Clinical Laboratory Scientist

Sutter Health•Oakland, CA

21d

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist performs laboratory procedures to deliver accurate results in a timely manner. The role maintains competence in pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic procedures on biological specimens to support the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and prevention of disease. Work may include phlebotomy, specimen processing, quality control and assurance, and waived, moderate, or high complexity testing, as classified by CLIA. Assignments and scope of duties are consistent with the type of CLS license held. The position performs test order entry, specimen collection and handling, analyses using automated and manual methods, and post-analytic work such as interpreting, releasing, reporting, amending, and correcting results. It recognizes results that require action before reporting, including delta checks and critical values. The role also calibrates, adjusts, maintains, and performs minor repairs on laboratory equipment; supports quality assurance and continual process improvement; and responds to customer inquiries and concerns. If assigned to the Transfusion Service, the scientist manages blood product inventory, performs moderate- and high-complexity testing, prepares blood products, and issues them for transfusion. The position follows applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards, policies, and procedures to protect patient privacy and maintain safety and testing reliability.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree provided prior to start date; equivalent experience may be accepted in lieu of the required degree or diploma.
One applicable license based on the department supported: Clinical Cytogeneticist Scientist (CLSPCG), Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist (CGMBSL), Clinical Hematologist Scientist (CHSL), Clinical Histocompatibility Scientist (CHSL), Clinical Immunohematologist Scientist (CISL), Clinical Microbiologist Scientist (CMS), Clinical Toxicologist Scientist (CTSL), Clinical Reproductive Biologist Scientist (CRBSL), or Clinical Lab Scientist Generalist (CLS).
Demonstrated knowledge and technical competence in routine specimen collection, preparation, testing applications, laboratory operations, and quality assurance in one or more assigned clinical specialty areas.
Ability to accurately, precisely, and reliably perform job duties and assigned tasks.
Sound judgment and problem-solving ability relevant to assigned duties.
Ability to interact compassionately and effectively with patients of diverse ages, backgrounds, values, beliefs, and behaviors.
Ability to respond appropriately to volume fluctuations, unexpected situations or problems, shift hand-offs, STAT orders, specimen integrity issues, and pending-log and priority reviews.
Ability to follow standard practices, processes, and procedures in sequence.
Knowledge of applicable regulations, codes, policies, and procedures related to patient privacy and safety.
Ability to organize and prioritize duties and tasks to meet expected timeframes.

Responsibilities

Perform test order entry, specimen collection, and specimen processing and handling.
Analyze biological specimens using automated and manual methods for waived, moderate, or high complexity testing.
Interpret, release, and report results; amend or correct results; respond to inquiries; and store and retrieve specimens.
Recognize results requiring additional action before reporting, including delta checks and critical values, and take appropriate action.
Calibrate and adjust laboratory equipment, provide preventive maintenance, and perform minor adjustments and repairs.
Maintain a safe and orderly work area and support inventory management, quality control, proficiency testing, record keeping, privacy, security, confidentiality, and process improvement.
Recognize when test systems are outside control and take appropriate action.
Maintain current operational information and job knowledge, apply critical thinking, solve problems within job scope, and escalate issues as appropriate.
Complete assigned competency assessment activities.
Respond to and resolve customer inquiries, complaints, and problems, or escalate them appropriately.
If assigned to the Transfusion Service, maintain blood product working and safety stock, perform testing, and prepare and issue blood products for transfusion.
Comply with applicable laws, regulations, codes, accreditation standards, policies, processes, and procedures.