Medical Lab Scientist (Prn)

Position Summary

The Medical Laboratory Scientist provides professional clinical laboratory science services, including performance of clinical laboratory examinations, proficiency testing, quality control, professional consultation, instrument maintenance and validation, testing validation, testing management, and other functions toward the attainment of these goals. This position oversees the work of non-independent practitioners (technicians, Lab Assistants, phlebotomists) and trainees. The Medical Laboratory Scientist is able to perform job duties without supervision.

Primary Responsibilities

A. Testing, Specimen Handling, & Processing Duties

Performs clinical laboratory examinations on body fluids and exudates utilizing quantitative, qualitative, or automated methods; performs chemical or immunochemical tests to obtain data for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease including proficiency testing, quality control, and validation studies; performs hematological clinical laboratory examinations; studies the macroscopic and microscopic morphology of blood and body fluid constituents to obtain data for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease including proficiency testing, quality control, and validation studies; performs immunohematological clinical laboratory examinations including compatibility testing, unexpected transfusion outcome investigations, antibody identification, and related immunohematological procedures including proficiency testing, quality control, and validation studies; performs and interprets stained preparations of blood and body fluids to obtain data for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease; performs clinical laboratory examinations on patients of all ages; performs quality control checks and evaluates quality control data, completing documentation as required.

B. Equipment Related Duties (10%)

Sets up and adjusts laboratory instrumentation as required; performs and completes defined equipment and instrument maintenance protocols; performs instrument setup prior to testing following the recommended manufacturer and department procedures; troubleshoots and resolves instrument malfunctions to assure real time availability of equipment; after proper instruction, operates any scientific instrument and performs any required procedure.

C. Record Keeping/Communication/Clerical/Computer Duties (5%)

Performs test reporting of critical values and stat values; recognizes and resolves problem scenarios and handles difficult situations with little or no supervision; reviews departmental testing logs for completeness of testing requests; communicates with medical professionals; recognizes and resolves out-of-control scenarios; receives written or electronic requests from physicians for routine or special laboratory tests; interacts with and uses laboratory information system (LIS) and/or hospital information system (HIS) computer functions as they relate to testing and reporting: performs clerical duties in any area of the laboratory for which appropriate training and competency has been demonstrated.

D. Management and Miscellaneous Duties (5%)

Oversees the work of non-independent practitioners such as technicians, lab assistants, and phlebotomists, as well as trainees; performs phlebotomy duties as warranted; performs therapeutic phlebotomies as warranted; performs inventory checks and restocks work area as needed; performs special projects and miscellaneous duties as deemed appropriate and when assigned by manager.

Competencies

1. Knowledge of laboratory expertise in multiple departments.

2. Ability to use problem solving skills in handling difficult situations with little or no supervision.

3. Ability to work independently and use independent judgment.

4. Ability to use academic, technical, and clinical skills and knowledge for purposes of evaluation, troubleshooting, research, and problem resolution.

5. Good technical reading skills.

6. Ability to be flexible.

7. Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks for greatest laboratory efficiency.

8. Good organizational skills.

9. High degree of accuracy.

10. Knowledge and comprehension of medical and technical material.

11. Knowledge of basic computer operation and programs.

12. Good mathematical skills.

13. Good reasoning skills.

14. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate effectively in English.

15. Ability to use appropriate discretion in handling confidential material and information.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Required Education and Experience

1. Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology, Biology, Chemistry, or related science required.

2. State licensure as Clinical Laboratory Scientist—Generalist required.

3. ASCP certification preferred. Note: M.T. (ASCP) and MLS (ASCP)cm are equal certifications. Only the names have been updated to MLS now.