Clinical Laboratory Scientist

The laboratory scientist is responsible for performance of patient testing to be inclusive of pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phases of testing. The scientist must demonstrate minimum qualifications as set forth by CLIA’88 and outlined in “Education and Experience” section below. A Clinical Laboratory Scientist executes a range of standardized microscopic, molecular, chemical and bacteriological tests. They also counsel Providers on pre-test requirements and answer questions related to testing.

Clinical Laboratory Scientists also assess the validity of a result that is obtained, preserves proper records of the results, and finalize reporting of results. Make sure that the testing method used follows established quality control procedure and assists with the preparation of laboratory reports.

A Clinical Laboratory Scientist organizes and maintains reagents and equipment. They perform maintenance on equipment in the laboratory and keep laboratory in clean and organized condition. Clinical Laboratory Scientist makes use of the laboratory information (LIS) systems to place testing data, generate reports of testing results and search for test results for physicians. Established protocols and procedures are provided and will be followed by laboratory scientists for assurance of safety and quality of patient care.  

POSITION REPORTING:

The laboratory scientist is under the supervision of the laboratory technical supervisor & laboratory director and/or delegate. Occasionally, Laboratory scientists may supervise laboratory technicians and laboratory assistants when such delegation is bestowed. Details may vary based on the laboratory’s senior management directives. 

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The scientist will be responsible for:

Pre-Analytic:

    Reading procedures and completing required training before performing any procedures or protocols.  

    Ensuring the confidentiality of patient information throughout all phases of laboratory testing.  The privacy of each patient must be maintained by preventing any breaches of confidential information by visual, verbal or other means by unauthorized persons, including but not limited to other patients, visitors to the facility and any unauthorized party outside this facility.  

    Ensuring that specimens are matched to order requisitions.

Analytics:

    Ensuring that the procedure manual is complete and updated, when necessary, inclusive of but not limited to changes in testing procedures, instruments, and methodology.   Any changes must be adopted by the Laboratory Director and technical supervisor.

    Scientists must be able to: 

    Maintain an adequate supply of all reagents and consumables to perform quality testing.  

    Dating reagents and supplies upon receipt.  

    Periodic monitoring of inventory for expiration dates in cooperation with administrative staff.

     Discarding expired reagents and supplies and assuring that expired items are not employed for patient testing.  

    Performing and documenting on instrument log sheets or in LIS all routine daily, weekly, monthly, and periodic maintenance and function checks following established manufacturers and laboratory protocol. 

    Performing calibration and calibration verification following established manufacturers and laboratory protocols.  Notifying Lab Supervisor and/or the Laboratory technical supervisor/consultant of failures. Documenting all failures and corrective action with printouts and on instrument logs or in LIS. 

    Performing Quality Control as required by the manufacturer and established protocols in laboratory policy.  Inclusive of but not limited to

    Following established protocol for quality control failures to include but not limited to repeating analysis or troubleshooting problems.  

    Documenting failures and corrective actions by entering electronically into the LIS or by logging manually.  

    Reporting any unresolved failures to the Lab Supervisor and/or the Laboratory Director.  

    Holding patient testing until Quality Control problems are resolved.

    Identifying problems that may adversely affect patient test results. Applying corrective action steps and/or notifying the Technical Consultant/supervisor or Laboratory Director of issues.  Documenting all discrepancies and corrective actions.

    Performing Proficiency Testing and/or Split Sample analysis periodically as outlined in laboratory protocol.  Retaining all test records and attestation sheets to demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient samples. (performed in conjunction with administrative staff (office).  

    Ensuring the Retention of records of all analytic activities performed according to policies and procedures.  These records are inclusive of but not limited to inventory 

control, maintenance, calibration and verification, quality control, proficiency testing records, and instrument printouts. 

Post-Analytic:

    Reporting patient test results by either electronic transmission from interfaced instruments or by manual entry into LIS. Verifying accuracy of test results prior to releasing reports.

    Verifying critical values by repeat analysis, if possible.  Reporting critical values to the physician or specified nurse and recording & reporting information action on the appropriate log or in the LIS.

    Correcting detected reporting errors by following the established protocol.  Retaining copies of erroneous and corrected reports for review. (with cooperation of admin. staff)

    Performing all Quality Assessment activities assigned to this position and documenting these activities for periodic review by the Laboratory Technical Supervisor/consultant and/or the Laboratory Director.  

    Retaining records of training & competency evaluations provided for inspector’s review, all patient reports, errors, notifications, and corrective actions according to laboratory policies.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

•    Laboratory scientists must possess a current license issued by the state of California for Laboratory scientist (Medical Technologist), as generalist or special license for any of the laboratory’s sub-specialties such as molecular.

•    In-depth knowledge of molecular platforms and laboratory quality control best practices

•    minimum of a bachelor’s degree in medical technology 

•    minimum of one (1) year experience is high complexity laboratory.

•    ASCP certification is recommended but not mandatory requirement.

•    At least six (6) months direct hands-on bench work in area or specialty for which he/she is being recruited. 

•    Advance knowledge in area or specialty for which he/she is being recruited. 

•    Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot equipment issues and determine potential causes of inaccurate test results.

•    Fluent written and spoken English language. 

•    Ability to closely read instructions; Advanced ability in understanding Standard Operating Procedures general protocols.

•    Attention to detail

•    Ability to set up and carry out quality control programs for laboratory operations. 

•    Ability to set up, use, and maintain laboratory equipment. 

•    Ability to prepare technical reports, records, and papers related to the work & specialty.

•    Ability to work efficiently with current laboratory equipment & resources.

•    Exceptional problem-solving and critical-thinking skills; and ability to provide recommendations(s) to laboratory technical supervisor to improve test conditions & efficiency.

•    Ability to lift objects not exceeding 20 pounds.

•    Ability to multitask

•    Ability to follow biohazard guidelines

•    Scientist MUST be able to keep his/her State of California license active and current. (Scientists cannot continue to work/employment if & when their State of California license is expired).

•    Scientists employed by ECL require a high degree of independence and/or leadership; able to work independently in an efficient and within the requirements State & federal compliance laws and guidelines.