Clinical Lab Scientist - Per Diem
About The Position
The Clinical Lab Scientist performs routine and problem-solving testing procedures in the Transfusion Service, using both manual methods and automated instruments. The role includes accurately reviewing, validating, entering, and reporting results in the laboratory information system (LIS), investigating transfusion reactions and unexpected results, and following established procedures and quality-control requirements. The scientist must be able to work in a high-volume setting and independently exercise sound judgment. The position also involves supporting blood product inventory and orders, including emergency release and massive transfusion protocol products, and handling organ and vessel inventory and allocation processes. The Clinical Lab Scientist communicates effectively with hospital personnel and coworkers, operates and troubleshoots laboratory equipment, performs assigned maintenance, documents work and incidents, and assists with training, special studies, and other projects. The role requires adherence to infection-control and personal-protection practices and to UCSF Medical Center and Clinical Labs policies.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science degree.
- Valid California Department of Health Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license or a limited license in Immunohematology.
- Maintain an active license and comply with the Clinical Lab CLS licensure policy.
- Recent experience performing clinical laboratory testing.
- Ability to work successfully in a high-volume setting and without close or continual supervision.
- Required California Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) license.
Nice To Haves
- Two years of Blood Bank or Transfusion Service experience in a high-volume laboratory within the past five years.
- Experience selecting and crossmatching blood for sensitized or problem recipients.
- Experience with antibody identification and titers.
- Experience with serologic follow-up of transfusion reactions.
- Experience with blood bank quality-control procedures.
- Experience with problems associated with transfusion of neonates.
- Experience using hospital and laboratory information systems.
- Experience performing testing on an automated platform.
Responsibilities
- Perform Transfusion Service procedures using manual methods and automated instruments, following written procedures and established completion times.
- Review, validate, enter, and correct test results and interpretations in the LIS, with appropriate documentation.
- Investigate transfusion reactions promptly, including clerical checks, repeat testing, quarantine of co-components, and notification of the resident.
- Recognize unexpected or abnormal results, troubleshoot, and notify a supervisor or resident as appropriate.
- Perform lead/traffic technician duties when assigned, including management of emergency release and massive transfusion protocol products and follow-up of pending tests and product orders.
- Enter, verify, allocate, modify, and issue organs and vessels, including verifying data on the UNOS website.
- Perform, document, and analyze instrument and manual quality-control testing; investigate out-of-range results and notify appropriate personnel.
- Follow reagent manufacturers’ instructions and section procedures when performing less common tests.
- Complete assigned quality-control tasks and maintain complete, legible records.
- Maintain documentation, report errors, and complete work records and electronic variance reports as appropriate.
- Complete assigned training and competency requirements and stay current on procedural changes and communications.
- Work independently with sound judgment; organize assigned work to complete tasks by the end of the shift.
- Replenish supplies, clean and organize work areas, and receive, log, and store reagents and supplies.
- Assist coworkers and hospital laboratory technicians, support urgent work, and help train new staff or students when assigned.
- Follow infection-control and personal-protection guidelines, including wearing required protective equipment when handling patient samples.
- Communicate blood availability, departmental procedures, and blood product information accurately and professionally; answer calls and in-person questions.
- Document telephone reports and accurately enter test requests, results, and blood component inventory and order information.
- Operate blood bank equipment and analytical instruments safely; identify malfunctions, take equipment out of service when needed, troubleshoot, document corrective actions, and arrange service as appropriate.
- Perform equipment maintenance as assigned and obtain approval before changing equipment or settings.
- Complete survey material testing, special studies, SOP validations, and projects within agreed time frames, and submit reports for injuries, complaints, or errors.
- Inform the next shift about ongoing problems and pending blood orders.
- Maintain a respectful and professional attitude and comply with UCSF Medical Center and Clinical Labs policies and procedures.
