Lab Manager

JOB TITLE:           Laboratory Manager

DEPARTMENT:  Laboratory

REPORTS TO:     Chief Executive Officer

SUPERVISES:      Phlebotomist and Medical Laboratory Technicians

POSITION SUMMARY:

• Responsible for overseeing the safety, maintenance and the day-to-day functions of laboratory operations.
• Functions under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer
• Is accountable for the effective, efficient and safe operations of the Laboratory office ensuring that the objectives of the Laboratory Department and the organization are met.
• Ensures appropriate organizational and patient safety practices are in use.
• Promotes good public relations through contacts with patients, practitioners, visitors, employees, peers and the public at large.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Responsible for the organizing and efficient function and operation of the Laboratory.
2. Responsible for the Laboratory operations budget to cover all funding requirements for all materials, supplies, personnel, equipment and utilities. This includes approval of these budget items through the budgeting process.
3. Enrolls and participates in a Department of Health and Human Services approved proficiency testing program commensurate with the services offered.
4. Ability to perform procedures in all sections of the Laboratory as workload requires.
5. Responsible for implementation and continual monitoring policy and regulatory standards.
6. Selects the test methodology that is appropriate for the Clinical Laboratory’s test menu. Verifies the test procedures performed and establishes the laboratory’s test performance characteristics, including the precision and accuracy of each test and test system.
7. Establishing a quality control program appropriate for the testing performed establishing the parameter for acceptable levels of analytic performance and ensuring that these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process from the initial receipt of the specimen through sample analysis and reporting of test results.
8. Resolves technical problems and ensures that remedial actions are taken whenever test system deviate from the Laboratory’s established performance specifications.
9. Ensures that patient test results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is functioning properly.
10. Identifies training needs ensuring that each individual performing test receives regular in service training and education appropriate for the type and complexity of the laboratory services performed.
11. Prepares work schedule, selects, trains, evaluates subordinates, and initiates personnel actions in accordance with Human Resource policies and organizational philosophy. The procedures for evaluation of staff must include, but not limited to the following:
    1. Directly observes routine patient test performance, including patient preparation, if applicable, specimen handling, processing and testing.
    2. Monitors the recording and reporting of results.
    3. Reviews intermediate test results or worksheets, quality control records, proficiency testing results, instrument and preventive maintenance and function checks.
    4. Assesses test performance through testing previously analyzed specimens, internal blind samples or external proficiency testing samples.
12. Coordinates the development, implementation, administration and modification of programs to maintain the laboratory through effective use of personnel and materials.
13. Evaluates and documents the performance of individuals responsible for high complexity testing, at least semiannually, during the first year the individual test patient specimens. Thereafter, evaluations must be performed at least annually unless test methodology or instrumentation changes; in which case, before reporting test results, the individual’s performance must be reevaluated to include the use of the new test methodology or instrument.
14. Observes performance of instrument maintenance and function checks.
15. Maintains departmental reports and records as directed.  
16. Directs the purchasing and requisitioning of laboratory supplies and equipment.
17. Maintains adequate and effective communication between Laboratory and ancillary departments for problem solving.
18. Computes laboratory costs and determines test charge. Maintains charge master with up-to-date CPT codes and patient charges.
19. Interacts with others (on the phone or in person) in a positive, professional and appropriate manner.
20. Acts as a liaison between the hospital and customers (nursing homes, home health agencies, physicians, etc.)
21. Works cooperatively with others.  Has respect for and an understanding of the contributions of all team members.
22. Attends required meetings and participates in educational programs, in-service meetings including department specific requirements.  
23. Promotes a safe environment that allows for the delivery of high quality Laboratory services. 
24. Protects patient confidentiality by promoting appropriate staff communication practices.   
25. Performs other  duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM EDUCATION

MT or MLT, Bachelor degree in related field

PREFERRED EDUCATION

MT or MLT, Bachelor degree in related field, Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE

Two years working in all areas of the Clinical Laboratory

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Five years Laboratory experience, proven managerial experience and supervisory experience