Tissue Typing Supervisor

Position Summary

The Tissue Typing Supervisor (Medical Technologist II) provides service to the medical community and patients by performing requested moderate or highly complex laboratory tests in a timely manner, offering state-of-the art methods; assure efficient, accurate and timely reporting of test or examination results; and fostering a learning environment for students, residents, and (new) employees training/rotating in the Tissue Typing Laboratory.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform Tissue Typing testing, including HLA typing by NGS, HLA flow crossmatch, solid phase HLA antibody testing, and cytotoxic HLA crossmatch, which are critical to solid organ and stem cell transplant programs. Make interpretation of different and complex reaction patterns and identify probable cause for irregular or atypical test results.

• Use established laboratory techniques that involve delicate and exacting steps requiring measured judgment as to the appropriate procedures to be employed. Such testing may be performed by manual methods involving technical interpretation and/or by automated analyzers involving maintenance and troubleshooting. Exercise expertise in selecting controls, variations in techniques, consistency, and decisions regarding interpretations of test results.

• Assist in the researching and implementing additions or deletions to the testing menu performed by technologists working in the Tissue Typing Laboratory.

• Work in conjunction with the Laboratory Manager and Medical Director to investigate and establish new DNA based Tissue Typing tests. Assist in the writing, documenting, and maintaining testing procedures.

• Assist in the review, update, and revision of all procedure manuals, quality control practices, quality assurance monitors on an annual basis, or more frequently as required. Assist in the researching, evaluating, and initiating new state-of-the-art methods to continually provide the highest quality of patient care. Work in conjunction with the Manager to maintain and update standard operating procedures for outreach testing services. Assure compliance with JCAHO and CAP requirements.

• Receive and process patient specimens arriving at the laboratory as needed. Maintain proper, accurate and confidential records of patient and donor information.

• Teach medical students and residents and train new employees in tissue typing procedures and techniques. Document orientation/training and competency testing.

• Investigate and resolve all problems encountered with testing and/or equipment; institute and monitor corrective measures.

• Maintains a system of quality assurance which includes timely review of procedure manuals, instrument maintenance, quality control, employee competency testing and adherence to safety policy.

• Oversees all aspects of Proficiency testing in the laboratory. Ensures all PT surveys are received, performed, and resulted in a timely manner. Maintains all records as required.

• Assists with the maintenance of the laboratory portion of the UNOS patient waitlist. Update patient antibody results in UNOS.

• Assist the Laboratory Manager in budget preparation.

• Provide on-call and off-hours support as necessary.

• Review daily reports, release preliminary results when appropriate, prepare normal reports, review quality control and equipment performance.

• Maintain proficiency in all procedures by participating in ongoing continuing education.

• Maintain a harmonious working relationship among laboratory staff, serve as a mentor and role model, and practice continuous quality improvement.

• Assist in the planning, preparation, and coordination of workflow for the Tissue Typing Laboratory, assuring all patient testing is performed in a timely manner.

• Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.