Toxicology analyst - Confidential : Job Details

Toxicology Analyst – Pittsburgh, PA

Toxicology Analysts are responsible for specimen processing, test performance, and for reporting test results, and should only perform those tests that are authorized by the laboratory director and that are within the individual's skill level as determined by education, training or experience, and technical abilities.

• Role and Responsibilities:Process patient specimens, perform authorized tests, review and report results maintaining results accuracy while adhering to Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures and Policies.
• Responsible to understand basic and all relevant scientific principles associated with toxicology testing performed
• Responsible for any preanalytical duties including but not limited to: labeling, accessioning, centrifuging, pouring off
• Perform all tasks associated with running samples on manual, semi-automated, and automated platforms in toxicology and other platforms and test systems
• Prepare and Perform pour off or extraction and other tasks associated with sample preparation for screening and confirmation testing
• Prepare and Perform tasks associated with preparation of calibrator, quality control, internal standard stock solutions for immunoassay and confirmation testing
• Prepare and Perform tasks associated with preparation of extraction solvents and instrument solutions (mobile phases, etc.) required for the operation of immunoassay and confirmation instruments
• Perform all tasks associated with on-instrument reviews, data review, administrative review, and results certification for reporting as outline in the policies and procedures.
• Review and enter as appropriate patient results in the laboratory information system (LIS) to maintain accuracy and data integrity.
• Perform downtime tasks as assigned when LIS and or other systems are malfunctioning, nonfunctional, or temporarily not available (LIS connection issues, power outage, etc)
• Follow the laboratory Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance set policies and procedures
• Identify and respond as set in policies and procedures to QC trends, shifts, and failures to assess test systems are within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.
• Perform and Maintain accurate records for instrument maintenance, troubleshooting, temperature checks, calibrator or QC failures, lot-to-lot checks, patient sample handling/tracking, and communication logs.
• Handle and analyze proficiency testing samples with the same care and standards applied to patient specimens to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Perform and Maintain records demonstrating that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
• Participate in validation experiments and workflow studies to enhance efficiency and contribute innovative ideas for continuous improvement in laboratory practices.
• Perform end of shift/day responsibilities to include: Restock supplies as deemed appropriate, clean sections, organize, empty waste, and other duties as delegated.
• Perform all tasks assigned in conformance to Toxicology Workflow guidance and in a manner to mitigate sample or section contamination.
• Education and Experience:Bachelors degree and or MLS/MLT certification
• 2+ years minimum of laboratory experience. Toxicology Experience with immunoassay and LCMSMS confirmation testing preferred
• Skills required include: proficiency in performing lab tests across different body fluid types in toxicology (urine and oral fluid), specimen collection and handling, QC procedures, operating tox laboratory equipment, data analysis and results certification, adherence to safety protocols, ability to operator and troubleshoot technical issues across testing platforms t include immunoassay and LCMSMS based instruments
• Prior experience with Beckman AU480 (screening analyzer), AB SCIEX 4500 (confirmations), and ImmTox270 (oral fluid screens), would be a huge plus