Microbiology Specialist

Prime Healthcare•Evanston, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for performing waived, moderate, or highly complex tests authorized by CLIA. The specialist must adhere to laboratory procedures for collection, processing, analysis, and reporting of patient test results. They must follow quality control policies, identify and correct problems that may affect test performance, and perform a wide variety of microbiology procedures using both manual and automated methods. The role also involves performing testing in other areas of the department if licensed and competent, performing and documenting instrument maintenance, reviewing the accuracy of patient results, and recognizing age-specific differences in expected results. Proficiency testing must be conducted in the same manner as patient samples, with collaboration prohibited before reporting results. The specialist may also be required to perform venipuncture or capillary puncture, assist in developing and maintaining laboratory policies and procedures, and adhere to all department and hospital policies related to safety, infection control, emergency preparedness, and human resources. In some instances, they may be assigned responsibility for the operation of the micro department as Micro Tech in-charge if the supervisor is unavailable. Other tasks may be assigned by the department manager/director.

Requirements

Possession of a current and valid state Clinical Laboratory Scientist license or limited state Clinical Laboratory Scientist license as a Microbiologist Specialist if the laboratory is located in a state where required.
Bachelor's Degree in chemical, physical, biological science, or Medical Laboratory Technology from an accredited institution, or other educational requirements as stated in CLIA (42 CFR 493.1489).

Nice To Haves

CLS/MT generalist with 1-yr microbiology experience or Microbiologist Specialist preferred.

Responsibilities

Adhere to the laboratory's procedures for the collection, processing, analysis, and reporting of patient test results.
Follow the laboratory's established quality control policies and procedures in documenting all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
Be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance and either correct the problem or immediately notify your immediate supervisor, Director, or Medical Director.
Perform a wide variety of microbiology procedures requiring independent judgment in performing high complexity testing in both manual and automated methods.
Perform testing procedures in other areas of the department for which licensed and competency demonstrated.
Perform and document maintenance – daily, weekly, monthly, or as needed on instruments and equipment as appropriate.
Review the accuracy of patient results prior to releasing or reporting.
Recognize age specific differences in expected results for newborns to geriatrics.
Ensure that the testing of proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient’samples and that collaboration with other laboratories is prohibited prior to the reporting of proficiency testing results to the appropriate agencies.
May be required to perform venipuncture or capillary puncture on various age groups from newborn to geriatrics.
Assist in the development and maintenance of laboratory policies and procedures.
Adheres to all department and hospital policies and procedures related to safety, infection control, emergency preparedness, and human resources.
May be assigned responsibility for the operation of the micro department during their shift, as Micro Tech in-charge if supervisor is unavailable.
Other tasks or responsibilities may be assigned by the department manager/director.