Sutter Health Support Services Shared Laboratory Position Description Position Title: Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Microbiologist Incumbent: Entity: SHSS Shared Laboratory Reports To: Director of Operations, Shared Laboratory Date: October 23, 2006 Written By: Michele Leonard POSITION SUMMARY: This position performs all aspects of pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic activities of the laboratory path of workflow appropriate for the Microbiology Laboratory section. Analytical testing is performed on blood and/or body fluids, utilizing both manual and automated methods, to obtain information necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Where automated methods are used, this position provides preventive maintenance for analytical equipment and performs minor adjustments and repairs. Performs and demonstrates proficiency in areas including aerobic and anaerobic bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, virology, fluorescent microscopy and parasitology. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: The Sutter Health Shared Laboratory Clinical Laboratory Microbiologist reports to the Microbiology Manager and must refer medical issues to the Medical Director and laboratory policy issues to the Director of Operations. MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Education: A baccalaureate degree in clinical laboratory or related sciences, with one-year hospital and/or commercial clinical lab training in an approved program. Valid California clinical laboratory scientist license. Experience: Two years recent experience in reading aerobic, anaerobic, AFB, fungal and viral cultures; and interpreting immunofluorescent stains and special stains in parasitology. Experience with computers, including Microsoft, electronic mail, internet, etc. Experience working with a Laboratory Information System, such as Misys. Customer service and satisfaction Page 1 of 7 This list of job elements, responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or conditions is not exhaustive, but is merely the most description of the current job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, or technical development).
Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of theory, test applications and process control for Microbiology. Knowledge of basic laboratory information technology and computer concepts is also required Skills: Must have working knowledge of all areas in microbiology, parasitology, and immunology. Must be able to work cooperatively with team members. Must be able to ensure the operational readiness of complex laboratory analyzers and methods through technical expertise and effective method management. Must also be able to operate analyzers and equipment to produce accurate, timely test results. Must demonstrate an ability to effectively identify pre, post and analytic process variations and take appropriate and timely corrective action. Must have proven written and verbal communication skills Must be adept at performing a wide variety of routine and/or specialized testing using manual and automated methods with speed and extreme accuracy. Physical Requirements: Mobility is required, as well as the ability to alternately sit and stand for several hours at a time. Must have considerable manual dexterity to accomplish such tasks as instrument operation/maintenance and computer data entry. Must be able to work under moderate to great amount of stress and demand, and cope with variable situations. There is a great deal of paperwork and computer interactions required in this job. Working area is air-conditioned. Exposure to patients with various contagious diseases may be common and special attention and care must be taken when handling contaminated needles and specimens to avoid accidents. Exposure to certain hazardous chemicals and radioactive reagents and (sources) may occur and good safety practices and care should be observed at all times. Must possess the visual acuity necessary to perform requirement job functions. Must have the ability to perform computerized tasks such as word processing. Page 2 of 7
ACCESS TO PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION: This position has access to protected health information. T The protected health information this position can access is all medical record information. This position requires this patient health information in order to perform the functions outlined as part of this position description.. QUANTIFIABLE DIMENSIONS: To be determined FREEDOM TO ACT/ACCOUNTABILITY: This position generally works as part of a team headed by the Microbiology Manager. This position signs out own work but is subject to peer and supervisory review retrospectively. This position is responsible for reporting results in a timely and accurate manner by following established procedures. This position is responsible for proper operation and maintenance in instruments and computer, taking action when quality control results are out of range, and notifying physicians and other departments when reportable communicable infectious agents are isolated. Accurate laboratory results are ensured through the appropriate use of quality control systems; appropriate ordering of Pathology review; accurate interpretation of qualitative tests; and consistent adherence to written laboratory procedures and protocols. The incumbent is accountable for the recognition of critical laboratory values and subsequent notification of patient caregivers. There is accountability for the timely delivery of routine, ASAP, and STAT testing by meeting defined turn-around-times. The incumbent maintains a safe work environment by complying with defined laboratory safe working practices such as those outlined in the Chemical Hygiene Plan and the Exposure Control Plan. This position may reject specimens which do not meet established acceptance criteria; perform repeat testing to verify results; request a redraw or re-collection of a specimen in specified instances; initiate follow-up testing per protocol, in response to abnormal test results; and troubleshoot minor analytical equipment failures. In the absence section/shift supervisor or specialist, the incumbent may function as Tech-in-charge and has the authority to temporarily coordinate the operation of the section/shift and to adjust staffing according to workflow. This incumbent may also have the authority to perform a variety of projects and department-related activities under the direction of the section/shift Lead or Director of Operations. Page 3 of 7
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS/CONTACTS: This position works with all laboratory employees and pathologists within the Sutter Health Shared Laboratory and Sutter Affiliates; all clinical and non-clinical areas of the Sutter Health Shared Laboratory. CAREER LADDER: Upon competent performance as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, demonstration of effective leadership skills and/or education, this position may be promoted to a section/shift Clinical Laboratory Scientist Lead position. APPROVALS: Incumbent: Date: Incumbent s Reviewer: Date: Human Resources: Date: Page 4 of 7
