Clinical Laboratory Scientist

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist provides overall management of activities and resources of the clinical laboratory. They will assure that high quality, cost-effective diagnostic services are provided in a timely manner. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist serves as an operations manager for planning, organizing, staffing, directing, controlling and coordinating the clinical laboratory with functional direction from the Laboratory Medical Director. The Clinical Laboratory Scientist will perform specific duty and obligation as testing personnel as defined by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment of 1988 (CLIA 88). The Clinical Laboratory Scientist will act as General Supervisor and Technical Consultant for the laboratory department. Responsibilities of the Clinical Laboratory Scientist: Is accessible to testing personnel at all times testing is performed to provide on-site telephone or electronic support Provides day to day supervision of personnel performing high complexity testing Must be on-site to provide direct supervision when high complexity testing is performed by certain individuals Monitors test analyses and specimen examination to ensure that acceptable levels of analytic performance are maintained Fulfills certain responsibilities as delegated by the Lab Director. These include: Resolving technical problems and ensuring corrective actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratorys established performance specifications Ensuring patient test results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is functioning properly Providing orientation to all testing personnel Evaluating and documenting the performance of all testing personnel as required Technical and scientific oversight must be available to provide needed consultation either on-site, by telephone, or electronically. Selects test methodology appropriate for the clinical use of the test menu Verifies procedures for testing performed and establish the laboratorys performance criteria, including accuracy and precision of each test and test system Enrolls the laboratory in an approved PT program commensurate with services offered Establishes a quality control program appropriate for the testing performed, establishes the acceptable levels of analytic performance, and ensures these levels are maintained throughout the testing process Resolves technical problems and ensures corrective actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratorys established performance specifications Ensures patient test results are not reported until all corrective action has been taken and the test system is functioning properly Identifies training needs and ensures testing personnel receive regular in-service training Evaluates the competency of all testing personnel on an ongoing basis Evaluates and documents Testing Personnel performance at six months and twelve months during the first year of employment and yearly thereafter. Performance is reevaluated (prior to reporting patient test results) if test methodology or instrumentation changes. The evaluation must include the use of the new test methodology or instrumentation. Competencies of the Clinical Laboratory Scientist: Problem Solving/Analysis Ethical conduct Communication proficiency Learning orientation Attention to details Technical capacity Knowledge on CLIA, State and COLA regulations