Medical Laboratory Scientist - Clinical Molecular Biology

Summary

The Pathology Technologist reports to the Pathology Manager. Under general supervision and within department policies and procedures, performs various complex clinical laboratory tests in one or more of the laboratory sections of the Pathology Department. Work requires a professional level of knowledge in order to read and interpret test results, especially those which are abnormal or atypical. Responsibilities include calibrating instruments, reporting test results, conducting quality controls, and the like.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done.

Core Success Factors

• Instill Trust and Value Differences
• Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate

Responsibilities

• Prepares and determines suitable of solutions, reagents and stains following standard laboratory formulas and procedures; may prepare variations of same for special tests.

• Performs complex clinical laboratory tests in one or more sections of the Pathology Department, which require a professional level of knowledge in order to monitor testing procedures and parameters, and to interpret and analyze test results. Some examples of tests performed include:

  • Performs routine and specialized blood tests to:

    • Type and cross-match blood and assumes responsibility for compatibility between patient and donor.
    • Isolate and identify any unusual or abnormal blood incompatibility factors and
    • Identify atypical conditions in blood specimens.

  • Performs standard hematologic procedures, as well as more specialized and difficult procedures, such as:

    • Identifying and quantifying all formed elements of blood (i.e. platelets, leukocytes, etc.) and
    • Identifying coagulation factors.

  • Isolates microorganisms from a variety of clinical specimens with emphasis on rapid detection of pathogenic organisms using specialized morphological and biochemical methods. Performs antibiotic susceptibility tests.

  • Performs chemical analyses of body fluids in order to determine conditions, such as level of glucose, sodium potassium, chlorides, carbon dioxide, drugs and alcohol in the blood.

• Records and reviews test results for accuracy and prepares test reports; relay test results and/or reports to physicians or others authorized to receive them.

• Discusses findings with physicians when necessary.

• Assists in the instruction of students and residents and in the orientation of new employees to an assigned laboratory section.

• Performs quality control checks on equipment and reagents, records values and uses results to identify potential problems.

• Performs new tests and procedures during development stages and makes recommendations for modification and establishment of new tests and procedures.

• Monitors equipment operation; sets up and calibrates equipment, troubleshoots operational problems and performs preventative maintenance and minor repairs.

• Logs in specimen and maintains records of specimen during tests; walks to patient floors, draws patient blood samples following established procedures and transports specimens to Pathology for testing.

• Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment, glassware, instruments, work benches and so forth.

Minimum Qualifications

Basic Knowledge

• Bachelor's degree in a lab science such as chemical, physical, biological, clinical laboratory science, medical technology or closely related field or equivalent education and experience as defined by CLIA standards.

Credentials

• National certification by ASCP or equivalent in any of the offered categories such as Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Hematology, or any other recognized categorical certifications.

OR

• Eligible for national certification with laboratory training including completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES, NAACLS, or other organization approved by HHS

OR

• Previously qualified or could have qualified as a technologist as defined by CLIA standards for testing personnel.

• The ability to operate equipment and instruments and to perform all procedures and tests within assigned laboratory section and interpret them accurately.

• The physical and visual dexterity necessary to conduct and interpret tests.

• The physical ability to stand and work at laboratory benches.

• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

Experience

• One year experience in a clinical laboratory.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Exposure to odors, infectious materials, toxins and other hazardous substances.
• Visual strain is encountered while closely examining specimens.
• Regularly required to stand, lift and carry supplies, etc.