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: I. Pre-Analytic Workflow: Performs all aspects of the Pre-Analytic workflow appropriate for the specific laboratory section to ensure orders are entered correctly, specimens collected are appropriate for the tests ordered and are correctly processed and transported. Triages phoned requests and follows-up on requests as needed. Receives, processes, and documents verbal orders, obtains appropriate ICD-9 codes or other billing information when necessary. Verifies data entry of specimen/orders into the LIS, enters orders in LIS when needed for section. Verifies patient demographics in LIS received from the HIS. Verifies non-patient information (e.g. collection date/time, special product needs, etc) according to established protocol where needed. Handles unresolved orders, troubleshoots where needed. Verifies with customer prior to LIS order entry to resolve unclear, duplicate, ambiguous, or otherwise problematic orders, follows-up to ensure correct tests are ordered. Verifies specimens for add-on tests are available and acceptable, follows-up according to established protocol and generates add-on test orders/tubes. Generates orders/requisitions for send-out tests according to reference laboratory specific protocols. Recognizes and escalates according to established protocol when fraud and abuse compliance issues require adjustments to test order. Assists with collection of specimens when necessary, providing accurate specimen requirement information, containers, and/or labeling supplies when needed. Verifies specimens are correctly and completely labeled upon receipt, takes appropriate action to have specimen recollected when necessary. Appropriately documents unacceptable specimens. Prioritizes specimen processing based on assignment or established priorities. Evaluates specimens for appropriateness (quality, quantity, etc), takes any necessary corrective action. Appropriately documents unacceptable specimens. Aliquots specimens according to established protocols. Organizes specimens and related paperwork for transport to other test sites or reference laboratories consistent with order priority; stores specimens appropriately pending pick-up; notifies courier when non-scheduled specimen transport is needed. II. Analytic Workflow: Performs all aspects of analytic testing appropriate for the specific laboratory section in a manner that provides the highest quality standard of service while maintaining cost effectiveness. Verifies reagents and supplies meet defined acceptability criteria upon receipt and prior to use; takes appropriate action to ensure unacceptable items are removed from use. Ensures that sufficient reagents and supplies necessary for test performance are available. Notifies Lead in timely fashion when minimum inventory level is encountered. Performs preventative maintenance on instruments/equipment in timely fashion according to defined schedule Interprets and works on only clinically relevant isolates based on bench experience and established procedures. Accepts automated susceptibility results as substantiated through quality control and sensitivity patterns of specific isolates. Performs and records all necessary quality control (QC) required for test system performance. Evaluates QC results and takes necessary corrective actions according to established protocol. Performs any necessary pretest specimen preparation according to established protocols (e.g., microbiology plating, cell cultures, filtering, extraction, separation, elution, absorption, etc). Prioritizes testing based on assignment or established priorities, completes testing within defined turn-around-times. Verifies that the proper specimen is being analyzed for the proper patient and for the indicated test procedure. Page 5 of 7
Recognizes need for and follows any age-specific protocols. Responds effectively to changes in the workflow by coordinating a simultaneous series of tests when needed, or adjusting work to incorporate STAT tests or fluctuations in work volume. Performs paperless microbiology by entering all biochemical results directly on the computer. Prints and distributes appropriate reports for pharmacy and infection control. Evaluates test results/reactions and provides accurate interpretations as appropriate to include correlation with, and integration of, other patient data as necessary. Reviews results for completeness, correctness, and consistency within defined test system parameters; takes necessary corrective action (e.g., dilutions, repeats, etc) when needed. Performs visual interpretations/identifications as appropriate. Recognizes unusual test results/interpretations and completes indicated reflex testing or other necessary follow-up actions. Follows established notification protocols for critical values, phone/fax result requests, abnormalities. etc. Recognizes test system performance problems and takes necessary corrective actions (e.g., equipment downtime, alternate test methods, etc). Recognizes when unresolved problems need to be escalated and takes necessary follow-up action. Prints pending logs according to established protocol, follows-up to ensure pending tests are completed or cancelled when appropriate. Stores specimens and related materials (e.g., blood and non-blood specimens, slides, tissue, etc) according to established protocols for location and duration. Retrieves specimen and related materials when needed according to established protocol. Prepares microbiology specimens to be transferred between facilities. Refers isolates or specimens to other reference laboratories. Keeps track of results returned from these reference laboratories. III. Post-Analytical Workflow: Performs all aspects of the Post Analytical workflow appropriate for the laboratory section to ensure accurate results are reported within established time frames, specimens are retained appropriately, test result and/or current status are available upon inquiry, and billed charges are correct for testing performed. Performs computer functions necessary for releasing results. Verifies results according to established protocol. Generates written reports according to established protocol. Reviews printed reports when applicable, recognizes problems and escalates according to established protocol. Distributes written/printed reports according to established protocols (e.g., fax, mail, delivery to patient care areas, etc). Provides telephone reports according to established protocol. Receives and distributes reports from outside laboratories according to established protocol. Corrects erroneous reports and amends reports according to established protocol. Retrieves data and results upon request. Responds to requests for information according to established protocol for confidentiality and release of information. Recognizes when unresolved inquiries need to be escalated and takes appropriate action. Stores documents and records according to established protocol. Performs billing and/or enters credits for tests and services according to established protocol, when applicable. Recognizes billing problems and escalates accordingly, when applicable. Page 6 of 7
IV. UNIVERSAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Ensures quality of operations: Follows written standard operating procedures. Operates instruments/equipment according to established protocol. Uses computers according to established protocol; follows downtime procedures as required. Completes proficiency testing and competency assessments within expected time frames and acceptable limits. Performs required Quality System responsibilities. Performs other duties as assigned, or as needed, to ensure continued quality of operations. Participates in the training of new employees. Ensures safety of operations: Follows all required safety procedures, uses personal protective equipment appropriate for tasks performed. Maintains clean work area. Provides service excellence: Answers telephones when needed, using appropriate telephone etiquette. Maintains patient confidentiality. Page 7 of 7