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Becoming a lab technician can lead to a rewarding career. Given the current Global pandemic situation, a career in the medical field can be beneficial. A lab technician’s role is very important to patient care. They may or may not work with the patients directly and their work helps in diagnosis. They collect samples and accession for lab testing that directly impacts what medications are prescribed if any and what dosages of said medications.
A growing healthcare industry needs qualified lab technicians. If you have what it takes to become a lab technician then you can have a great career. You need to be interested in the medical field, acquire the proper qualifications via lab technician training Tucson to start your career. But before that, you must know what a lab technician does in their work.
Here is insight into what a lab technician does to help you understand their role better:
1. Collecting Samples
A lab technician is responsible for collecting samples from a patient for tests and experiments. They collect blood, urine, fecal, and other types of samples. The medical industry needs qualified and experienced lab technicians who can work efficiently and to ensure accurate results. After the results are reported, the Ordering Physician can then proceed as needed. As such, you can imagine how important accurate procedures and results are!
2. Performing CLIA Waived/ Point of Care (POC) Testing
Lab Technicians in clinical settings are also responsible for performing CLIA Waived/ POC testing which includes Dermal Puncture/ Capillary Stick (Fingerstick) testing for Glucose level or Anticoagulation tests and/ or Dipstick Urine testing. These tests are performed in the clinical setting ie. hospital or medical office setting rather than in a lab setting. These tests are for screening purposes and it is extremely important to be aware of and report any Critical Levels that may require follow up laboratory testing for confirmation.
3. Accessioning
In addition to collecting and processing samples, Lab Technicians accession samples in a laboratory setting. This consists of identifying any issues with received specimens and coding them appropriately if needed while forwarding all correct specimens with no errors to the proper lab department for testing. Accurate data collection is essential for best results.
4. Caring For Lab Equipment
As a lab technician, you will be responsible for keeping the lab equipment and machines ie. centrifuges, POC testing equipment, etc. in proper operable condition. It is essential to ensure that the equipment is working properly before any processing begins to avoid any incorrect processing or destruction of specimens. It is the job of the Lab Technician to perform system checks as appropriate on CLIA Point of Care equipment and remove and promptly report any malfunctioning equipment as needed. Properly operating equipment is very important to the proper functioning of any lab. Equipment must be operating correctly so that accurate results can be obtained.
5. Keeping all Clinical and/ or Lab Areas Clean
Clinical and Laboratory settings must be kept clean, sanitized and free of contaminants. Lab technicians are responsible for keeping these areas clean and well-maintained. Disinfecting all working areas is very important. Testing should always be done in a safe and disinfected area.
6. Complying with HIPPA Regulations while reporting results
After collecting samples and conducting tests, lab technicians are often required to report results to Ordering Physicians. This must be done while maintaining an appropriate level of Patient Privacy. For example, sending any lab results as encoded emails and only viewing records of a patient that are relevant to the level of care/ scope of practice performed by that particular tech are not only crucial practices but legally required as per HIPPA.
7. Making Sure the Lab Is Well Stocked
As a Lab Technician, it will be your job to stock lab supplies. You will have to inspect lab supplies and make notes of things that are needed. In many cases, you will be responsible for ordering supplies and restocking inventory. Apart from these general responsibilities, a lab technician is also required to keep up with and be willing to be trained with the latest developments to ensure greater efficiency and reliability. The medical industry is constantly evolving and advancing at a fast pace. Labs need to be up to date with the latest technology so that they can provide better and faster results.
The Bottom Line
There are many important responsibilities of a lab technician. All of these responsibilities are essential for providing accurate results for accurate diagnosis (es) for patients. If you want to become a Lab Technician, these are the things you will be required to perform. It is important to understand these responsibilities well so that you can prepare yourself for the future.
Berry Best Phlebotomy Training , LLC offers Lab Technician training Tucson. Our Medical Lab Technician programs Tucson are designed to provide you with the most practical knowledge and experience. You will be learning from someone who has been in the medical field for many years. The training programs are comprehensive and the class schedules are flexible. And our prices are reasonable and affordable for everyone.
Check out details of classes here - https://www.berrybestlabtechtraining.com/services
Write to us kellsberry1@berrybestlabtechtraining.com or call us at 520-325-9060 for more information.