Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Ensures specimens received by the laboratory are acceptable for testing by applying the appropriate criteria. Changes or prepares reagents, controls as necessary and records such in log. Labels, accessions and distributes specimens so that integrity of patient identification is maintained throughout processing. Inoculates specimens from all areas of the body on appropriate media. Initiates orders for blood and/or blood components from the appropriate blood supplier. Follows hospital/laboratory safety and infection control policies and reports variances to section supervisors as they occur.

Operates both primary and secondary instrumentation proficiently. Determines appropriateness of manual methods, micro-methods, back-up procedures and initiates such procedures. Through use of the computer system, compares patient results to previous results during the same encounter and investigates discrepancies. Reports test results within established departmental turn-around times after verifying documentation is complete and accurate.

Prepares and interprets gram stains and other wet and dry preparations for bacteriology and parasitology. Performs all routine procedures including, but not limited to, ABORH typing and retesting, antibody detection and identification, compatibility testing and serology procedures. Prepares blood components while maintaining aseptic technique and proper storage. Evaluates serological reactivity to assist with antibody identification and crossmatch incompatibilities. Follows universal precautions at all times when dealing with blood or body fluids. Disinfects counter tops at the end of the shift with appropriate cleaner.

Operates, calibrates, conducts performance checks and maintains any clinical laboratory instrument or equipment after orientation. Troubleshoots basic instrument malfunctions and documents in the appropriate action log. Determines when an instrument’s service representative should be contacted for assistance. Analyzes quality control material for each procedure, records values according to section policy and reports to technical Supervisor when results are outside established limits. Performs comparison studies of precision, accuracy and linearity on new or existing procedures and reports results by established deadlines. Performs and accurately records proficiency surveys, properly routes form and copies within the specified time frame. Performs all aspects of reagent quality control as specified in the quality control manuals. Assists in the clinical orientation of new or less skilled laboratory personnel as requested by the section Supervisor. Assures proper packaging and disposal of waste chemicals. Maintains proper documentation (log) of generated waste.

Performs order or result entry (manual or computerized) and reviews information for accuracy before verification. Documents Critical Call Value notification, duplicate checking, date and time of performance, technologist initials and expected age related “normal” values on all down-time reports as appropriate.

Checks instruments and benches assigned for appropriate reagent and supply levels and replenishes when necessary. Notifies appropriate person of low inventory items or of any out-of-date reagents contaminated or otherwise unacceptable. Records receipt of supplies and reagents, properly initialing and dating the inventory items at receipt, time put into use and expiration. Ensures adequate inventory levels are available for incoming shifts.

Receives tissue specimens from surgery, autopsy and the nursing floors. Performs proper processing and preservation of tissue specimens. Complies with proper specimen storage and preservation of all other non-tissue specimens for non-core laboratory. Prepares necessary reagents and collection supplies for assisting with bone marrow aspirations according to physician orders. Assists physicians in the procurement of bone marrow specimens in accordance with departmental and Hospital policies. Performs special stains and follows protocols as appropriate.

The Must-Haves

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Clinical Lab Generalist licensed by Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners as CLG or CLS