Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Description

POSITION TITLE: Clinical Laboratory Scientist

DEPARTMENT: Laboratory

EMPLOYEE REPORTS TO: Director of Lab Services

SUPERVISES: N/A

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time, Part-time or Per Diem

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

This job description is a record of the essential functions of the listed job. The 

job description provides the employee, CEO, Human Resources, applicants, 

and other agencies with a clear understanding of the job, where it fits into the 

organization, and the skill and work requirements in relation to other jobs. Jobs 

are always changing to some degree and the existence of the approved job 

description is not intended to limit normal change and growth. The facility will 

make reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified individuals who are 

capable of performing the essential functions of the job with or without 

reasonable accommodation.

POPULATION SERVED

The position involves direct and indirect patient care for a population of 

patients ages 18 and older. Age specific experience and/or special training 

and/or expertise is required to serve this population.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Clinical Laboratory scientist performs a variety of laboratory tests, which 

may be complex and involve numerous steps and techniques. Tests may be 

performed in hematology, urinalysis, transfusion service, chemistry, 

coagulation, serology, and microbiology. Professional application of the 

principles, theories and techniques of laboratory science are used to produce 

reliable test results, which aid the physician in diagnosis and treatment. The 

Clinical Laboratory Scientist will need to exercise professional judgment and 

perform in a professional manner. The Laboratory Scientists are accountable 

for accurate results employing proper use of Quality Control materials. They 

must recognize the interdependency of tests and the conditions that may affect 

the results. They are expected to correct their own errors. They must maintain 

and make small repairs and adjustments to a variety of complex instruments. 

They may be responsible for the work of others in the absence of a supervisor. 

They are required to continually update their knowledge. They must comply 

with all applicable law and regulation.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Specimen collection and processing:

• Phlebotomy skills.
• Venipuncture/finger stick.
• Prepare specimens for pathology
• Prepare samples for daily workload and for reference lab.

Clerical Procedures:

• Read and record temperatures of various instruments, refrigerators and incubators.
• Help with daily inventory and replenishment of blood bank.
• Inventory and request supplies and reagents for ordering.
• Perform and record quality control data in all departments.
• Be adept in the procedures involved with charges, charts, logging tests or patients in and out, mailing specimens, receiving reports, and other duties of a clerical nature.
• Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skill necessary to provide care and/or services appropriate to the age of the patients served in his/her assigned area. The skills and knowledge needed to provide such care may be gained through education, training or experience.

Technical Detail:

• Perform routine and special tests in chemistry, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, transfusion service and serology.
• Set up, read, subculture, identify, and report microbiology cultures.
• Perform quality control procedures for media and VI TEK panels.
• Perform and record daily, weekly and monthly preventative maintenance on instruments.
• Be able to trouble shoot and solve procedure and instrument malfunctions.
• Maintain a neat and clean work area.
• Perform as a generalist technologist and be adept in moving from department to department in order to complete workload.
• Assume responsibility for reporting tests results to appropriate personnel

Requirements

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

California State Licensure. Must be able to perform complex analysis, which 

require a definite network of steps and variables. Must have an in-depth 

knowledge of techniques, principles and instruments. Must be able to 

recognize problems, identify their cause, create alternatives and determine 

solutions. Must possess good communication skills. Must be responsible for 

own work and decisions and must be able to supervise and teach others. Must 

be able to evaluate procedures and instrumentation

DEMANDS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WORK, EQUIPMENT USAGE,

AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

PERCENTAGE OF WORK TIME 1-33% 34-66% 67-100%

• Standing/Walking -67-100%
• Sitting -1-33%
• Twisting -1-33%
• Lifting/Carrying -1-33%
• Pushing/Pulling -1-33%
• Climbing (Ascending/descending) -1-33%
• Bending/Stooping -1-33%
• Using arm muscles frequently or for extended periods. -34-66%
• Using leg muscles frequently or for extended periods. -1-33%
• Using back muscles frequently or for extended periods. -1-33%

LIFTING REQUIREMENTS — Individuals in patient care positions are required to lift a patient with or without assistance.

• 2-10 Pounds -1-33%
• 11-20 Pounds -1-33%
• 21-30 Pounds -1-33%
• 31-40 Pounds -1-33%
• 41-50 Pounds -1-33%
• 51 Pounds or More -1-33%

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Working in hot, cold, wet surroundings -1-33%
• Working outdoors -1-33%
• Working with or near chemicals -67-100%
• Working near radiation sources -1-33%
• Potential exposure to communicable diseases -1-33%
• Working with hazardous waste materials -34-66%
• Utilizing essential upgraded or adaptive equipment as industry standards require -67-100%
• Using hand tools -67-100%
• Potential for cuts and bruises -1-33%

EXCHANGE OF IDEAS

• Ability to express or exchange ideas. -67-100%
• Ability to understand communication of others with or without adaptive devices. -67-100%
• Ability to perform secondary math. -67-100%
• Ability to read at a secondary level -67-100%

WORKPLACE BEHAVIORS

RESULTS ORIENTATION — Meets current objectives and positions the 

organization for future growth. Completes daily tasks and assignments 

and processes large volumes of work associated with the operation of 

the department.

SOCIAL SENSITIVITY - Builds positive relationships based on respect 

for others. Demonstrates a helpful, positive attitude. Maintains effective 

communication with peers, medical staff, patients, visitors, and families.

QUALITY OUTCOMES — Meets and exceeds expectations of internal and 

external customers. All organizational and departmental standards 

regarding quality of performance are met. Demonstrates a strong 

commitment to confidentiality. Participates in quality improvement 

programs as directed.

SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT - Demonstrates an awareness of and 

adherence to safety and legal requirements established at the facility with an 

emphasis on maintaining a safe environment for all persons working in the 

facility.

Accident/lnjury Reporting — Reports any accidents, injuries, and unsafe 

equipment and conditions to supervisor by the end of the shift and reports 

any pre-existing conditions as identified by the ADA.

Unsafe Conditions — Immediately reports and corrects, if possible, unsafe 

conditions or equipment.

Workplace Standards — Compiles with relevant regulations, standards and 

policies governing safe workplace environment (OSHA, Accreditation, etc.)

Safety Techniques — Maintains current knowledge of all aspects of the 

facility's safety program by attending safety-related training as mandated 

upon hire and thereafter as required by facility.

Modified Work — Accepts modified work assignments after receiving the 

physician's release to return to work following an accident] injury.

Follows Prescribed/Recommended Treatment — Follows the 

prescribed/recommended treatment given by treating physician(s) after 

an accident/injury.

EDUCATION — Participates in required in service and educational programs 

on an ongoing basis.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY - Follows all facility guidelines 

outlining standards of attendance and punctuality. Responsible for 

reporting to and completing work at assigned times.

UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS

Universal precautions will be observed in order to prevent contact with blood 

or other potentially infectious materials. Under circumstances in which 

differentiation between body fluid types is difficult or impossible, all body 

fluids shall be considered potentially infectious materials. All blood or other 

potentially infectious materials will be considered infectious regardless of the 

status. The categories shown below are designed to communicate the risk 

of exposure for this particular position.

Category I

Tasks involve light contact with moist body substances, non-intact skin or 

mucous membranes. Department procedures define and require use of 

minimum protective measures to perform the task.

Category Il

Tasks involve no contact with moist body substances, non-intact skin or 

mucous membranes; however, employment may require performing 

unplanned Category I task. Appropriate protective measures are readily 

available.

Category Ill

Tasks of employment involve no contact with moist body substance, nonintact skin or mucous membranes.

The employee must have the ability to perform essential functions without 

posing a "direct threat" in the workplace.