This role involves assisting in the operation of a hospital clinical laboratory by performing and overseeing routine and STAT tests across various departments, including Hematology, Chemistry, Blood Bank, and Microbiology. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist is responsible for the accuracy of test results and the proper documentation of patient, quality control, and maintenance data. The position requires consultation with nursing and medical staff as needed, monitoring section functions, and contributing to the development and revision of laboratory policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
Verify the name and MR number of the patient before collecting specimens or performing tests
Reject unsuitable specimens and document reasons
Perform and appropriately document calibration, quality control, and preventative maintenance procedures to validate instrument accuracy and precision
Report instrument problems on the Action Taken form
Document action taken to solve instrument or reagent problems
Perform start-up and shut-down procedures at the beginning and end of each shift
Follow laboratory policies when performing tests on various instruments
Compare present results to previous results and resolve or verify any differences before test result verification
Respond to abnormal values or flags according to laboratory policy before test result verification
Perform proficiency testing within department guidelines
Monitor responsible QC, trends, and action taken issues
Ensure testing is performed in a timely manner
Ensure that care and instructions given to pediatric, adolescent, adult, or geriatric patients and/or guardians are appropriate for their age and understanding level
Attend in-service programs and maintain required hours of in-service, providing verification of attendance
Assist in the training of other employees when requested
Perform preventative maintenance of instruments on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis
Help develop and maintain policies and procedures for the Laboratory Department
Use LIS to verify orders are placed correctly, rarely having to cancel a test
Use LIS to receive samples, rarely receiving specimens incorrectly
Dispose of hazardous materials in the proper container, avoiding shortcuts that may endanger co-workers or patients
Annually review and sign all appropriate policy and procedure manuals
Regularly review and sign the communication log book
Maintain adequate supplies
Communicate concerns and problems accurately to appropriate personnel in a timely manner
Seek guidance and direction as necessary for performance of duties
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Respond to changes in scheduling in view of admissions, STATS, ER, OP, and timed testing
Call critical results and document in the LIS who was called, time called, and who called
Batch testing whenever possible to reduce costs
Refer abnormal results to pathologists or supervisor, according to laboratory policy
Take action to ensure reported results are accurate and instrument problems are corrected when a flag, asterisk, or code is printed or observed
Operate within budgetary guidelines/staffing needs when functioning as lead technologist
Demonstrate a willingness to assist co-workers in the completion of daily tasks or special projects
Use available work time to complete all required tasks within established time frames or schedules
Complete special projects and assignments in an accurate, efficient, and thorough manner
Complete any work left from the previous shift within a reasonable time to avoid delay of patient treatment
Ensure specimens have been located and problems resolved when the shift is near completion
Accommodate STAT orders and report results within one hour or less
Check pending throughout the shift to maintain workflow and monitor turnaround time
Check pending at the end of the shift to ensure all work has been completed for the assigned workstation, placing signed PTR in the designated location
Ensure adequate time is available to update/maintain policies and procedure manuals, quality control procedures, and preventative maintenance manuals
Return promptly from errands, coffee breaks, and meals, informing the immediate supervisor if a rest period or meal period is missed
Perform duties in an independent manner with little or no direct supervision
Report any suggestions or positive changes/recommendations regarding department policies and procedures to the supervisor
Follow up on quality control problems, institute corrective action, and document action taken
Follow up on instrument/reagent problems, institute corrective action, and document action taken
Communicate with the manufacturer to resolve or assist in the resolution of instrument problems
Ensure that all shifts comply with laboratory policies and regulatory agency guidelines
Ensure that any procedure or policy change is documented and the new procedure or policy is written
Observe hospital and department standard operating procedures for precautions for HIV and HBV transmission and the handling and use of hazardous substances
Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or the equivalent preferred
Valid and current Clinical Laboratory Technologist license issued by the State of California Department of Health Services
BCLS card (AHA) within 90 days of hire
Proficiency in both written and oral communication skills
Good manual dexterity
Ability to work well under supervision and in times of stress
