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 and Business & Professions Code Section 1204. The specialist must possess a degree of skill commensurate with their education, training, experience, and technical abilities. Key responsibilities include adhering to laboratory procedures for test collection, processing, analysis, and reporting; maintaining quality control and documenting corrective actions; identifying and resolving issues that may affect test performance; performing a wide variety of microbiology procedures using manual and automated methods; performing testing in other department areas for which licensed and competent; performing and documenting instrument and equipment maintenance; reviewing the accuracy of patient results before release; recognizing age-specific differences in expected results; ensuring proficiency testing samples are handled correctly and prohibiting collaboration with other labs before reporting results; potentially performing venipuncture or capillary puncture; assisting in the development and maintenance of laboratory policies and procedures; adhering to all department and hospital policies related to safety, infection control, emergency preparedness, and human resources; potentially operating as the Micro Tech in-charge during their shift if the supervisor is unavailable; and performing other tasks as 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.
Identify 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’s 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.