What are the responsibilities and job description for the Histocompatibility Specialist position at medstar?
A Brief Overview
Performs high complexity histocompatibility testing for transplantation, including molecular HLA typing, HLA antibody identification, and HLA crossmatch testing. This is a day shift position, 7am-3:30pm, after initial training is complete the regular schedule will be Sunday-Thursday.
Job Description
- Performs, documents and reports high complexity histocompatibility testing. Confirms abnormal results and specimen discrepancies. Refers problems with procedure/performance to a supervisor.
- Performs and documents quality control procedures for FDA modified and laboratory developed tests. Performs quality system audits.
- Works collectively with co-workers to ensure that the laboratory meets and exceeds all safety requirements, including but not limited to maintaining temperature charts, equipment logs, control materials, laboratory cleanliness and transportation of hazardous wastes to the department's pick-up area.
- Assists with the management of patient histocompatibility information in local and national databases, including UNOS, NKR, NMDP. Verifies each patient’s histocompatibility information throughout the transplant process, including initial candidacy evaluation, ongoing monitoring pre-transplant, risk assessment at the time of transplant, and post-transplant immunologic monitoring.
- Ensures that turnaround time standards are met within the lab section.
- Maintains equipment logs and performs routine calibration and preventative maintenance on instruments and equipment in accordance with established guidelines.
- Participates in reagent inventory management in the assigned area. Understands reagent stability and follows manufacturer recommendations for storage conditions.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree preferably in Medical Laboratory Science or closely related field.
- 1-2 years of clinical laboratory high complexity HLA testing, preferred.
- ASCP - American Society of Clinical Pathologist or ABHI certification required.
