Laboratory Technical Specialist

Under the direction of the Laboratory Senior Manager, the Laboratory Technical Specialistis responsible for the overall operation and administration of the laboratory; coordinatingthe activities of personnel engaged in performing chemical and/or physical tests,quality control processes, and reporting clinical laboratory test results. Responsiblefor performing tests in a high-complexity clinical laboratory in three or more specialties,such as Microbiology, Serology, Chemistry, Toxicology, and/or Immunology. The LaboratoryTechnical Specialist may fulfill the duties of the Laboratory Senior Manager, as delegated,during the Senior Manager’s absence and may serve in a supervisory capacity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

*Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.*

• Must be accessible to testing personnel at all times while testing is performed andprovide telephone or electronic consultation to resolve technical problems in accordancewith policies and procedures established by the Laboratory Senior Manager.
• Responsible for providing day-to-day management of test performances by testing personnel.
• Responsible for ensuring that the laboratory personnel monitor test analysis and specimenexaminations to ensure the acceptable levels of analytic performance are maintained.
• Assure that all remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from thelaboratory’s established performance.
• Assure that patient test results are not reported until all corrective actions havebeen taken and the test system is functioning properly.
• Assure that orientation to the laboratory is provided to all testing personnel.
• Assure that prescribed procedures are followed in the performance of any tests withinthe laboratory specialties and be capable of calculating the results of the testsperformed if necessary.
• Assure the proper operation, calibration, performance checks, and maintenance of allclinical laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Recognize and correct basic instrument malfunctions if necessary.
• Assure that reagents and media are prepared, form a prescribed procedure and adjustmentsare made if necessary.
• Assure that media, reagents, and calibrators are evaluated according to establishedcriteria.
• Assure that established quality control procedures are conducted on analytical tests,equipment, reagents, media, and products. Evaluate results of quality control andassure implementations of corrective action when indicated.
• Determine performance specifications for new methods.
• Establish basic quality control procedures.
• Assure that comparison studies of precision, accuracy, linearity, cost, suitability,etc. are performed on new and existing procedures and results are reported in an establishedformat.
• Correlate and interpret data based on knowledge of physiological conditions affectingresults and assess plausibility of laboratory results through correlating of datawhen necessary.
• Specify the need for additional laboratory tests for definitive diagnostic informationin prescribed instances.
• Confirm and verify results through knowledge of techniques, alternatives, and instruments.
• Recognize problems, identify the cause, develop alternatives, and determine solutionswhere no preset criteria are available.
• Establish and monitor quality assurance/continuous quality improvement programs.
• Establish and monitor safety programs in compliance with laboratory regulations.
• Assure that records are maintained that demonstrate that proficiency testing samplesare tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
• Assure utilization of laboratory information systems or other methods to accuratelyand effectively report patient results.
• Assure that laboratory procedures are written to conform to a standardized format.
• Provide for clinical orientation and supervision for students and new or less skilledlaboratory personnel.
• Monitor ordering or direct ordering of drugs, solutions, and equipment and assurethat records or ordering are maintained.
• Initiate the purchase of supplies and equipment required for the laboratory.
• Advise the medical director and laboratory oversight committee on the selection ofthe test methodology that is appropriate for the clinical use of the test results.
• Assist with the interpretation of corporate policy and state laws as related to thelaboratory.
• Participate in Corporate safety procedures and programs.
• Remain current in laboratory knowledge and skills.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES:

Directly manage supervisors and/or technical and clerical staff in the laboratories.Carry out managerial responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policiesand applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and trainingemployees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewardingand disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Possess a bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology and holds a current Tennessee MedicalLaboratory Supervisor (General) license. Candidates must have at least four yearsof full-time laboratory experience (30 hours per week or equivalent), obtained afterqualifying as a manager. Experience must be gained in a clinical laboratory approvedby the Tennessee Medical Laboratory Board and supervised by a doctoral-level laboratorydirector.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

General knowledge of billing and collections, ICD-10, and CPT coding, medical terminology,and computer software applications. Knowledge of the principles and practices ofsupervisory and general management abilities of a medical office. Ability to operatecomputers, keyboards, and printers. Knowledge of modern office practice, procedures,and equipment for multiple office sites. Ability to establish and maintain an effectiveworking relationship with faculty members, staff, patients, and other third parties.Ability to concentrate under high demands and listen effectively. Ability to organizetasks; work as a team member and independently using sound management skills witha variety of professional disciplines. Convey a professional and positive image andattitude.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essentialduty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge,skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individualswith disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EOE/AA/M/F/Disability/Vet

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