Laboratory Supervisor

Description

Plans, organizes and supervises all laboratory procedures performed by IRL technologists to ensure procedures are completed in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).  Contributes to high level decisions relative to laboratory operations and coordinates work flow to ensure patient testing is completed in an accurate, safe and efficient manner. Observes and reviews work performed by each technologist.  Serves as general supervisor and testing personnel, if needed, as outlined in CLIA guidance.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for the following duties stipulated in 42 CFR 493.1463 and 42 CFR 493.1495, General Supervisor and Testing Personnel responsibilities.

1. Must be accessible to testing personnel at all times testing is performed to provide on-site, telephone, or electronic consultation to resolve technical problems in accordance with policies and procedures established either by the laboratory director or technical supervisor.
2. Responsible for providing day-to-day supervision of high complexity test performance by testing personnel qualified under 42 CFR 493.1489.
3. Responsible for monitoring test analyses and specimen examinations to ensure acceptable levels of analytic performance are maintained.
4. Assuring all remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.
5. Ensuring patient test results are not reported until all corrective actions have been taken and the test system is properly functioning.
6. Providing orientation to all testing personnel.
7. Annually evaluating and documenting the performance of all testing personnel.
8. Each individual performs only those moderate/high complexity tests that are authorized by the laboratory director and require a degree of skill commensurate with the individual’s education, training or experience, and technical abilities.
9. Each individual performing moderate/high complexity testing must:

a.  Follow the laboratory’s procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient results.

b.  Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient samples.

c.  Adhere to the laboratory’s quality control policies, document all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed.

d.  Follow the laboratory’s established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory’s established acceptable levels of performance.

e.  Be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the problems or immediately notify the general supervisor, technical supervisor, clinical consultant, or director.

f.   Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory’s established performance specifications.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Ensures appropriate staffing and scheduling to meet operational goals; approves employee timesheets, monitoring work schedules and overtime appropriately.
2. Manages personnel activities which includes interviewing, hiring, coaching, counseling, and disciplinary action.
3. Monitors and assesses employee performance related to established KPIs and competencies, addressing performance gaps and issuing corrective action where needed; mentors and champions the professional development of team members; assists in training, continuing education programs, departmental meetings and proficiency testing programs for Laboratory employees.
4. Reviews results on donor and patient blood samples to ensure testing is performed in accordance with written reference procedures and all significant reactivity is resolved.
5. Prepares and/or approves final consultation reports for clients.
6. Performs routine and special serological tests, identifies immunohematological problems and determines appropriate blood for transfusion while maintaining a high quality of work.
7. Assists with implementation of Immunohematology techniques and prepares procedures for laboratory manuals.
8. Recognizes unacceptable test results, investigates and identifies the causes, makes necessary adjustments to equipment, reagents, or procedures where possible in order to complete testing.  Notifies Sr. Director or Medical Director of all deviations and problems that cannot be corrected immediately.
9. Maintains current competencies in all procedures performed in the Reference Laboratory.
10. Consults with Scientific Support to resolve complex immunohematological problems and request advanced molecular and serologic techniques.
11. Assists with management of the compatibility testing program to ensure proper transfusion practices are maintained by participating facilities.  This will include:
    1. Ensuring problems with specimens and requests are resolved.
    2. Providing coordination and training for potential clients.
    3. Providing periodic and annual reviews of client training records and procedures.
    4. Tracking and trending compliance with established procedures and guidelines.
    5. Coordinating in-services for on-going skills development or corrective action for non-compliance with procedures and guidelines.
    6. Monitoring and assisting facilities with blood utilization programs as outlined in AABB Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services
12. Performs scheduled quality control procedures and observations on equipment and/or reagents used in the Laboratory, taking corrective action when results are outside acceptable ranges and completes all necessary records, reports and documents.
13. Assists in the development and implementation of a comprehensive Quality Assurance program for the Laboratory and monitors overall effectiveness of the program to ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation agencies, i.e. FDA, OSHA, CLIA, AABB.
14. Ensures laboratory work areas and laboratory equipment are maintained and kept in good working order, including cleaning and performing preventive maintenance in accordance with SOPs.  Ensures appropriate supplies are maintained in the laboratory at all times.
15. Responsible for employees following and practicing “safety first” approach to their tasks. Ensures all accidents and near misses are reported accurately and provides safer processes when needed.
16. Models LifeShare’s mission and values, integrating them into daily decisions, behavior and actions.
17. Promotes cooperation and communication within a team to achieve company and departmental goals and deliverables.
18. Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology or related scientific field with MT(ASCP) Certification or equivalent national accreditation 
• SBB (ASCP) certification or equivalent experience required
• Eligible for and maintains Clinical Laboratory Personnel licensure by Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME)
• Qualifies as CLIA General Supervisor and Testing Personnel under CFR 493.1461 and CFR 493.1489
• At least eight (8) years of experience in Blood Banking, including experience with red cell problem solving and transfusion medicine; graduation from an accredited SBB training program and demonstrated special interest in Immunohematology problem solving may be substituted for up to 2 years of the 8 year experience requirement.
• Ability to demonstrate working knowledge of AABB standards, CLIA and FDA regulations, OSHA requirements and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) for laboratory operations
• Must be proficient in the operation and maintenance of equipment used in the Laboratory
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook); ability to learn and use industry specific software and computer applications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORKING CONDITIONS / ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is generally performed in a laboratory or office setting
• Must be able to work with all laboratory equipment used to test human blood and blood components, handling needles, scissors, human blood and blood components, reagents and other testing chemicals, working effectively under stressful situations.
• Work involves potential exposure to infectious diseases from blood and blood products 

The requirements and physical demands listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with the ADA to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Disclaimer: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performance by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.