Clinical Lab Scientist

Performs test procedures in Transfusion Service.  Performs and reports test results (manually and automated). Operates laboratory instrumentation & equipment to accurately generate test results. Initiates troubleshooting of errant laboratory instrumentation & equipment as needed.  Follows established quality control procedures and participate in all associated tasks in the section. Must be able to work in a high volume setting

A new employee must accomplish the following tasks within the 6-month probationary period or within the first 6 months from hiring date if a probationary period does not apply.  The following describes performance standards that are expected of all employees hired at this level.  Attaining these performance standards will require instructions from supervisors and/or person designated by the supervisor, and initiative by the employee.  In addition, the employee must adhere to all UCSF Medical Center and departmental policies.                                                                                                                                             

% 

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

65

Task A: Perform Transfusion Service Procedures, both routine and problem solving

1. Perform all tests using manual methods and automated instruments per the section’s procedures, accurately and without deviation from the written instructions, and within the established completion times.
2. Review/validate, and enter test results and interpretations in the LIS accurately.
3. Investigate transfusion reaction investigations immediately per procedure, including performing clerical checks, repeat testing, quarantine of co-components and notification of resident.
4. Recognize and follow through on unexpected or abnormal results by initiating problem solving techniques and notifying a supervisor and/or resident, as appropriate. 
5. Perform all duties of “Lead/traffic tech” when assigned, including successful management of Emergency Release and Massive Transfusion Protocol products, and follow up of pending tests and product orders.
6. Perform all duties related to entering into inventory, verifying data in UNOS website, allocating, modifying and issuing Organs and Vessels.
7. Perform, document, and analyze instrument and manual QC testing results.  Perform repeat testing, testing with a different lot number, or initiate troubleshooting when results are not within acceptable range.   Notify supervisor of problem results or reagents.
8. Consult and follow reagent manufacturers’ instruction and section’s procedure manuals when performing less common tests. 
9. Complete the procedures for the quality control tasks as assigned; record results legibly and completely on the appropriate log sheets.
10. Recognize and investigate unexpected quality control test results; quarantine suspect reagent lot numbers, communicate findings to appropriate Specialist/Supervisor.
11. Complete all documentation concurrently, in ink (or in LIS), and with neat and legible writing.
12. Perform file updates or result corrections to the LIS following acceptable procedures and with clear documentation.  Inform supervisor for any result corrections.
13. Take full responsibility for errors when committed, notify supervisor and complete appropriate documentation in work records and in electronic variance reporting program.
14. Strive to make fewer than three (3) non-computer clerical or “human” errors per year, to include but not restricted to labeling and return-to-stock errors.
15. Strive to avoid any error or break in established procedure which results in the issue of the wrong unit of blood.  “Wrong unit” components include but are not restricted to: a) units other than those reserved or crossmatched for a particular patient, and b) random (stock) units when donor designated or autologous units of the component requested are available at UCSF. 
16. Complete training and competency within assigned time frames.  Stay up to date on procedural changes, memos, staff meeting minutes and other communication.
17. Work successfully without close or continual supervision.  Use sound judgment.
18. Replenish supplies at work station and clean and organize work areas at the end of the work shift. 
19. Receive, log and store reagents and supplies per procedure.
20. Assist coworkers when own tasks are complete, or during emergency/urgent situations that require additional support.  Serve as a resource for hospital lab technicians, help them prioritize tasks as needed.
21. Assist with training of new staff or students as assigned.
22. Adhere to section’s infection control and personal protection guidelines, including wearing buttoned lab coat, gloves and face protection when handling patient samples. Exercises proper care and precautions to protect self and group from health hazards. Refrain from smoking, drinking, or eating in and around work areas.
23. Organize and efficiently manage the tasks assigned to each rotation in order to complete the assignments by the end of the work shift.
24. Inform the next shift of all on-going problems and pending blood orders.
25. Maintain a respectful and professional attitude at all times.
26. Adhere to all policies and procedures as established by the UCSF Medical Center, and for Clinical Labs specific policies and procedures.

20

Task B: Communicate effectively.  Enter data/test results into computer accurately.

1. Demonstrate effective communication skills when giving information to hospital personnel regarding blood availability, departmental policies and procedures, designated donor and autologous blood.
2. Assists with answering phone calls and in-person questions.  Convey information accurately and concisely.  Maintain professional and respectful demeanor.
3. Routinely record the time of a telephone report on the requisition, in addition to the name of the person to whom the report is given.
4. Correctly enter results in the LIS, including sufficient and clear detail in file updates for department use. 
5. Strive not to make more than three (3) computer errors per year in each of the following categories: a) Entry of blood components into inventory and changing the status of units in inventory. b) Entry of test requests and blood component orders, including failure to enter appropriate tests and/or results.

10

Task C: Use and/or operate Blood Bank equipment correctly.

1. Operate Blood Bank equipment and analytical instruments correctly and safely.
2. Recognize malfunction and notify the supervisor or appropriate specialist. 
3. Discontinue and/or prevent use of equipment which is not maintaining acceptable performance or temperature using Out of Service tag system.
4. Initiate troubleshooting on any instrument when a malfunction occurs.  Records malfunction and corrective action on logs, initiate service call to vendor/repair service. 
5. Perform maintenance on equipment as assigned or instructed by a supervisor or specialist.  Document tasks and results on appropriate logs.
6. Never modify or alter equipment or settings without consulting and obtaining approval from a supervisor.

5

Task D: Perform additional tests, projects or special studies when requested by a supervisor.                         

1. Complete the testing of survey material, special studies, SOP validations, or projects within the time frame agreed upon with supervisor; record results legibly and completely. 
2. Initiate problem reports, online variance or incident reports to document injuries, complaints, or errors. 

100%

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science degree
• A valid California Department of Health Clinical Laboratory Scientist license or a limited license in Immunohematology. Maintain active license and follow Clinical Lab CLS licensure policy
• Recent experience performing clinical lab testing in Transfusion Service

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prefer two years’ Blood Bank or Transfusion Service experience in a high volume lab within the past five years, to include, but not exclusive of, experience in:
  • Selection and crossmatch of blood for the sensitized or problem recipient
  • Antibody identification and titers
  • Serologic follow-up of transfusion reactions
  • Blood Bank quality control procedures
  • Problems associated with transfusion of the neonate
  • Use of hospital and laboratory information (computer) systems
  • Experience performing testing on an automated platform

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS:

• California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license