Duties
Provides Laboratory Services (35%)
Performs waived to high complexity laboratory testing according to U.S. standards specified in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA ’88) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP) regulations in the areas of hematology, urinalysis, chemistry, microbiology, serology, immunology, blood banking, and parasitology to employees and eligible family members (EFMs). Follows standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Blood Bank and adheres strictly to AABB regulations. Maintains electronic and paper records of patient’s results, equipment maintenance, and quality assurance documentation for two years and guards information appropriately per CLIA 88 requirements. Performs laboratory procedures to aid in the diagnosis of infectious and tropical diseases (HIV, malaria, schistosomiasis, typhoid, dengue, etc.). Assesses accuracy and validity of test results by applying knowledge of relevant scientific principles and provides detailed information to medical providers. Performs appropriate laboratory testing to gather important epidemiological information from an infectious disease outbreak. Maintains Walking Blood Bank (WBB) database of blood types and potential donors.
Collects, Labels and Processes Patient Specimens (15%)
Collects venous and capillary blood specimens from patients of all ages, from babies to adults, without injury to internal structures, e.g. tendons, and nerves. Instructs patient on collection of other specimen types. Knowledge of U.S. Standards for the collection assure proper collection and processing of PAP and biopsy specimens. Knowledge of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Air Transport Association (IATA), and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for the shipment of bio-hazardous, diagnostic and infectious specimens. Instructs HU staff and patients on proper specimen collection.
Manages Quality Assurance Program (10%)
Calibrates analyzers as required. Performs quality control as required by CLIA 88 and CAP. Determines events that must be entered into the Quality Assurance database. Position must maintain and update the database continually. Gathers and evaluates data and documents conclusions and corrective actions in the computer program. Adheres to established policies for handling unacceptable specimens due to improper collection, handling, age, storage and notifies providers and patients. Arranges daily, monthly and quarterly maintenance on the laboratory’s electronic equipment, computers, and precision instruments. Troubleshoots instruments, resolves technical problems, and initiates remedial actions quickly to be prepared for urgent testing needs. Evaluates QC data to establish new QC lot ranges to maintain valid test systems. Monitors temperatures of the laboratory, refrigerators, freezers, incubators and heating blocks to assure proper conditions for testing and storage of supplies.
Procurement and Financial Management Responsibilities (10%)
Maintains knowledge of Mission’s procurement and cashiering processes and procedures. Determines which supplies are needed for the laboratory and submits purchase orders or purchases items. Manages inventory of the laboratory. Handles cash payments. Collects and holds cash from patients for outside tests, makes change and issues receipts for patient tests sent to an outside laboratory. Maintains inventory of N95 masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Participates in Disease Prevention/Health Education Programs (10%)
Assures proper collection and testing of samples from Mission’s water supply. Performs food safety inspections of Mission and Mission-related food facilities at the mission cafeteria, Ambassador and DCM residences, and Marine House, to ensure safe food preparation and handling for public events. Performs environmental sampling when requested or uses an RMLS recommended facility that will perform the test. Performs specimen collection for the DOS Lead Survey program.
Oversees the Implementation and Adherence to the HU’s Exposure Control Plan for Blood Borne Pathogens
And Hazardous Chemical Control Plan (10%)
Responsible for disposal and incineration of all HU medical waste per OSHA regulations. Strictly adheres to policies and procedures established in the Exposure Control Plan. Monitors the HU staff’s adherence to these policies. Creates and submits annual reports on blood borne pathogen training to Occupational Health. Maintains on file Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous chemicals used by the laboratory as well as providers.
Maintains Working Relationship with the Local Reference Laboratory Directors and Facilities (5%)
Coordinates and Conducts Cross Training of In-House HU Staff (5%)
**Note: This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent. Incumbent will be required to perform other duties as assigned by the agency.
To apply for this job please visit erajobs.state.gov.
