Medical Laboratory Scientist

Description

The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) is responsible for the identification, collection and processing of laboratory specimens and reporting of test results in all areas of the clinical laboratory. Maintains all laboratory records. Follows laboratory policies and procedures; maintains quality control and maintenance practices and follows compliance regulations as indicated for the clinical laboratory which includes rotating and inventorying supply and informing Manager of needs and quality improvement recommendations.  

  Some Job Duties Include:

• Ability to function in all areas of the clinical laboratory: blood bank, chemistry, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis serology/immunology and microbiology (tasks performed at WMH). 
• Responsible for performing high-complexity testing. 
• Alters or adjusts methods and procedures for neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients. 
• Performs phlebotomies on inpatients and outpatients, confirming proper identification of each and documenting each specimen with date, time, and initials of the phlebotomist. Collecting each specimen in the proper tube for testing. 
• Confirms patient and specimen identification to verify the proper specimen is being analyzed for the proper patient and for each testing procedure requested, signs (initials), dates and times each tube collected. 
• Confirms specimen qualifications that the appropriate test can be analyzed using the specimen submitted, i.e., serum/plasma. Observes specimen for appropriateness such as clotted, hemolyzed, lipemic, icteric, etc. and documents these characteristics. 
• Responsible for centrifuging specimens to separate cells from serum or supernatant fluids. 
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors. 
• Proficient with laboratory billing practices, reviews billing and can correct or add information to correct billing. 
• Maintains accurate laboratory records on procedures performed (in house and reference) for statistics and billing. 
• Meets current documentation standards and policies including quality control, patient, and proficiency testing logs. 
• Performs quality control studies to ensure accuracy of clinical data and documentation of all corrective actions and acceptance of out-of-range control results.
• Demonstrates proficiency performing chemical analysis of body fluids such as blood and urine on the chemistry analyzer to determine presence of normal and abnormal components. Interprets test results, validating results that are of abnormal or critical value range. 
• Performs necessary steps to correct all types of assay errors including specimen dilutions, lipemic samples and confirmation of abnormal results. 
• Demonstrates proficiency performing complete blood count studies on the hematology instrument including specimen re-testing when indicated and result review for further studies such as slide review or manual differential as indicated by instrument flagging. 
• Performs complete blood count studies, enumerating types of blood cells and platelets, their characteristics, along with the hemoglobin, and hematocrit of patient specimens. To interpret the accuracy of each result and perform additional testing that may be indicated based upon these results, i.e., manual differential. 
• Maintains the inventory of the Blood Bank and demonstrates a complete knowledge of Blood products and blood products storage requirements. 

Requirements

• BS or BA Degree from an accredited University, Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology or Bachelor of Science or Arts in one of the Chemical, Physical or Biological Sciences or Equivalent Training from the U.S Military. Will Consider an associate degree.
• ASCP Board Certification in Medical Technology or Medical Laboratory Technician (MLS,ASCP) Certification preferred.
• Current BLS
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. Additional languages preferred.