Clinical Lab Scientist Specialist

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Key Responsibilities

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Task A: Oversees the daily technical work.

1. Monitors/checks that all maintenance is performed on schedule by CLS/HLTs and contracted service vendors.
2. Troubleshoots instrument problems.
3. Minimizes downtime on instruments.
4. Interacts with service repair personnel.
5. Determines the need for back-up instrumentation/methods within 1-2 hours of the initial downtime. 
6. Troubleshoots procedural problems. 
7. Investigates all aspects (CLS/HLT error, reagent problem, reference pool problems, specimen integrity problems, instrument, and other supply problems).
8. In the event of instrument, procedural or quality control problems, determines if any incorrect results were reported. Takes action to correct these results, if found. 
9. Ensures that stated turnaround times are met.
10. Establishes and maintains quality control.
11. Submit to QA Dept data for establishing or modifying control ranges.
12. Resolves out-of-control problems, both immediate and trends.
13. Monitors and performs instrument calibration.
14. Acts as an intermediary consultant to physicians relative to problem patient cases.
15. Documents communication from the ordering doctor, for example: unusual requests, discrepant results, and concerns of quality care of the patient.
16. Documents the patient's clinical laboratory data via computer printouts.
17. Reports these problems to the supervisor and the Laboratory Medicine resident immediately.
18. Follows through to ensure the problem is handled.
19. Reviews work by the CLS/HLT relative to quantity/unit of time and quality. When necessary, initiates and follows through on "Patient History" changes.
20. Handles mislabeled specimen problems.
21. Initiates Laboratory Problem Reports to document complaints, errors, injuries and/or variances from standard procedure. 

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Task B: Teaches or reviews with Clinical Laboratory Scientists, CLS trainees, and HLTs the procedures, operations, and related theory of tests and instruments.

1. Trains CLS’s, HLT’s and CLS trainees following current protocols.
2. Establishes training schedules with the supervisor.
3. Accumulates and uses pertinent teaching materials.
4. Maintains appropriate training records.

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Task C: Updates existing test procedures and develops new ones.

1. Assists in reviewing and updating at least once/year all existing procedures.
   1. Learns and uses the existing computer software programs for procedure formats.
   2. Scientifically challenges suggested changes to existing procedures.
   3. Reviews changes with the supervisor and/or Medical Director.
   4. Reviews changes with CLS/HLT.
2. Develops new test procedures.
   1. Reviews the literature to establish a thorough understanding of the test.
   2. Collects and organizes data for reports.
   3. Writes up a test procedure using the existing computer procedure format.
   4. Performs all quality control:
      1. Determines linearity and precision. 
      2. Compares patient results (existing method vs. new method)
      3. Develops normal range. 
      4. Develops control range.
   5. Interacts with the computer specialist to establish any necessary computer programs and/or hook-ups.
   6. Trains the CLS/HLT.

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Task D: Performs compliance related duties.

1. Performs calibration verification of assays at required intervals.
2. Coordinates inter-equipment comparisons within the section and across sites (if applicable).
3. Ensures that proficiency test samples are completed by staff and submitted by the deadline.

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Task E: Additional Duties

1. Performs additional duties, projects, and/or special assignments when requested by the supervisor and completes them within an agreed time.
2. Contributes to employees' annual evaluations.
3. Maintains adequate supply of inventory. Orders supplies as needed.
4. Assists crash captain during LIS/HIS downtimes.

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Task F: Assist in and ensure continued smooth operation of the Chemistry section and adequate response to patient needs.

1. As assigned by the supervisor, works as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in the Chemistry section. During this time, tasks and standards of this job category are applicable. 
2. In the absence of supervisor(s), temporarily assumes many supervisory responsibilities.
3. Adheres to the department’s infection control and personal protection guidelines; maintains a clean and safe work area.

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