Lab Section Head
Total hours worked per week: 40
Description
MUNSON HEALTHCARE MANISTEE HOSPITAL
JOB DESCRIPTION
TITLE: Laboratory Section Head FLSA: Non-Exempt
Job Code: U118 Grade: Union 2
Work Comp Code: 8833 Date: 6/05, 3/07, 3/20
DEPARTMENT: Laboratory
GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under minimal supervision, is responsible for the technical maintenance, work
flow and currency of one or more MHMH Laboratory Sections, including: Blood
Bank, Chemistry/Immuno Chemistry, Hematology, Histology, Laboratory
Information Systems/Send-Outs, Microbiology, Urinalysis/Drug Screening and
Serology. In addition to Section Head duties, performs the duties of a
Medical Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technologist, or Histotech throughout
the Laboratory on a regular basis as assigned. (Reference job descriptions:
Medical Technologist, Medical Laboratory Technologist, and/or
Histotechnologist.)
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Work is performed in accordance with established practices. Has primary
responsibility for technical operations; oversees section operations and
directs work flow in an effective and efficient manner for the
instrumentation present. Unusual situations are evaluated and discussed
with the manager.
2. Ensures compliance with section standards for regulatory and accrediting
agencies.
3. Drafts, reviews, tests, develops, and implements new laboratory policies,
procedures and protocols. Maintains and updates policy, procedure, and
protocol manuals.
4. Logs specimen and organizes tests to be run; prepares instruments and
work area and sets equipment in accordance with test specifications;
clarifies test requests (when necessary) and checks specimen for proper
collection and labeling.
5. Processes specimen into desired testing form; centrifuges blood, prepares
slides, prepares smears, prepares and incubates cultures and so forth.
6. Performs/conducts multiple, varied clinical laboratory tests manually or
by utilizing various automated and semi-automated equipment and machines
including highly sophisticated testing devices. Example: scans
microscopic slides to identify and classify normal and abnormal cell
types to determine the presence of pathogenicity; runs antibiotic
sensitivity tests; reads and evaluates cultures and gram stains for
pathogenic bacteria; runs coagulation studies; detects blood antibodies;
evaluates blood typing discrepancies; correlation of spinal fluid
analyses; runs urine and other fluid studies, etc.
Job Description
Lab Section Head
Page 2
7. Calculates test results and quality controls utilizing mathematical
formulas and calculations; confirms abnormal results by reviewing
previous test results, repeating tests and correlating test results with
patient diagnosis; informs manager, nursing service and/or physician of
confirmed abnormal results. Performs those calculations and controls
which do not require an advanced/professional level of knowledge for
their performance or interpretation.
8. Records tests conducted; notes test date, patient name and test results
for reference and statistical purposes. Signs and reports test results
to nursing floors or other area of origin in accordance with reporting
policies and procedures; expedites STAT tests to the degree possible
within the limits of quality control.
9. Processes specimens to be delivered to reference laboratories;
prepares/maintains related paperwork.
10. Implements all quality controls instituted to ensure test validity i.e.,
minor troubleshooting and calibration of equipment and testing reagents
and media for sensitivity and contamination; adheres to departmental
safety standards in responsible handling, processing and testing
specimens. Disposes of all biological hazardous waste according to
established procedures.
11. Maintains, calibrates and cleans equipment; replaces tubing and
malfunctioning parts; verifies proper function through standardization
and controls; troubleshoots and documents routine instrumentation
problems and repairs.
12. Routinely performs specimen collection duties.
13. Inventories and stocks supplies; reports supply deficiencies to manager.
Prepares reagents (those not purchased in prepared form/solution) for
laboratory testing.
14. Remains abreast of developments in the field(s) of medical technology;
recommends the adoption/incorporation of advances and innovations
designed to facilitate departmental operations.
15. Write policies, procedures and protocols for all technical areas of
responsibility, revises as needed, and reviews annually.
16. Assists with the orientation and training of departmental technical
Associates.
Job Description
Lab Section Head
Page 3
17. May assist pathologist in performing autopsies.
18. Works night, weekend and holiday call duty as assigned.
19. Assists with clerical duties such as scheduling patients, answering
phone, filing reports and distributing reports.
20. Complies with all Hospital and departmental rules and regulations,
including safety, Associate health, and confidentiality.
21. Participates in Hospital and lab education programs and meetings.
Attends all mandatory inservices.
22. Reviews all departmental/hospital safety, infection control,
chemical hygiene, hazardous waste, tornado, snow emergency, mass
disaster, and fire emergency plans.
23. Assists the manager in the assessment of technical performance of
personnel, verifies satisfactory orientation of new employees, and
provides technical guidance and coaching to other laboratory associates.
24. Maintains, reviews and revises issues relating to test development,
monitoring of test integrity, quality control and instrument preventative
maintenance. Reviews test results and initiates follow-up and consult
with physicians, as appropriate.
25. Manipulates, reviews and organizes the quality control, instrument
calibration and proficiency testing programs. Maintains records of
preventive maintenance of laboratory instrumentation, and are involved in
trouble-shooting instrumentation issues.
26. Monitors and orders adequate laboratory supplies and reagents ensuring
adequate inventory.
