Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician

This position is located in the Microbiology/Immunology department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Program at the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System. The incumbent is primarily responsible for accessioning/processing/plating microbiology/molecular specimens submitted for analysis as well as perform routine and stat testing for inpatient and outpatients.Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.

Basic Requirements :

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education : Candidates must meet the applicable educational requirements for certification.
• Certification : (1) Candidates must currently possess one of the appropriate certifications as an MLT granted by the following organizations.
  • (a) American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) - ASCP, Board of Certification. OR ASCP, Board of Registry.
  • (b) American Medical Technologists.
  • (c) American Association of Bioanalysts

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations : In addition to the basic requirements, the following criteria must be met for this position, Advanced Medical Laboratory Technician GS-7:

• Experience - one year of experience equivalent to the GS-06 grade level . Examples of equivalent experience include using independent judgment to perform the full range of duties in the laboratory, from sample collection to evaluating and communicating test results. Performing day-to-day operations in the laboratory with minimal technical supervision while ensuring testing accuracy and quality of proper patient care. This includes providing pre-analytic instructions to patients, staff and other external entities related to collection and processing of laboratory specimens. Using processing techniques such as centrifugation, aliquoting, storage and packaging (considering stability factors), and they accurately label and sort patient specimens. Operating and maintain all instrumentation in assigned areas to deliver precise, timely and accurate laboratory results when analyzing body fluids such as blood, urine and tissue samples. Analyze laboratory findings and issue necessary reports. The results and findings of laboratory tests and procedures are discussed with supervisors, pathologists and other medical professionals as needed. Testing can be in one or more of the following areas: Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) waived testing, phlebotomy, hematology, immunohematology, clinical chemistry, immunology, toxicology, urinalysis, referral laboratory, microbiology and specimen processing.

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology of medical laboratory technology, regulatory and accrediting agency requirements and medicolegal requirements sufficient to perform complex diagnostic tests.
  • Skill in applying new scientific/technical developments and theories to laboratory testing.
  • Ability to work independently on a broad range of complex laboratory processes
  • Ability to troubleshoot and repair specific/advanced complex laboratory equipment.
  • Knowledge of laboratory information technology (IT) systems including troubleshooting systems issues, interface requirements between new instruments and existing IT infrastructure and laboratory IT test development.
  • Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines such as College of American Pathologists (CAP), Joint Commission and Occupational Safety and Health Administration along with continuing education and employee orientation to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit .

The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-6. The actual grade of this position is considered above the full performance at the GS-7

Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform moderate lifting up to 20 lbs., straight pulling, pushing, reaching above the shoulder, use of fingers and both hands, walking, standing for up to 4 hours, kneeling, repeated bending, use of both arms and legs. Specific visual requirements include use of both eyes, depth perception, ability to distinguish colors and shades of colors, hearing (aids permitted), clear, high cognitive function and emotional stability; ability to read ordinary type without strain. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: . If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: .