The Clinical Laboratory Scientist assists in the operation of the hospital clinical laboratory by overseeing and performing routine and STAT tests across various departments. This role involves taking responsibility for the accuracy of results and proper documentation, consulting with medical staff, and contributing to policy development.
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 the accuracy and precision of instruments or testing protocols
Report instrument problems on the Action Taken form
Document action taken to solve an instrument or reagent problem
Perform start-up and shut-down procedures at the beginning and end of each shift
Follow laboratory policies when performing requested tests on various instruments
Compare present results to previous results and resolve or verify any differences before verification of test results
Respond to abnormal values or flags according to laboratory policy before verification of test results
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 the age and level of understanding of the patient
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 and rarely receive specimens incorrectly
Dispose of hazardous materials in the proper container and never take shortcuts that may endanger fellow workers or patients
Annually review and sign all appropriate policy and procedure manuals
Regularly review and sign 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
Respond to changes in scheduling in view of admissions, STATS, ER, OP, and timed testing
Call the results of critical results and document in the LIS who was called, time called, and who called
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Batch testing whenever possible to reduce the cost of testing
Refer abnormal results to pathologists or supervisor, according to laboratory policy
Take action to ensure that results reported are accurate and that 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 previous shift within a reasonable time to avoid delay of any patient treatment
Ensure that specimens have been located and problems resolved when 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 that all work has been completed for assigned work station
Place signed PTR in designated location
Ensure that there is adequate time available to update/maintain policies and procedure manual, quality control procedures, and preventative maintenance manual
Return promptly from errands, coffee breaks, and meals
Inform immediate Supervisor if a rest period or a meal period is missed
Perform duties in an independent manner with little or no direct supervision
Report to supervisor any suggestions or positive changes/recommendations with the department's policies and procedures
Follow-up on quality control problems and institute corrective action and document action taken
Follow-up on instrument/reagent problems and institute corrective action and document the action taken
Communicate with the manufacturer and resolve the problem or assist in the resolution of the problem when a problem occurs with an instrument
Ensure that all shifts comply with laboratory policies and regulatory agency guidelines
Ensure that the change is documented and the new procedure or policy is written when a procedure or policy is changed
Observe the hospital and department standard operating procedures in precautions for transmission of HIV and HBV 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
