DescriptionJob Objective:Under the direction of the Clinical Laboratory Scientist Supervisor, the Laboratory Assistant Director and the Laboratory Director, the Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs a variety of laboratory tests for use in the diagnosis and treatment of patients. In addition, the Clinical Laboratory Scientist operates and maintains equipment, performs and evaluates quality control, verifies and reports results, troubleshoots and corrects instrument problems, assists in evaluation of new tests or instruments, assists with writing new policies and procedures, assists with new employee training and orientation, and participates in special projects as needed.
Duties and Responsibilities:- Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Technical
- Follows established procedures for collecting and processing biological specimens for analysis
- Communicates with physicians/nursing staff on appropriate collection of samples and/or consequences on improperly collected samples and results
- Operates equipment and performs tests in scheduled departments
- Calibrates equipment as needed
- Performs routine maintenance on equipment as needed
- Prepares and maintains reagents or stains necessary in the performance of lab testing
- Monitors temperatures of equipment and refers all out of range recordings to the designated Senior Clinical Laboratory Scientist or supervisor
- Performs quality control, evaluates the data, and takes appropriate action to maintain accuracy and precision
- Recognizes departures from expected results and refers them to designated supervisory personnel
- Answers inquiries about test results, methodologies, specificity and sensitivity
- Recognizes instrument malfunction and takes appropriate action
- Verifies testing and reports results to physicians or nursing personnel
- Calls all critical values to physicians or nursing personnel
- Discusses results with physicians/nursing personnel before releasing results that significantly vary from the norm
- Participates in proficiency testing as directed
- Performs non-routine maintenance as required with assistance from the instrument company or supervisor
- Troubleshoots instruments or methodologies to resolve quality control and/or testing problems
- Assists service personnel to correct equipment problems
- Assists in evaluating new instrumentation and/or tests
- Participates in assigned special projects and additional duties
- Non-technical
- Operates the LIS and HIS as required for their position
- Recognizes departures from expected inventory and supply levels for the departments and refers inconsistencies to the designated personnel
- Participates in Continuing Education for personal growth and maintenance of certificates and licenses
- Assures completion of all yearly competency testing
- Assists with writing new policies and procedures as directed
- Assists in training and orientation of new Clinical Laboratory Scientists, Medical Laboratory Technicians and Department Technicians as instructed
- Assumes in-charge responsibilities as needed
Non-Essential Duties:- Transports specimens and supplies between the main hospital lab and satellite locations
- Adds support to other laboratory staff as needed
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:Knowledge- Knowledge of basic computer operations
- Knowledge of specimen and testing requirements
- Knowledge of safe handling of biological specimens
- Knowledge to recognize deviations from normal standards
- Knowledge of how lab results apply and affect the care and treatment of patients
- Demonstrates knowledge regarding special needs and behaviors of age specific groups and proficiency in required areas
Skills - Skill needed for accuracy and precision in testing
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem solving skills
Abilities- Ability to follow directions accurately
- Ability to learn requirements of operation for different types of instrumentation
- Ability to recognize instrument malfunction and take appropriate action
- Ability to operate Hospital and Laboratory information systems
- Ability to exhibit courteous, helpful and professional behavior in dealing with patients, public and peers
Education and Experience:Education- Bachelor's degree that will satisfy the requirements for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist license issued by the State of California Department of Public Health
Experience- Minimum of one year experience at an acute care hospital is desirable
Required Licensure and/or Certifications:- Possession of a current Clinical Laboratory Scientist license issued by the State of California Department of Public Health
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:- Ability to perform duties in a normal hospital clinical laboratory environment
- Job may require long periods of standing or sitting
- Job requires handling of biological specimens
A detailed description of the physical requirements of this job is maintained in the Employee Health Department.
RequirementsEducation and Experience:Education- Bachelor's degree that will satisfy the requirements for a Clinical Laboratory Scientist license issued by the State of California Department of Public Health
Experience- Minimum of one year experience at an acute care hospital is desirable
Required Licensure and/or Certifications:- Possession of a current Clinical Laboratory Scientist license issued by the State of California Department of Public Health
