Overview

The CLS assists in the operation of the hospital clinical laboratory by overseeing and performing routine and STAT tests in the lab Hematology, Chemistry, Blood Bank, Microbiology departments. CLS assumes responsibility for the accuracy of results and the appropriate documentation of patient, quality control, and maintenance data. The CLS consults with nursing and medical staff as needed. Monitors section functions and assists in the development and revision of policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Always verifies the name and MR number of the patient before collecting the specimen or performing the test.

Always rejects unsuitable specimens and documents reasons.

Always perform and appropriately document calibration, quality control, and preventative maintenance procedures to validate the accuracy and precision of instruments or testing protocols.

Always reports instrument problems on the Action Taken form.

Always documents action taken to solve an instrument or reagent problem.

Always performs start up and shut down procedures at the beginning and end of the shift.

Always follows laboratory policies when performing the test(s) requested on various instruments.

Before verification of test results always compares present results to previous results and resolves or verifies any differences.

Before verification of test results always responds to abnormal values or flags according to laboratory policy.

Before verification of test results always responds to abnormal values or flags according to laboratory policy.

Always performs proficiency testing within the guidelines of the department.

Monitors responsible QC, trends, and action take issues.

Ensures testing is performed in a timely manner.

Always ensures that care and instructions given to pediatric, adolescent, adult, or geriatric patients and/or guardians is appropriate for the age and level of understanding of the patient.

Attends in-service programs and maintains the required hours of in-service. Provides verification of such attendance.

When requested is able to assist in the training of another employee.

Always performs the preventative maintenance of instruments on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

Help develop and maintain the policies and procedures for the Laboratory Dept. -Department.

Uses LIS to verify orders are placed correctly rarely having to cancel a test.

Uses LIS to receive samples and rarely receives specimens incorrectly.

Always disposes of hazardous materials in the proper container and never takes shortcuts that may endanger fellow workers or patients.

Annually reviews and signs all appropriate policy and procedure manuals. Regularly reviews and signs communication log book.

Always maintains adequate supplies.

Always communicates concerns and problems accurately to appropriate personnel in a timely manner.

Seeks guidance and direction as necessary for performance of duties.

Responds to changes in scheduling in view of admissions, STATS, ER, OP, and

timed testing.

Always calls the results of critical results and documents in the LIS who was called, time called, and who called

To reduce the cost of testing, always batches testing, whenever possible.

Always refers abnormal results to pathologists or supervisor, according to laboratory policy.

When a flag, asterisk, or code is printed or observed, always takes action to ensure that results reported are accurate and that instrument problems are corrected.

Always operates within budgetary guidelines/staffing needs when functioning as lead technologist.

Demonstrates a willingness to assist co-workers in the completion of daily tasks or special projects.

Always uses available work time to complete all required tasks within established time frames or schedules.

Always completes special projects and assignments in an accurate, efficient, and thorough manner.

Always completes any work left from previous shift within a reasonable time to avoid delay of any patient treatment. When shift is near completion, always ensures that specimens have been located and problems resolved.

Always accommodates STAT orders and reports results within one hour or less.

Always checks pending throughout the shift to maintain workflow and monitor turnaround time.

Always checks pending at the end of the shift to ensure that all work have been completed for assigned work station. Places signed PTR in designated location

Always ensures that there is adequate time available to update/maintain policies and procedure manual, quality control procedures, and preventative maintenance manual.

Returns promptly from errands, coffee breaks, and meals. Informs immediate -

Supervisor if a rest period or a meal period is missed.

Always performs duties in an independent manner with little or no direct supervision.

Reports to supervisor any suggestions or positive changes/recommendations with the departments policies and procedures.

Always follows-up on quality control problems and institutes corrective action and documents action taken.

Always follows-up on instrument/reagent problems and institutes corrective action and documents the action taken.

When a problem occurs with an instrument, is able to communicate with the manufacturer and resolve the problem or assist in the resolution of the problem.

Always ensures that all shifts comply with laboratory policies and regulatory agency guidelines.

When a procedure or policy is changed always ensures that the change is documented and the new procedure or policy is written.

Always observes the hospital and department standard operating procedures in precautions for transmission of HIV and HBV and the handling and use of hazardous substances.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

A Bachelor27s degree from an accredited college or university or the equivalent preferred.

A valid and current Clinical Laboratory Technologist license. Issued by the State of California Department of Health Services.

BCLS card (AHA) within 90 days hire.

be able to converse well in English because of physician, nurse, and patient contact.

Have good manual dexterity.

Work well under supervision and in times of stress.