Clinical Laboratory Scientist, #X14

Basic Purpose:

Positions within this job family are assigned responsibilities for performing professional work involving a wide variety of clinical laboratory tests.

Typical functions:

The functions within this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

• Receive, sort and distribute specimens to appropriate laboratories.

• Access specimens for acceptability for testing and assign accession numbers.

• Perform clinical laboratory tests using standard procedures examining human and animal specimens for the purpose of providing information for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of disease, impairment as an assessment of health of human beings.

• Conduct statistical analysis, evaluate test results relative to demographic information and to established reference materials.

• Reach conclusions, assign results, and conduct further examinations or take appropriate action as may be required.

• Adhere to the laboratory's quality control policies, and periodically assess procedures and identify problems that may adversely affect test performance.

• Maintain the laboratory record system for recording information on patient demographics, specimen collection, identification, preservation, processing, quality control, accurate result reporting and specimen referral.

• Perform maintenance and function checks on electronic, mechanical and operational checks necessary for proper test performance to assure accurate and reliable test results and reports.

• Follow all safety procedures and maintain safety equipment.

• Provide consultation regarding the appropriateness of the testing ordered and interpretation of test results. Assist clients in ensuring that appropriate tests are ordered to meet the clinical expectations.

• Evaluate and document performance of individuals responsible for testing by direct observation of specimen handling and test performance.

• Access training needs and participate in regular in-service training and appropriate education on laboratory safety and procedures.

Level Descriptors:

The Clinical Laboratory Scientist job family consists of four levels which are distinguished based on the complexity of assigned duties, the expertise required to complete various assignments, and the responsibility assigned for providing leadership to others.

Level I            Code: X14A            Salary Band: J

This is the basic level of this job family where incumbents perform a wide variety of routine clinical laboratory tests.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of the basic principles of chemistry, biology, and microbiology methods and techniques of laboratory analysis; of the hazards of laboratory activities and related safety practices; and of the principles of microbiological, immunological, and biochemical reagents and standard examinations. Ability is required to perform basic microbiological, immunological, and biochemical analysis; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to follow instructions, both orally and in writing; and to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in biological science, chemistry, or a closely related field, curriculum must include one semester course in Microbiology and one semester course in Biochemistry or Immunology.

Level II            Code: X14B            Salary Band: K

This is the career level of this job family where incumbents are responsible for performing a full range of routine clinical laboratory tests.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of modern clinical laboratory analysis techniques of chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology and related laboratory specialties; of clinical laboratory terminology; of recent developments in clinical laboratory techniques; and of the hazards of laboratory activities and safety procedures. Ability is required to conduct and interpret laboratory tests, to organize, analyze and evaluate tests in terms of laboratory controls and methods; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of bachelor’s degree in biological science, chemistry, or a closely related field and two years of experience performing clinical laboratory tests; or a Master of Science degree in Microbiology or Immunology, or registration as a Medical Technologist with a nationally recognized certifying agency such as the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the National Certifying Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel (NCA), the American Medical Technologist (AMT) or RMT certification with the International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT) or an equivalent certificate.

Level III            Code: X14C            Salary Band: L

This is the specialist level of this job family where incumbents are assigned responsibility for completing a wide range of clinical laboratory tests. At this level incumbents may be assigned responsibilities for providing training or assistance to others in performing laboratory tests or other work.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of modern clinical laboratory analysis techniques of chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology and related laboratory specialties; of clinical laboratory terminology; of recent developments in clinical laboratory techniques; and of the hazards of laboratory activities and safety procedures. Ability is required to conduct and interpret laboratory tests; to organize, analyze and evaluate tests in terms of laboratory controls and methods; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in biological science, chemistry, or a closely related field and four years of experience performing clinical laboratory tests; or a Master of Science degree in Microbiology or Immunology and two years experience and registration as a Medical Technologist with a nationally recognized certifying agency such as the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the National Certifying Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel (NCA), the American Medical Technologist (AMT) or RMT certification with the International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT) or an equivalent certificate.

Level IV            Code: X14D            Salary Band: M

This is the leadership level where incumbents are assigned responsibilities involving the supervision of the activities of a clinical laboratory in performing microbiological, immunological, and biochemical examinations. May perform some research and provide consultation to health professionals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of modern clinical laboratory analysis techniques of chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology and related laboratory specialties; of clinical laboratory terminology; of recent developments in clinical laboratory techniques; and of the hazards of laboratory activities and safety procedures; and of the principles of supervision and training. Ability is required to perform high complexity clinical laboratory tests; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to set up, care for, and use laboratory equipment; to follow oral and written instruction; to exercise initiative and independent judgment; and to plan, assign, and review the work of subordinate professional staff.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a master's degree in microbiology or Immunology, and four years experience in performing clinical laboratory tests, including one year in a supervisory capacity; or a bachelor’s degree in biologic science, chemistry, or a closely related field, and six years of experience in performing clinical laboratory tests, including one year in a supervisory capacity; or registration as a Medical Technologist with a nationally recognized certifying agency such as the American Society of Clinical Pathologists, the National Certifying Agency for Medical Laboratory Personnel (NCA), the American Medical Technologist (AMT) or RMT certification with the International Society for Clinical Laboratory Technology (ISCLT) or an equivalent certificate and six years of experience in performing clinical laboratory tests, including one year in a supervisory capacity.