CLS
About The Position
The CLS performs waived, moderate, or highly complex laboratory tests authorized under CLIA and applicable state law, with duties suited to the individual’s education, training, experience, and technical abilities. The role performs a broad range of laboratory procedures using manual and automated methods across Hematology, Blood Bank, Chemistry, Urinalysis, Coagulation, Microbiology, Immunology, and other disciplines introduced into the laboratory. The CLS may perform venipuncture or capillary puncture on patients ranging from newborns to geriatrics and may take on lead technician responsibilities during a shift when a supervisor is absent. Additional responsibilities may involve the laboratory information system (LIS) and point-of-care testing (POCT).
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in chemical, physical, or biological health science, or Medical Laboratory Technology from an accredited institution, or other educational requirements stated in CLIA (42 CFR 493.1423).
- Current and valid state license if required in the state where the laboratory is located.
Nice To Haves
- ASCP certification or equivalent preferred.
- One year of hospital laboratory work experience preferred, but not required.
Responsibilities
- Follow laboratory procedures for collecting, processing, analyzing, and reporting patient test results.
- Follow established quality-control policies and document corrective actions when test systems deviate from laboratory performance specifications.
- Identify issues that may adversely affect test performance, correct them when appropriate, or promptly notify a supervisor, Director, or Medical Director.
- Perform a wide variety of laboratory procedures using independent judgment and manual and automated methods across applicable laboratory disciplines.
- Perform and document instrument and equipment maintenance on daily, weekly, monthly, or as-needed schedules.
- Review patient-result accuracy before releasing or reporting results.
- Recognize age-specific differences in expected results, from newborns to geriatrics.
- Test proficiency-testing samples in the same manner as patient samples and avoid prohibited collaboration with other laboratories before reporting results to the appropriate agencies.
- Perform venipuncture or capillary puncture on various age groups when required.
- Assist with developing and maintaining laboratory policies and procedures.
- Follow department and hospital policies regarding safety, infection control, emergency preparedness, and human resources.
- When assigned in a supervisor’s absence, serve as Lead Tech with responsibility for the section or department during the shift.
- Carry out assigned responsibilities related to LIS and/or POCT.
- Perform other tasks or responsibilities assigned by the department manager or director.
