Microbiology Technical Specialist

Microbiology Technical Specialist

Boston, MA

Job Description

Under the general direction of the Technical Supervisor, provides ancillary support for clinical activities by performance and appropriate interpretation of moderate and high complexity clinical laboratory tests as defined under CLIA '88. May also perform phlebotomy or therapeutic procedures. Five years of clinical laboratory experience as a certified medical technologist are required, as well as documented expertise in the technical specialty, and the ability to provide leadership in the area of specialty.

Position: Microbiology Technical Specialist-Microbiology

Department: Microbiology Lab

Schedule: Full Time, 40 Hours, Days

JOB DESCRIPTION CHARACTERISTICS

EDUCATION:

Requires a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college in Medical Technology or Clinical Laboratory Science which includes successful completion of a supervised course of clinical internship in an approved hospital laboratory, or a Bachelor's degree in an applied science (Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry).

EXPERIENCE:

Five years of clinical laboratory experience as a certified medical technologist are required, as well as documented expertise in the technical specialty, and the ability to provide leadership in the area of specialty

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Knowledge of clinical laboratory science and standards necessary to perform high complexity tests as defined by CLIA and ability to accurately report results.
• Analytic abilities to perform highly complex testing as defined under CLIA 88 to interpret findings, perform calculations, calibrate instruments, review highly complex testing performed by other employees as defined by CLIA guidelines and so forth.
• Ability to maintain compliance with all regulatory agency (e.g. JCAHO, CAP, FDA ) requirements.
• Develops new tests and new testing specialty by consulting and working with physician directors of lab sections.
• Orders and/or maintains inventory of all supplies related to the operation of the specialty area.
• Implements a best workflow or practice model for the area of technical specialty.
• Trains all other assigned staff in the technical specialty, and ensure that all training documentation is complete.
• Assesses competency of staff to perform testing in the specialty area, and consults with Supervisors and Physician Directors on needed corrective actions.
• After specialized training and required experience, performs moderate and high complexity tests and interprets them.
• Acts as a resource and interprets tests for laboratory users in a manner consistent with level of training and knowledge.
• Reviews testing and/or procedures performed by other staff to maintain compliance with regulatory agencies as required when deemed qualified to do so by the section supervisor.
• Capability to collate specimen information for QA projects and present information at monthly meetings.
• Prioritizes STAT and routine samples.
• Ensures accurate specimen identification and specimen labeling consistent with section and departmental standard operating procedure.
• Ensures appropriateness of sample for requested testing obtains approval for testing, which deviates form standard operating procedure and follows up with notification to patient care unit and documentation in LIS.
• Ensures sample testing is performed within the defined time periods for each test type based on specimen viability as outlined in section specific policies and procedures.
• Initiates appropriate action and documents steps taken to resolve mislabeled/unlabeled or inappropriate specimens in a manner consistent with Departmental Policies and Procedures and with the Departmental Service Mission
• Manual/visual dexterity necessary to process specimens, prepare solutions, make technical decisions re culture work up of specimens and operate a computer software system. Requires English verbal and written language skills sufficient to exchange information with physicians, interact with other technologists, etc.

Skills : CAP , MICROBIOLOGY , FDA , BIOCHEMISTRY