, work areas, and staff.
• Prepares samples for observation, testing and recording of identity.
• Operates equipment and conducts tests.
• Observes samples being tested and records results and anomalies.
• Maintains records of tests using manual and automated systems.
• Refers anomalies, problems, and unexpected results to supervisor for verification and further investigation.

Requisitions supplies as needed and maintains apparatus, instruments, and equipment.

• Cleans and sterilizes equipment, apparatus, and instruments before and after running tests.
• Cleans, sterilizes, and maintains work areas. Coordinates off-site testing.
• Prepares and completes tests.
• Prepares specimens for shipment to testing facilities.
• Maintains logs and records.
• Prepares billing statements for tests and procedures performed.

Medical Laboratory Technician 2

In addition to the above responsibilities of the Medical Laboratory Technician 1, Medical Laboratory Technician 2 may also be required to do the following:

· Calibrates and reviews lab equipment used for tests to ensure it is performing within acceptable parameters.

· Conducts tests where judgments must be made as to the degree the test results match normal test expectations, and must be familiar with markers identifying the need for further analysis of the test material. 

· Conducts tests requiring complex testing regimes or for which prior tests administered by staff have given unexpected, unclear, or anomalous results.

· Communicates with lab administrators and clients to address the status or issues with individual or compilation reports for various laboratory tests. 

· Oversees the consistent processing, safety, and security of specimens shipped to other testing facilities.

· Oversees lab systems operations responsible for maintaining and recording lab test records.

· May contribute to the compilation and aggregation of lab test data and contribute to lab and agency reports.

· When assigned to supervise staff, performs the following duties:

o Reviews subordinate laboratory staff preparing samples for observation, testing, and the recording of test results.

o Supervises lab employees conducting initial analysis and/or test verification of results to identify anomalies, problems, and unexpected results.

o Monitors the completion of laboratory test assignments.

o Approves time off and conducts employee performance evaluations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Medical Laboratory Technician 1

Promotion:  one year of experience as a Laboratory Worker, Senior Laboratory Worker, Laboratory Animal Caretaker, Senior Laboratory Animal Caretaker, Laboratory Aide, Laboratory Caretaker, or Phlebotomist, and one of the requirements listed for the open competitive minimum qualifications.

Open Competitive:

1. associate's degree as a medical laboratory technician; or

2. completion of 45 semester credit hours of college coursework and a six-month medical laboratory technology training course; or

3. associate's degree in one of the chemical, physical, or biological sciences and six months of experience in medical laboratory work; or

4. completion of 45 semester credit hours of college coursework including six credits in general chemistry, six credits in inorganic chemistry, 12 credits in biology, and three credits in mathematics and six months of experience in medical laboratory work; or

5. high school graduation or the equivalent and completion of a combination of education and experience in an acceptable laboratory. This combination may include completion of a vocational-technical program and two years of medical laboratory experience; completion of a structured medical laboratory technology program and one year of experience; three years of experience; or completion of a military medical laboratory procedures course of 50 weeks' duration; and one year of experience.

Medical Laboratory Technician 2

Promotion: one year of experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician 1.

Open Competitive:

One of the requirements listed for Medical Laboratory Technician 1 open competitive minimum qualifications; and one additional year of experience performing medical laboratory tests and procedures in an acceptable clinical laboratory.

Additional Requirement for promotion or open competitive Medical Laboratory Technicians 1 and 2: Depending on assignment, the selected candidate may be required to be:

1. certified or eligible for certification as a Clinical Laboratory Technician as defined in Title 8, Article 165 of the New York State Education Law and Section 52.38 and Subpart 79-15 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education; or

2. licensed or eligible for licensure as a Clinical Laboratory Technologist as defined in Title 8, Article 165 of the New York State Education Law and Section 52.36 and Subpart 79-13 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education; or

3. licensed or eligible for licensure as a Cytotechnologist as defined in Title 8, Article 165 of the New York State Education Law and Section 52.37 and Subpart 79-14 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education.

Date:  1/16

NOTE:  Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe. Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might be appropriately performed by a class. The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written. Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.