About This Role
Caring for patients by ensuring that requested tests are performed accurately and on time is the core of this Clinical Laboratory Scientist role. The position involves following laboratory policies and procedures for specimen handling, analysis, and reporting, and maintaining records of patient test results.
Responsibilities
- Follow the laboratory’s procedures for specimen handling and processing analysis, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results
- Ensure that the patient’s name and specimen number are correctly identified
- Ensure the type of specimen and time drawn is correct for the test ordered
- Ensure specimen integrity has been maintained from the initial draw/pick-up of specimen(s) until arrival and completion of test(s) requested
- Follow the laboratory’s procedures for handling potentially infectious materials
- Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient samples
- Adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies, document all quality control activities instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed
- Follow the laboratory’s quality control policies whenever test systems are not within the laboratory’s established levels of performance
- Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results
- Document all corrective action taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications
- Perform all routine and new test procedures that are complex and require professional judgment when assigned to a specific area
- Demonstrate knowledge of theory behind the test performed
- Recognize departure from the norm on adult and geriatric patients and be able to understand the scientific and theoretical reasons for such deviation
- Calibrate instruments and assess the accuracy of the equipment; perform equipment preventive and corrective maintenance
- Check and verify all the test results released by the laboratory, including accepting or rejecting results due to delta check inconsistencies, requesting redraw for verification, canceling results due to gross hemolysis, clots or QNS
- Review outgoing reports for technical and clerical errors
- Communicate with nurses and physicians, and work well with others
- Assist the Lead CLS in maintaining adequate supplies and inventory levels
- Demonstrate the ability to prioritize work duties
- Recognize the administrative changes in staffing and scheduling and adapt to these changes
- Assist in developing and installing quality control standards to ensure accuracy of test results
- Assist the Lead CLS in reviewing and solving quality control problems
- Initiate, suggest and if necessary, implement technical and administrative changes upon approval of the Laboratory Director
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in medical technology, microbiology, chemistry, biology or related field
- Possession of General Supervisor license issued by the State of California
- Meet CLIA requirements for testing personnel for High Complexity Testing
- Ability to work independently and have good sound analytical judgment to function effectively under stress in certain situations
- Strong interpersonal skills sufficient to work closely with others on a team
- Possess the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, effectively interacting with physicians, facilities and laboratory personnel
- Possess speed, consistency and accuracy in tasks to meet the laboratory standards
- Customer service oriented
- Self-starter with a high initiative, a good problem and decision-maker
- Ability to demonstrate flexibility in work environment, performing a variety of changing tasks
- Commitment to tasks, displaying a high level of cognitive, interpretive or judgment skills
