Job Description

Under the direction of laboratory leadership is directly responsible for the prompt, efficient and accurate performance of a variety of serologic, chemical and microscopic procedures using both automated and manual methods on blood and other body fluids. Responsible for overseeing the coordination, direction and performance of staff assigned to and work performed in the Immunology department.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. Bachelor degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

1. Completed an approved 12 month clinical laboratory internship.
2. Experience equivalent to at least three years of recent full time clinical laboratory employment in a hospital.
3. Will also consider the following similarly certified personnel with recent full time hospital laboratory employment: MLT with four years.
4. Preference will be given to the individual that has one more more years of competency with the following Immunology and Urinalysis: Diasorin, Panther, Sysmex UN3000.0

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Possesses knowledge of the position and must be able to make logical and sound decisions based on knowledge and available resources.
2. Demonstrates the ability to organize, direct and communicate effectively.
3. Demonstrates initiative and interest in his/her overall job performance.
4. Always communicates effectively with laboratory staff, all hospital departmental staff, patients, medical staff and visitors.

License/Certification/Registration:

1. Certified Medical Technologist with ASCP, AMT, NCCLS or equivalent certification.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives minimal supervision from the Medical Director, Administrative Director, and Pathology Managers and Supervisors.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

Provides guidance to the staff working in Immunology.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Coordinates and prioritizes all work to be performed in the Immunology department of the Laboratory.
   1. Makes specific work assignments for self and other technical staff daily to ensure that the workload is handled efficiently, promptly and accurately. Turnaround time policies for STAT and ED orders must be consistently adhered to.
   2. Reviews all departmental reports to verify accuracy, validity, format and timeliness on a daily basis. Promptly communicates all significant errors or findings to appropriate individuals as soon as possible to improve services.
   3. Communicates all departmental changes to laboratory staff immediately and clearly. Such changes may be with lab computer entry or format, instrument operation, supplies, or changes in a specific test procedure.
   4. Reviews the quality control for all testing daily. Assures that standards are met before any reports are issued. Consistently works to achieve and maintain departmental operations which meet the required standards of the College of American Pathologists, JCAHO and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Completes team member training required for CAP inspections.
   5. Enforces safety procedures consistently within the department and informs supervisors of potential hazards. Maintains cleanliness of both work areas and instrumentation at all times.
   6. Assures the routine adherence of staff to hospital and laboratory reporting policies. i.e., communicating and investigating critical values, documenting phoned reports, guidelines for release of patient information, etc.
   7. Informs supervisor and/or pathologist of unusual results or discrepancies in patient results and documents any corrective actions taken as they occur.
   8. Performs or coordinates the performance of any proficiency testing or quality assurance study as they are scheduled or received in the departments.
   9. Reviews all surveys pertaining to testing run in this assigned area.
   10. Submits quality control data to computer centers on a timely basis to allow for inclusion in group comparison data. Calculates quality control monthly if a computer program is not available sooner or if indicated by quality control problems noted from daily surveillance.
   11. Evaluates new products, procedures, equipment or techniques when requested and documents all pertinent information for review with laboratory leadership.
2. Maintains all Immunology equipment and supplies.
   1. Checks the performance of all instruments daily and maintains all equipment, including any back up equipment, in working condition at all times.
   2. Understands instrumental and procedural principles in order to effectively troubleshoot and make minor repairs or procedural changes when necessary. Will request assistance as necessary from supervisor or contact manufacturer's service hot line with those instruments for which we have service contracts and technical specialists for any reagent problems. Notifies affected patient care areas if delays may occur.
   3. Maintains complete and current maintenance records for all equipment and performs preventive maintenance as recommended.
   4. Assures sufficient inventory of reagents and supplies at all times so that no depletions occur and no reagents remain beyond expiration date. Submits requests to lab administrator or lab managers for additional materials as needed or biweekly as scheduled.
   5. Works with laboratory leadership to maintain cost control in utilization of materials and suggests ways to improve conservation of same as appropriate.
   6. Rotates, dates, and tests reagents as they are received to insure accuracy, avoid expiration, and provide availability for use when needed.
3. Prepares and maintains all Immunology procedure manuals and related documentation.
   1. Requests assistance when necessary to review, revise or create new procedures to ensure constant availability and accuracy.
   2. Keeps departmental records, forms, log sheets and other pertinent departmental information filed in concise and organized fashion for rapid reference or retrieval at all times. Accurately labels cupboards, drawers, and files for efficiency of all personnel working in these departments at any time. Keeps department materials and supplies organized continuously.
4. Provides oversight and guidance to department personnel.
   1. Participates in the training of laboratory personnel in the use of instrumentation, procedures, techniques, etc. as they pertain to the department.
   2. Orients and trains new and existing laboratory personnel to immunology & urinalysis.
   3. Provides feedback regarding employees’ performance to the supervisors as requested.
   4. Verifies competency of staff working in these departments by providing a written test and direct observation of all staff performing testing during introductory period, at six months and annually
   5. Continually maintains current knowledge of, or is familiar with locating references to, any Medical Center or laboratory policy. Must be able to implement or teach and refer subordinates when questions regarding policy occur.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned.
   1. Accepts additional assignments as assigned from lab supervisors.
   2. Voluntarily assists other lab staff when workload and patient care priorities fluctuate.