Detroit NTL - Departments

Administration:

The Detroit NTL Administration department consists of the office of the CEO, Director of Testing, Finance Manager, Director of Education, Director of Laboratory Quality, Director of Operational Support, Director of Client Services, Human Resources Manager, along with the Quality Assurance department, Education and Training staff, and Support Staff of Administrative Assistants. The key focus of the administrative office is to conduct day to day business operations in all areas of the Laboratory. Our main goal is to insure compliance through quality testing, problem management and continuous training.

Automated Processing Laboratory (APL):

The APL department at the Detroit NTL is comprised of employees of all ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds operating on 2 shifts, 7 days a week. This cohesive team is responsible for the automated processing of test samples. Automation is the integration of the latest technology with human expertise in a high production environment. The staff perform tests for CMV, syphilis, ALT, ABO/RH and Antibody Screening. Everyday the APL family is responsible for working toward the common goal of providing a safe blood supply to our customers and ensuring quality in our test results. The success of the APL department rests on the training, cooperation, and enjoyable work environment experienced by our techs which makes it an exciting place to work.

Client Services:

The Client Services Department at the Detroit NTL serves as a liaison between clients and NTL management and all departments on inquiries. The Client Services Representatives are available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week to resolve client problems relating to receipt of specimens, specimen handling, special testing requests, confirmatory test results, transportation of specimens, etc…. Our department assists in planning coordinating and implementing emergency testing, new test implementation including procedure development and executes the customer service plan developed for the NTL. Client Service Representatives participate and assist in laboratory education and training. They facilitate customer visits and support training for visiting physicians and medical technologists through facility tours and informative client meetings. Our goal is to consistently meet or exceed our client’s requirements and to vigorously pursue quality improvement to achieve total customer satisfaction.

Education:

The goal of the education department is to maintain a well educated and informed workforce at the Detroit National Testing Laboratory. A workforce capable of producing test results with the highest efficiency and quality. Our goal is achieved by providing the highest quality new staff training as well as continuing education of many types. This may include procedural revisions, continued new task training, and CEU opportunities. We also pride ourselves as being a source of information in our areas of expertise when questions arise.

Human Resources:

The role of Human Resources at the Detroit NTL is to support and implement the initiatives developed by the ARC Biomedical Services Human Resources Centers of Expertise as trusted business partners and advisors to the management team in support of Biomedical Services six strategic priorities. We will help ensure that as a quality organization providing world-class service to our customers that we are proactive in our approaches of 1) attracting and retaining talented people; 2) recognizing and rewarding our employees through a competitive total compensation package of pay and benefits; 3) effectively training and developing our employees; 4) ensuring compliance; and 5) maintaining positive relationships with our employees. Human Resources at the Detroit NTL will also be a coach and consultant/advisor to the Detroit NTL management team and employees to ensure that employees are treated fairly and policies are consistently applied.

Laboratory Quality:

Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT):

The Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) laboratory is responsible to detect actual viral particles of those viruses that cause HIV (Human Immunodeficiency virus), HCV (Hepatitis C virus) and WNV (West Nile Virus). Through elaborate testing processes, donor blood sample is assayed for presence of these viral particles thru a process of amplification. This test allows detection of disease causing viruses before antibodies become detectable thus reducing the “window” period. This testing process makes blood even safer than a screening test alone.

Operational Support:

The Operational Support Department is made up of a small group of diverse, dynamic and talented individuals who have their finger on the pulse of a multitude of important areas in the Detroit NTL. To list all that we are involved in would take up to much space, so --- in short, we are in charge of Records Management, Document Control, Equipment Maintenance and Validations, Reagent and Supplies Management and Project Management. Operational Support staff are active in leading the Diversity Committee, performing training, and leading &/or serving on various teams. We can be counted on in a pinch or for everyday challenges. We are first in line to help and first in line for celebrations. How can we support you?

Problem Management:

Quality Control (QC):

The Quality Control Department at the Detroit National Testing Lab is responsible for a 100% record review of all Viral, APL and NAT test results. The thorough review is performed daily on two shifts for NTL and three shifts for NAT to ensure a timely release of test results to meet the needs of the customer. The QC team is dedicated, hardworking employees with the common goal of providing a safe and quality product to the customer.

Sample Management:

Viral Immunological Testing (VIT):

The Viral Immunological Testing (VIT) laboratory performs five viral marker assays to screen blood for presence of transmissible diseases such as Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV), Human T Lymphotropic virus, Anti-HTLV, Hepatits B Core antibody (HBc), and the HIV antibody. Automated and semi-automated equipment along with strict process controls are used to ensure detection of these elements to make donor blood safer.