Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS)

Job Description
Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) Job Description and Responsibilities

Job Summary

Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs testing to provide data for diagnosis and evaluation in areas of assignment. Performs at a high degree of professional excellence including but not limited to sound, independent judgment, reliability, initiation, flexibility, and interpersonal relationships and communications.

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist is required to conform to acceptable professional standards of conduct as defined the practice leadership.

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist requires minimal or no direct supervision, is able to work independently, and may be required to provide direction and guidance to other laboratory personnel.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs various chemical procedures with patient specimens using analytical equipment.
• Performs quality control procedures according to established protocol.
• Performs remedial actions and records all quality control failures and corrective actions according to established protocol.
• Verifies all assays are in control before releasing patient results.
• Performs and logs instrument maintenance according to established protocol.
• Perform calibration of instruments as necessary and ensure calibration period is adequate to cover testing.
• Calculates results according to established protocol.
• Prepares laboratory reports for staff review.
• Follows established protocols for analysis, quality, and ancillary procedures.
• Maintains good inventory and notifies the appropriate person when inventory is low.
• Judges acceptability of specimens and rejects/requests new specimens as indicated.
• Answers telephone and assists with phlebotomy as necessary.
• Prioritizes work effectively.
• Interrupts testing to perform STAT procedures when necessary.
• Processes requests and investigates complaints through to resolution from physicians, staff, and patients. Reports all complaints to Laboratory Manager.
• Checks lot numbers when restocking instruments or starting new kits.
• Demonstrates troubleshooting skills.
• Participates in internal and external continuing education when required.
• May be required to conduct laboratory in-services.
• Participates in new employee orientation and training as required.
• Participates in method validation for new procedures and/or equipment.
• Participates in developing/writing new procedures and revising old ones.
• Maintains a clean work area and bleaches all counter tops at end of shift, fills out cleaning log.
• Adheres to laboratory and hospital safety practices, including but not limited to OSHA bloodborne pathogens, HIPAA, and hazardous chemicals training and monitoring.
• Cooperates and effectively communicates with laboratory, hospital, and other personnel.
• Makes judgments concerning results and takes appropriate actions to maintain accuracy and precision of quality control data.
• Answers inquiries regarding test results, methodologies, test specificity, test sensitivity, and factors that can influence test results.
• Assists in development of new policies and procedures.
• Rotates stock and maintains adequate inventory, notifies appropriate personnel when stock is low.
• Participates in Proficiency Testing.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in a medical technology, biology-related science
• Medical Technology Certification (AMT, ASCP, HHS, HEW, NCA) or equivalent.
• License in state of California to practice as Clinical Laboratory Scientist generalist or molecular specialty
• Ability to read and comprehend English and comprehend and follow oral and/or written instructions.
• Good communication skills in both written and oral form.
• Reasoning skills to apply principles to draw valid conclusions, interpret technical instructions, and etc.
• Advanced math skills to set limits, understand and use CV's and SD's.
• Abstract thinking to drive development.
• Ability to handle high stress levels due to working conditions and possible irregular hours.
• Ability to recognize potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, bodily secretions, and/or hazardous chemicals in the workplace.
• Must be able to demonstrate the technical skills for routine testing in area of assignment within three months of hiring.

Working Conditions

• It is reasonable to anticipate exposure to bloodborne pathogens and/or hazardous chemicals in this position.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to climb stairs.
• Ability to lift 35lbs.
• Visual and auditory acuity.
• Ability to walk and bend down.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Good eye/hand coordination and dexterity.
• Ability to appropriately dress to avoid exposure to bloodborne pathogens and bodily secretions.

Direct Reporting

• Reports to the Laboratory Supervisor for the applicable department.

The above statement reflects the general duties considered necessary to perform the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.