Lead, Quality Control

Job Summary:

The Lead, Quality Control provides work direction to Lab Assistants and performs general laboratory and clerical procedures related to the receipt, handling, accessioning, preparation, and distribution of laboratory specimens and quality control of the same. The Lead also provides troubleshooting expertise for technical problems in the Pre-Analytical Section.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.Ensures the quality and quantity of work output in the assigned area by assigning work to Lab Assistants and by checking work of Lab Assistants for compliance with established procedures and work routines.
2.Provides orientation to Lab Assistants by explaining and demonstrating procedures and work routines. Ensures Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) training of Lab Assistants is current and performed according to established procedures by monitoring shipments leaving the lab and making recommendations for training as required.
3.Participates in performance evaluations of Laboratory Assistants by providing feedback to the appropriate Section Head or supervisor regarding Lab Assistant performance and quality of work.
4.Troubleshoots and problem solves specimen accessioning discrepancies by telephoning, faxing or sending form letters to the test requester to clarify submitted information or obtain information not submitted. Determines whether specimens meet rejection criteria, according to established procedures, and contacts pathologists or clients to initiate recollection and authorized cancellation of test request as required.
5.Determines supply requirements for the Pre-Analytical Section, according to established inventory requirements, and orders inventory items through the electronic ordering system.
6.Ensures the care and maintenance of equipment in the area by periodically inspecting equipment, performing maintenance procedures according to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and manufacturers’ equipment manuals, documenting findings, and reporting issues to the Section Head or designate.

7.Oversees the appropriate organization and storage of specimens, subsampling, documentation and preparation of shipment to other laboratories according to established procedures.
8.Ensures delivery of specimens and requisitions to and from in-house laboratory sections by contacting those sections when delivery or receipt is expected, but not confirmed by those sections.
9.Handles and disposes of specimens and reagents in accordance with SOPs.
10.Performs all routine preparation techniques such as preparing smears, staining slides, centrifugation, aliquoting (subsampling), and loading samples onto analyzers according to established procedures.
11.Enters patient information and test requests into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) as required.
12.Participates in projects and committees as assigned that require organizational and/or technical input such as laboratory information systems projects, process improvement groups, safety committees. Communicate information to, and gathers input from, co-workers as required.
13.Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
•Grade 12, successful completion of a recognized Lab Assistant training program and two years of recent related experience, including one year in a leadership capacity or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Skills and Abilities
•Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
•Ability to deal with others effectively.
•Ability to train and orient staff.
•Ability to organize work.
•Ability to operate related equipment.
•Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.