27. Assists in the identification and evaluation of new and replacement
instrumentation.
28. Performs job responsibilities in an ethical, compliant manner consistent
with the organization's values and the hospital's Corporate Compliance
Program, policies, procedures and protocols.
29. Applies CQI concepts and methods throughout related activities.
In addition to the duties and responsibilities #1 thru #30 above, the Section
Head for Laboratory Information Systems:
1. Functions as the LIS Module Coordinator, including the laboratory,
microbiology, blood bank, histology, pathology, and cytology sections.
Job Description
Lab Section Head
Page 4
2. Assists I.S. with analysis, installation, in-services, maintains computer
applications, procedures, and other systems that satisfy the needs of the
Laboratory.
3. Analyzes and develops necessary design work, including testing and
documentation and installation. Reviews, evaluates customer needs as
appropriate with the software vendors.
4. Assists with computer applications to ensure proper use and security.
5. Analyzes problems, determines cause and initiates technical corrective
action.
In addition to the duties and responsibilities #1 thru #30 above, the Section
Head for Histology:
1. Receives histologic specimens obtained through surgical and autopsy
procedure, ensuring proper identification and labeling; logs
accessionally pertinent information according to established procedures.
2. Prepares tissue specimens for gross initial inspection by pathologist;
processes tissue samples utilizing processing instrument in order to
properly infiltrate tissue with paraffin by immersion in various
solutions.
3. Prepares permanent tissue section slides: embeds tissues into paraffin
blocks; slices blocks into very thin sections utilizing microtome;
affixes sections on slides; stains slides; mounts and labels completed
slides for pathologist's inspection and diagnosis.
4. Assists Pathologist in the performance of frozen sections for stat
diagnosis utilizing cryostat and accelerated procedure.
5. Observes time deadlines for presenting slides to the pathologist to
assist in rapid reporting of results.
6. Performs special stains on selected sections according to pathologist's
request.
7. Performs related service and maintenance duties: monitors inventory of
supplies and reorders such when necessary; monitors and records all
temperature regulated instruments; troubleshoots equipment and documents
such activity; cleans work area; disposes of specimens according to
prescribed procedure.
Job Description
Lab Section Head
Page 5
8. Maintains report, slide, block and wet/frozen specimen files for future
reference and research purposes according to Hospital policy;
retrieves and re-files such as requested by pathologist.
9. Forwards Histology reports, slides, blocks and tissue samples for
referral/consultation analysis as directed by pathologist; records
pertinent information.
10. Maintains records and prepares reports of procedures performed, workload,
and related activities.
11. Applies CQI concepts and methods throughout related activities.
12. Performs job responsibilities in an ethical, compliant manner consistent
with the organization's values and the hospital's Corporate Compliance
Program, policies, procedures and protocols.
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
1. Completion of two years of advanced technical training (MLT), including a
six month clinical internship, or completion of a bachelor's degree in
medical technology (MT), ASCP certification as a Histologic Technician
2. A minimum of five years of experience in Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital's Laboratory, or another CLIA licensed laboratory.
3. Certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP), or
certification by the American Society of Medical Technologists (ASMT), or
other recognized national certification for medical laboratory personnel.
4. The analytical ability to interpret and analyze test results and the
laboratory information system noting abnormalities and discrepancies.
5. Ability to perform calculations, calibrate instruments, and laboratory
information system programming modifications. Ability to identify and
resolve physiological and computer abnormalities and contradictions.
6. The manual dexterity and visual acuity necessary to prepare specimens and
solutions and microscopically examine specimens.
7. Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws
and regulations, as well as other policies and procedures in order to
maintain laboratory licensure and certifications.
Job Description
Lab Section Head
Page 6
8. Persistently demonstrates knowledge and application of WSMC's Behavioral
Expectations in all matters. Must have a well developed set of
interpersonal skills for frequent and successful interactions with our
customers, Associates of the Hospital and Medical Staff Members.
9. Analytical ability as well as visual, hearing and sensory touch acuity
necessary to assess patients' condition, developmental needs, and utilize
professional judgment in providing care to patients of all age
populations (i.e. peds, geriatric, adolescent, and adult).
10. BCLS certification required.
11. Please check the appropriate age specific competencies:
__X__Prenatal & Perinatal (0-2) __X__Young Child (2-8)
__X__Adolescent (9-15) __X__Adult (16-28)
__X__Middle-Aged Adult (29-53) __X__Geriatric (54-74)
__X__Frail Adult (75+) _____Not applicable, no clinical
contact
WORKING CONDITIONS:
1. Please check the appropriate health and safety requirements:
__X__Exposure to blood and/or body fluids
__X__Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals or Pharmaceuticals
_____Repetitive bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, 25 lbs to equivalent
of associate's weight
_____Minimal bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, 0-25 lbs
_____Moderate bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, 10-25 lbs
_____Continual standing
_____Continual sitting
__X__Sporadic keyboarding, sitting, standing
__X__Utilization of personal protective equipment (gloves, masks, gowns,
boots, etc)
_____Continual keyboarding
2. Encourages subordinates and works in a safe and health manner to prevent
injury or illness.