06/01/1989 32030

LABORATORY TECHNICIAN

DEFINITION: This is technical laboratory work in various Commonwealth agencies in the performance of standardized laboratory tests.

An employee in this class performs standardized analytical tests and examinations to determine the chemical, physical, or biological nature of laboratory specimens. Work involves utilizing standardized analytical chemical, biological, or physical testing procedures in the examination and analysis of laboratory samples. Work is reviewed by a technical or professional superior upon completion and during progress for adherence to prescribed procedures and for the technical accuracy of results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Tests blood samples of neonates for indications of phenylketonuria; and tests samples of blood, paint and water for presence/level of lead; and performs enzyme-linked immuno- sorbent assay (ELISA) test of blood samples.

Tests samples obtained from animals for indications of pseudorabies; and prepares samples of animal brain tissues for examination to determine presence of rabies.

Analyzes water samples for presence of Giardia cysts and biological contamination.

Prepares agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test by mixing solution, placing in petri dishes, cutting plates in gel, placing serum samples in wells, adding antigen and antisera, incubating overnight and observing precipate lines to determine whether test results are positive or negative.

Performs hematological examinations, including blood counts, smears for differential counts, blood grouping, plate agglutination, serum neutralization.

Performs bacteriological and chemical examinations of milk, ice cram and other dairy products.

Prepares direct smears of sputum and pleural and spinal fluids, and examines smears for presence of tubercule bacilli.

Prepares and incubates cultures and examines for presence of tubecule bacilli.

Conducts membrane filtration for determination of total coliform, fecal coliform and fecal streptococcal contamination of water samples.

Grows animal tissue cultures in broth medium in incubator and propagates cells and viruses in liquid medium in incubator.

Identifies algae and iron and sulfur bacteria in water samples using standard keys.

Performs brucellosis milk ring test.

Determines pH of sample using pH meter and calibrates pH meter using standard reagents; and examines specimens using optical microscope and ultraviolet microscope to determine presence of microorganisms.

Prepares sections of animal tissue for examination using a cryostat.

Separates blood and/or other liquids using centrifuge.

Grows cultures and/or propagates tissue samples in media using incubator.

Calculates percentages, concentrations, serial dilutions, measurements, mixtures etc.

Lists laboratory results (measurements, counts, readings, test outcomes etc.) in charts, tables, graphs, notebooks etc; and inputs laboratory results (measurements, counts, readings, test outcomes etc.) into computer terminals, for retrieval and statistical analysis by laboratory, agency and/or other local, state and Federal agencies.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the basic principles, methods, materials, techniques and definitions commonly used in chemical and microbiological laboratories.

Knowledge of methods and procedures of chemical and microbiological laboratory testing.

Knowledge of common laboratory equipment, instruments and chemicals, such as Centrifuges, pipettes, pH meters, acids, blood, etc.

Ability to follow oral instructions concerning laboratory procedures, the recording of laboratory test results and safety precautions.

Ability to perform four-function arithmetical calculations involving decimals, fractions, percentages, averages, ratios, concentrations, and metric system conversions commonly used in laboratories.

Ability to follow written instructions concerning laboratory procedures, the recording of laboratory test results and safety precautions.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year of experience as a Laboratory Assistant;

                                                                                                                                                            or

One year of technical laboratory experience;

                                                                                                                                                            or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.