Automation Specialist

Summary:

Under the supervision of the Laboratory Manager, and in conjunction with the supervisors assists with the monitoring of the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the instrumentation, advanced problem-solving resolution, and monitoring of environmental issues. Performs a wide range of clinical laboratory testing in an accurate and timely fashion by utilizing technical and problem-solving skills in conjunction with a thorough knowledge of Clinical Chemistry principles and instrumentation. Works routinely on special projects, assay research, and new test development. Assists in the coordination of staff in the absence of a Manager or Supervisor. Coordinates the development of new protocols and the evaluation of new instrumentation. Participates and contributes to the laboratory Quality Control and Quality Assurance programs. Monitors CAP compliance and maintains compliance with new and revised regulatory requirements. Serves as a lead with regard to special projects, IT changes and upgrades, new protocols, and the implementation or evaluation of new instrumentation.

Provides technical assistance to all staff on new and revised methodologies. Cooperatively and proactively assists in other areas as needed in a teamwork-oriented environment. Maintains procedure knowledge and implements all new and revised procedures in real time. Maintains all Quality Control and Quality Assurance at all times. Provides proficiency testing oversight following all routine standards and workflow. Maintains operational effectiveness and assumes full responsibility for continuing education requirements, licensure, and expertise to adapt as needed to an expanding department with increased testing complexity.

Job Responsibilities:

1) Demonstrate knowledge of all aspects of a given assay, including such concepts as analytical theory, quality control evaluation, reference ranges, critical values, clinical significance of the assay, instrumentation used, reagent stability, calibration, etc.

2) Demonstrate the ability to write laboratory procedures that conform to CLSI, CLIA, and CAP standards. Ensures that all staff in the section have read and understand all applicable procedures and /or revisions.

3) Performs testing according to laboratory procedures with acceptable accuracy and precision. Performs a high degree of skills with regards to analytical instrumentation, including operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance procedures.

4) As requested, in conjunction with the medical Director and Laboratory Manager, develops and/or evaluates new tests and methods including statistical testing, reagent issues, test codes, LIS issues, staff training, etc. Makes recommendation about implementation of these procedures.

5) Miscellaneous duties as required on a daily basis:

5.1        Perform testing on instruments depending on staffing

5.2        Available to cover benches throughout shift

6) Develops instrumentation maintenance schedule and protocol. Performs

Instrument maintenance according to schedule including documentation. Provides assistance to others when delays occur. Recognizes need for unscheduled maintenance before problem occur.

7) Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of instrument operation including

routine and STAT modes (if any), menu options, response to error flags, and identification of instrument components. Recognizes instrument problems when they occur by responding to instrument alarms, error flags, and quality control problems. Initiates troubleshooting procedures in a systematic manner.

8) Independently evaluates results for acceptability based on proper instrument

Operation, plausibility of results, previous patient data; alerts supervisor of discrepancies. Initiates response to unusual results. Documents problems.

9) Follows established quality control procedures, evaluates acceptability of results;

Documents response to outliers and demonstrates advanced knowledge of quality control rules. Assists others in solving complex quality control problems.

10) Helps oversee the CAP Proficiency Testing program for the laboratory section,

to ensure that PT samples are tested in a timely fashion and in a manner that is compliant with regulatory requirements; completes CAP action reports for all results that exceed two standard deviations from the peer group mean; investigates outliers and shifts/trends for possible corrective actions.

11) Ensures that the laboratory section is in compliance with all items on the current CAP inspection checklist.

12) Demonstrates knowledge of general laboratory po