MLS Point of Care Testing Specialist
 Brigham and Women's Hospital | |
 United States, Massachusetts, Boston | |
| 75 Francis Street (Show on map) | |
 Feb 20, 2025 | |
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Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) Program Coordinator
The Medical Laboratory Scientist Technical Specialist for Point of Care Testing (MLS TS), in their role as Testing Personnel as defined by CLIA, may perform waived and non-waived testing. Each individual performs only those 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. Under general supervision, and after successful completion of orientation, training, and competency assessment on all instruments/methods applicable to their role, the MLS Technical Specialist (MLS TS) carries out all policies and performs all tests in accordance with the laboratory's standard operating procedures. Works independently in an efficient and organized manner to assure accurate results and records. The work requires a professional level of knowledge to read and interpret accurately test results used by providers in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Under the general supervision of the Clinical Manager/ Department Director and Lab Director, the MLS Technical Specialist (MLS TS) is responsible for all Point of Care (POC) activities performed in both inpatient and outpatient sites. As subject matter expert (SME) for point of care testing, they work collaboratively with Nursing, Ambulatory Services, and other testing site leaders. Primary responsibilities include management of system operations utilizing Telcor and vendor specific systems, instrument validations and implementation, configuation and implemnation, IQCP creation and review, review of Quality Control (QC)/Quality Assurance (QA), documentation of instrument maintenance, troubleshooting and correlations, training and competency assessment of testing personnel, inventory management, oversight of proficiency testing program, development and revisions of policies and procedures, and regulatory activities including site compliance surveillance and follow-up. Reports to: Clinical Manager or Department Director and Laboratory Director. Essential Functions (Key Roles & Responsibilities) Responsibilities as outlined by CLIA: 1.Responsible for the recommendation of test methodology appropriate for the clinical use of the test results. 2.Responsible for the recommendation of test methodologies/instrumentation including test performance characteristics, and precision and accuracy appropriate of the clinical use of test results as appropriate. Works in collaboration with vendors. 3.Responsible for ensuring enrollment and participation in a CMS-approved proficiency testing (PT) program for the testing performed; that PT samples are tested in accordance with the CLIA requirements; that PT results are returned within the time frames established by the PT program; that PT reports are reviewed by the appropriate staff, including CLIA Lab Director, Medical Director, and corrective action plans are followed when PT results are found to be unacceptable or unsatisfactory. 4.Responsible for establishing a quality control program appropriate for the testing performed and establishing the parameters for acceptable levels of analytical performance and ensuring that these levels are maintained throughout the entire testing process from the initial receipt of the specimen, through sample analysis and reporting of test results. 5.Responsible for resolving technical problems and ensuring that remedial actions are taken whenever test systems deviate from the established performance specifications. 6.Responsible for ensuring that processes (e.g. QC lockouts, repeat criteria are established, etc.) are in place to ensure that patient test results are not reported until corrective actions have been taken and the test system is functioning properly. 7.Responsibly for the developing the training needs of the testing personnel and assuring that training/education is appropriate for the type and complexity of testing performed. 8.Responsible for the developing competency assessment modules for testing personnel. In collaboration with testing location leadership, ensures that competency assessment is completed and documented at required times. Non-waived testing requires competency assessment at least semi-annually during their first year and annually thereafter unless test methodology or instrumentation changes. Responsibilities may include the following under the direction of the Clinical Manager, CLIA Lab Director and Medical Director: 1.Performs day-to-day oversight of point of care testing for all testing areas. Monitors processes to ensure that all acceptable levels of analytical performance are met, to include review of quality assurance practices, environmental monitors, instrument and equipment/function checks, quality control, calibration and amended reports, if applicable. 2.Standardizes practices, policies and procedures across POC testing locations. Ensures policies and procedures reflect current practice. Creates and revises policies and procedures. Ensures annual review and approval of manual is completed on time. 2.Provides training and competency assessment through collaboration with point of care testing managers and nurse educators for all testing personnel. Assists with development, implementation and revisions of training and competency modules. Provides on-going education for regulatory requirements, quality control and good laboratory practices. Ensures documentation is completed and reviewed as required. 3.Ensures the regulated and non-regulated Proficiency Testing (PT) programs for POC testing is managed appropriately for each area; annual renewals are completed, testing is rotated amongst staff, compliance with testing schedules and oversight of corrective actions. Oversees the biannual accuracy and reliability assessment for Provider Performed Microscopy (PPM) testing. Compiles and maintains all documentation. 4.Performs method or instrument evaluation and makes recommendations. Validates new instruments/methods, troubleshoots, and revalidates out of service instruments. Validates instrument interfaces. Performs instrument cartridge and reagent validation prior to use. Sequesters new lots. Compiles and maintains all documentation. 5.Assists with the evaluation and implementation of information system solutions for POC instrument interfaces; that includes test results, quality control, and other required data. 6.Performs instrument linearity, calibration verification and biannual method comparisons. Schedules offsite and POCT method comparisons; ensures compliance with testing performance schedules. Compiles, reviews and maintains all documentation. 7.Ensures daily, weekly and monthly maintenance is performed and documented. Ensures POC instrument preventative maintenance is performed on schedule and documented. Assists with the maintenance of vendor contracts, annual review and renewals. 8.Reviews quality control records for completeness and accuracy; documents non-compliance, implements corrective action plans in collaboration with POC area managers. Maintains a working knowledge of manufacturers' quality control recommendations and guidelines. Assists with quality control as needed and monitors quality control trends. 9.Reviews temperature and maintenance logs. Documents review, at least monthly. 10.Ensures that the quality of the testing location is consistent with the standards set by the appropriate accrediting agencies, i.e., CAP, Joint Commission, and State. 11.Manages Telcor and other vendor device management systems. Performs daily reconciliation of test results that don't transmit to HIS, devices without connectivity, and operator certification and deactivation. 12.Creates IQCP plans and performs and documents annual assessment. 13.Collaborates with POC area managers to ensure ongoing Joint Commission (JC) or CAP survey readiness. Using audit tools and checklists, periodically organizes and performs audits for each testing location. Evaluates, summarizes, and reports findings to POC and Clinical Laboratory leadership. Assists POC area managers with addressing findings. Participates in JC surveys and assists with any follow up needed for non-compliance. 14.Maintains professional growth and development through attendance at seminars, workshops, conferences or in-services, professional afflictions, or journals to stay abreast of current trends in field of expertise. Completes mandatory annual training modules. 15.Participates in MGB enterprise POC activities including relevant meetings. 16.Oversees special projects. Works independently toward completing projects within assigned timeframe. 17.Documents errors using hospital Safety Reporting System. Informs CLIA Lab Director if appropriate. 18.Adheres to hospital and laboratory policies and procedures including but not limited to laboratory procedures, hospital procedures, accrediting agencies' guidelines, infection control and safety plans. 19.Addresses all service complaints from all customers, patients, clinical and lab staff; works with lab leadership to formulate appropriate response(s). 20.Performs any other duties as required. Education Board of Certification (ASCP-BOC) preferred Physical Requirements The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. | |