Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Generalist

We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!

Organization:

ABSMC-Ashby Campus

Position Overview:

***$10,000 Sign-On-Bonus ***

May be required to perform tests in all areas of the Clinical Laboratory including, but not limited to: Blood bank, Hematology, Chemistry, Coagulation, Urinalysis and limited Microbiology . Calibrates and naintains all Clinical Laboratory instruments. Troubleshoots all instruments and/or methods as needed. Performs all necessary record keeping, quality control surveillance and problem resolution on instruments and methods. Performs specimen processing and clerical functions as needed. Must be capable of performing efficiently under pressure and perform selected tests in a STAT time frame. In Blood Bank, must be capable of resolving antibody problems, ABO discrepancies, prepare components, select appropriate blood for transfusion, and identify and work up transfusion reactions.

Job Description:

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES

Hematology and Chemistry
• Perform diagnostic procedures accurately and reliably on samples submitted to the Clinical Laboratory following department procedures and protocols.
• Prepare reagents, controls, and standards necessary for the proper operation of instrumentation and testing of samples.
• Review results and report tests in a timely manner and within the required turn around times established by the laboratory .
• Evaluate quality control daily, look for shifts/trends.
• Perform quality control checks, proficiency tests, reagent parallel testing, maintain the records for all tests, and take corrective action if necessary.
• Responsible for operation and maintenance of automated instrumentation including troubleshooting and scheduled preventative maintenance for all equipment in the section.
• Uses established basic troubleshooting protocols and procedures to identify and solve problems.
• Maintain supply and reagent inventory.
• Operate computer terminals and instrument interfaces.
• Print and monitor department logs.
• Enter patient results via the laboratory computer system (if system is down, results are entered via the laboratory manual system). Call critical results in a timely manner.
• Assist medical, nursing, and laboratory staff with questions regarding laboratory test selection and results.
• Technologist must comply with the regulations published in the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Safety Manual.
• Technologist must comply with all biohazardous precautions outlined in the Clinical Laboratory Procedure Manuals.
• Report problems and/or concerns to a Manager immediately.


Blood Bank
The incumbent's tasks may change periodically to eventually include all of the following:
• ABO/Rh type of patient and donor blood.
• Direct and indirect coombs.
• Crossmatch blood to determine compatibility status between donor and recipient by routine and special techniques.
• Preparations of solutions, standard reagents and laboratory supplies.
• Production of blood components : pooled cryo-ppts, pooled plasma and aliquots units for newborn transfusion .
• Red cell phenotyping/genotyping.
• Perform pre-natal testing, and antibody titers.
• Irradiation of blood components .
• Antibody identification by routine and special techniques: Neutralization, cold panels, enzyme panel, selected-cell panels, auto absorption.
• Performance of basic and more detailed transfusion reaction workups .
• Performance of daily control: Testing the reactivity of daily red cells and antisera, temperatures of incubators and refrigerators and inspection of all blood components .
• Performance of equipment quality control: Functional calibration of cellwashers, serofuges , and centrifuges ; temperature checks for freezer , refrigerator, platelet rotator, incubators , Rh view boxes, waterbaths , cold packs and temperature alarm and range testing
• Participation in CAP surveys.
• Maintenance of adequate stock of antisera , blood components , and supplies .
• Performance of clerical duties such as: Completing laboratory report forms, checking historical ABO/Rh, typings and crossmatch records, review of all daily worksheets , and filing of forms.
• Problem solving: Duties follow generally established procedures . However, the blood bank manual has a large number of procedures and they represent considerable detail. The incumbent would be expected to proceed with a minimal amount of assistance with referral of questions to the Manager or the Pathologist.
• Accountability: The technologist is accountable for the accuracy and completeness of all work performed and the results reported. Once written (computer) reports leave the laboratory , they are assumed to be correct. Any errors may be high injurious or fatal to the patient. The incumbent i