GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Works under the general supervision of a Microbiologist III with moderate latitude for the use of inititive and independent judgement. Performs advanced and highly complex procedures in Mycobateriology to include processing of samples, Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) testing, and antimicrobial susceptibitlity testing. Performs interprets and reports Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST's) on both, MGIT and Agar proportion mehtods, and calls resistnat results to submitter. Reviews, weekly cultures for growth on 7H11 Middlebrooks and Lowenstein-Jensen media and documents and reports results on worksheets. Setup, interpret and report agar conventional and MGIT susceptibilities when indicated. Must be certified on infectious agen packaging and shipping. Performs Quality Control and Proficieny Testing. Practices all safety and emergency procedures and adheres to universal precaustions and uses personal protective equipment adequately in performing highly infectious microbiological procedures.

Safe operation of either a state owned vehicle or personal vehicle is required to conduct state business and an acceptable driving record must be maintained in accordance with DSHS Policy OS-3901, Fleet Operations and Management Procedures and standards developed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

• Monitors Bactec MGIT 960 instrument, removes positive cultures, prepares smears and stains them using Ziehl-Neelsen procedure to identify cultures as positive or negative. Order tests, creates daily smear batch, and enters results using Labware PHLIMS. Determines further studies needed such as definitive identification by Accuprobe DNA probe procedure or antimicrobial susceptibilities according to patient testing history.
• Participates in all internal and external Quality Control (QC) procedures such as daily QC requirements, equipment preventive maintenance, proficiency testing, and quality assurance (QA) in order to monitor, assess and maintain a high quality of laboratory results, as well as to comply with laboratory accreditation requirements.
• Prepares AFB culture media, stains and reagents used for the culture and identification of Mycobacteria. Submit requests for drug susceptibility supplies to DSHS-Austin Laboratory and always maintains a stock in storage a STL. Documents all shipments received, maintains a current log.
• Receives, reviews and reports preliminary and final results received from DSHS-Austin Laborartory from isolates sent for further ADB indentificationby HPLC testing. Documents and reports final results using Labware PHLIMs. Send first time M. tuberculosis Isolateds to DSHS-Austin for Genotyping; document and keep log updated at all times.
• Maintains M. tuberculosis stock cultures and reference documentation logs from all Mtb isolates identified in mycobacteriology section. Maintains infectious packaging and shipping certification. Submits culture isolates to DSHS Austin Lab for definite identification by HPLC testing.
• Uses universal precaustions and personal protective equipment, recieves and process samples (e.g. sputa, urines, bronchial lavages) submitted for Acid Fast Bacilli smear and culture from tuberculosis elimination program such as County and City Health Departments, DSHS-Region 11 health clinics, local hospitals and bi-national project to provide diagnostic results.
• Performs advanced and special highly complex procedures in Mycobacteriology, which include definitive identififcation of the Mycobaterium tuberculosis complex through DNA Probe testing and NAAT from direct spectrum sediments.
• Other duties as assigned include but not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency's obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activiation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

GENERAL QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Required Bachelor's Degree in Medical Technology, or Microbiology or Associates Degree in Medical Technology (Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Medical Technologist, Medical Laboratory Scientist) 2 years Experience in Microbiological work.