CLIN LAB SCI SPEC

Provides services of both a technical and non-technical nature in the laboratory service areas. Performs routine and complex laboratory tests in the cytogenetics department of the clinical laboratory to provide physicians with rapid and accurate laboratory test results. Tests include conventional cytogenetics and advanced technology testing, for example microarray testing. Some of the duties include: analysis of microarray data, processing of specimens in the laboratory; performance of waived, moderate, and highly complex analytical process; ability to recognize human chromosome banding patterns; manual dexterity to use common laboratory equipment and perform sterile techniques as required; establishing, performing and documenting quality assurance, quality control and equipment maintenance; recognizing problems and identifying causes; developing alternatives and determining solutions; confirming and verifying results through an in-depth knowledge of techniques, principles, and instruments; correlating and interpreting data based on knowledge of factors affecting test results; initial, harvest, stain, microscopically analyze, photograph, print, karyotype and summarize analyses on cytogenetics specimens; data handling and input; answering the telephone; other duties as assigned.

The employee is expected to work efficiently and should be able to determine the most effective use of time, such as overlapping procedures, organizing an individual work schedule, and setting priorities in order to meet required turnaround times (TAT) for case completion. He/she should also determine, according to established guidelines, proper methods necessary for specimen processing and analysis.

A new employee must accomplish the following tasks within the six-month probationary period or within the first six months from hiring date, if a probationary period does not apply. The following described performance standards are expected of all employees hired at this level. Attaining these performance standards will require instruction from the supervisor and/or persons designated by the supervisor and initiative by the employee. In addition, the employee must adhere to all UCSF Medical Center and departmental policies.

Percentage of Time Spent

Specimen Log-in and Accessioning 5%

Enter all incoming cytogenetic (including array) samples on TC logbooks and spreadsheet which will provide section accurate records of receipt and sample conditions. Label specimens, reagents and worksheets with required information in a legible and neat manner with ink pen.

Specimen Processing, Maintenance and Harvest 35%

Achieve good chromosome growth by setting up all cytogenetics samples including amniotic fluids, chorionic villi, and products of conceptions, peripheral blood, bone cores and bone marrows according to established written lab protocols. Perform chromosome harvest, slide making and banding according to lab protocols. Maintain a clean and neat work area. Replenishes supplies and prepares reagents as needed. Process array samples; perform hybridization procedures and fluorescent microscopy.

Send-outs 5%

Provide outside referral labs with correct sample requirements and paperwork by proper communication with the send-out department and section supervisor.

General QC and Media Preparation 5%

Provide accurate results by proper preventive maintenance of equipment and handling of reagents used in the section. Validate new lot and ensure new reagents pass QC before use. Accurate monitoring the supply of chemicals and reagent preparation is required. Correctly makes dilutions following the dilution protocol for the assay. Assist with receiving of media or supply, unpacking, and storage of reagents and supplies. Notify a supervisor whenever results of assays on QC are out-of-range. Troubleshoot issues as assigned.

Cytogenetics Data Analysis and interpretation 50%

Analyze, digitize, and karyotype chromosome spreads (including fluorescent microscopy) and analyze microarray data. Interpret results and generate cytogenetics preliminary reports including FISH and microarray reports. Summarize case studies using proper ISCN nomenclature. Perform workups according to lab protocols. Never alters patient test results in any way after they have been released to the LIS except through accepted procedure with documentation. Report abnormal results, as indicated in the procedures to supervisor and/or resident in a timely manner (if designated by supervisor). Legibly record the results on worksheets in ink.

OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The followings are incorporated into each of the tasks listed above. CLS specialists are expected to perform all the above procedures assigned to the shift in an accurate and efficient manner. Learn to perform any new procedure within a reasonable time frame. Perform procedures in a manner, which does not deviate from the step-by-step procedure write-up. Any deviation from the procedure must be reviewed with a supervisor. Complete test procedures and transmit results in the laboratory computer system within established turn-around times (TATs). Monitor TAT for incomplete cases and follow up to ensure testing is performed and completed. Check sample arrivals in pending log.

Record malfunction and corrective action in service logbooks. Notify supervisor and/or bench staff via email of pending service calls. Document malfunction in appropriate log sheets. Be responsible for procedural updates by reviewing procedures in master control in a timely manner, checking posted and emailed updates, and by reading and initialing all meeting notes. Communicate across shifts in regard to patient and instrument problems, and pending tests. Follows Hand Off Procedure. Complete required training and competency assessments within the assigned time frames. Apply proper PPE (include wearing buttoned lab coat and gloves) and precautions when handling patient samples for protection from health hazards. Refrain from smoking, drinking, or eating in and around work areas. Take full responsibility for errors when committed, notify required personnel and completes appropriate documentation. Integrate assigned tasks in order to complete the assignments by the end of the work shift. Accept a reasonable increase in the workload when necessary or assigned by a supervisor. Perform special procedures or projects when added to routine procedure run or when assigned separately. Assist in the training of new CLS Specialists, trainees and students. Assist coworkers when own tasks are completed. Assist with answering phone calls or in-lab inquiries. Maintains a respectful and professional attitude at all times. Report laboratory problems to supervisor including errors, injuries and/or variances from standard procedure.

Specific percentage of duties will be based on daily workload and lab staffing.

Perform other duties as assigned by the Sr. Supervisor or General Supervisor.

Required Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a fast-paced clinical laboratory setting (minimum 1yr)
• Basic computer skills (Word, Excel - 0-1yrs)
• 1 yr. recent experience as a CLS or Cytogeneticist in a clinical laboratory or Graduation from a CA-approved Clinical Laboratory or Cytogenetics training program.
• Familiarity with laboratory quality assessment and quality control
• Must be willing to handle biohazards specimens

Preferred Qualifications:

• Microarray experience, FISH or COG experience

Requied Licenses/Certification:

• California licensure as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) or limited CA licensure as Clinical Cytogeneticist Scientist (CCS)

Required Qualifications:

• Previous experience in a fast-paced clinical laboratory setting (minimum 1yr)
• Basic computer skills (Word, Excel - 0-1yrs)
• 1 yr. recent experience as a CLS or Cytogeneticist in a clinical laboratory or Graduation from a CA-approved Clinical Laboratory or Cytogenetics training program.
• Familiarity with laboratory quality assessment and quality control
• Must be willing to handle biohazards specimens

Preferred Qualifications:

• Microarray experience, FISH or COG experience

Requied Licenses/Certification:

• California licensure as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) or limited CA licensure as Clinical Cytogeneticist Scientist (CCS)