Toxicology Group Toxicology Technician I (Testing Personnel)

Job Summary:

The Toxicology Technician I (Testing Personnel) of the Toxicology Group ensures accurate and high-quality clinical laboratory results for clients in immunological drug screening or drug identification methods within the framework of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (42 CFR 493). Duties include performing drug screening or drug identification testing, maintenance of instruments and equipment, data and results entry, adherence to safety policies and procedures, and working cooperatively within the organizational structure.  

This position reports administratively and in the CLIA accreditation structure to the Toxicology Certifying Scientist (General Supervisor).

CLIA Responsibilities

• Performs only those 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. 
• Testing personnel must - 
• Follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.
• Maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
• Adhere to the laboratory's quality control policies, document all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed. 
• Follow the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance. 
• 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. 
• Document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications. 

Additional Responsibilities:

• Adhere to safety and laboratory cleaning policies and procedures and model safe practices. Notify the supervisor of actual or potential unsafe practices promptly.
• Complete timecards in the payroll system daily for weekly supervisory review. Seek approval from your direct supervisor prior to working any overtime hours.
• Participate in company-wide training and job-specific continuing education programs. Provide documentation for inclusion in training files.
• Complete logs, forms, inventory, etc. to document laboratory processes as directed.
• Perform required instrument/equipment maintenance procedures as required and document completion as directed.
• Initiate corrective actions when policies or procedures are not followed, or quality control data is outside established limits. Contribute to solutions to solve recurring issues.
• Provide regular updates to your supervisor regarding any laboratory or technical issues in a timely manner.
• Work cooperatively with laboratory colleagues and within the organization structure to help meet corporate goals.
• Successfully run drug screening or drug identification tests.
• Learn and adhere to CLIA regulatory requirements for high-complexity testing.
• Use the Laboratory Information Management System to ensure data is entered correctly.
• Keep laboratories and workstations clean and organized.

Required Skills / Abilities

• Knowledge of basic principles related to drug screening or drug identification procedures.
• Successfully complete initial and 6-month competency assessments.
• Able to work in a clinical laboratory environment and follow supervisor’s directions and assignments.
• Write legibly and check email daily for important messages.
• Communicate clearly and often with colleagues and supervisors regarding laboratory work.
• Able to work in a highly accountable environment of professionalism, positivity, and respect.

Education & Experience

• Qualify as a CLIA Testing Personnel for a high complexity laboratory in the specialty of Chemistry (42 CFR 493.1489).
• At least 3 months of experience in high complexity testing.