Clinical Laboratory Assistant II- Microbiology

Full-Time; Day Shift

Under direct supervision, assists Medical Laboratory Scientist by performing routine laboratory support duties and approved testing in any one of various specialized laboratories throughout UMMS: Immunology, Rapid Response (Chemistry/Hematology), Blood Bank, Microbiology, Virology, Molecular Diagnostics, Shock Trauma Stat Lab and Immunogenetics in accordance with departmental procedures and regulations stipulated by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Reviews quality control for acceptability while performing testing and notifies medical technologist or histotechnologist before accepting and reporting test results.
2. Evaluates results and specimen integrity based on department and testing guidelines.
3. Troubleshoots and solves instrument problems with some assistance from Medical Laboratory Scientists.
4. Performs waived to moderate complexity testing such as serologic detection, latex agglutination slide test, complete blood counts, etc. as approved by supervisor in accordance to departmental guidelines.
5. Resolves specimen problems such as incorrect labeling, different name on the requisition. Identifies where the origin of specimens and documents all information for quality assurance purposes. Assures that specimens are processed in a timely and efficient manner meeting department standards. Ensures that the resulting specimen information is accurate and correct.
6. Processes (centrifuges, aliquots and performs other special handling procedures for specimens) and delivers specimens to specific laboratories as required. Saves or preserves specimens as needed in refrigerator, freezer, incubator, dry ice or other storage as appropriate.
7. Answers telephones and responds to customer inquiries and requests. Solves customer complaints/issues and follows through with appropriate documentation.
8. Communicates test results, test descriptions, etc. Assures a high level of customer satisfaction by communicating and responding to a variety of internal and external customers in a professional and courteous manner.
9. Reviews and acts on test pending list.
10. Performs specimen management tasks according to testing protocol and instrument requirement.
11. Processes Add-On testing according to departmental procedures.