Medical Laboratory Scientist

Supervises, trains, and directs lab assistants, phlebotomists, medical and clinical laboratory technicians and technologists and other medical laboratory workers engaged in laboratory testing as and when designated by the laboratory director. Overview: Using formal and clinical education, with a high degree of ethical behavior, performs manual and automated laboratory testing in the ARH Laboratory or Clinic setting.

Overview:

 Using formal and clinical education, with a high degree of ethical behavior, performs manual and automated laboratory testing in the ARH Laboratory or Clinic setting. This role provides high-quality clinical information to support the diagnosis, treatment, and health maintenance needs of ARH patients and healthcare providers.

Responsibilities:

• Processes specimens for testing.
• Uses the laboratory information system to register patients, enter orders for testing, determine medical necessity and look up results and direct reports to the appropriate entities.
• Discards specimens when testing is complete or lifespan is reached.
• Performs CLIA Waived, Moderate and High complexity specimen testing and reports results of testing once trained and competency is signed as satisfactory.
• Contacts specimen collector for information, as needed and appropriate within HIPAA.
• Maintains a clean, orderly, and well-stocked work environment.
• Handles and processes specimens and paperwork as instructed in written instruction in conjunction with verbal instruction.
• Conducts chemical analysis of body fluids, including blood, urine, and spinal fluid, to determine presence of normal and abnormal components.
• Analyzes laboratory findings to check the accuracy of the results.
• Enters data from analysis of medical tests and clinical results into computer for storage.
• Operates, calibrates and maintains equipment used in quantitative and qualitative analysis, such as spectrophotometers, calorimeters, flame photometers, and computer-controlled analyzers.
• Establishes and monitors quality assurance programs and activities to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results.
• Sets up, cleans, and maintains laboratory equipment.
• Provides technical information about test results to physicians, family members and researchers.
• Supervises, trains, and directs lab assistants, phlebotomists, medical and clinical laboratory technicians and technologists and other medical laboratory workers engaged in laboratory testing as and when designated by the laboratory director.
• Studies blood samples to determine the number of cells and their morphology using microscopic techniques.
• Assists in creating and maintaining written documentation, instructions and policies applicable to the ARH reference laboratory.
• Analyzes samples of biological material for chemical content or reaction.
• Ensures completion of ordered testing in accordance with ARH written instruction or policy, industry best practices and clinician order.
• Does not enter test results for testing not personally performed.
• Does not order testing without a clear and specific clinician order.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science required.
• Four-year academic and clinical degree (Baccalaureate) or the equivalent to qualify for certification as a MLS, CLS, or MT required.

 

Experience

• Up to one (1) year of experience required.
• Unless otherwise indicated, one (1) year of current experience within the last three (3) years in a comparable job classification required.

 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to read, write and effectively communicate in English.
• Current certification as a CLS, MT, or MLS obtained within one (1) calendar year of employment.
• Give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Understand written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
• Use scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Conduct tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality of performance.
• Speak to others to convey information effectively.
• Identify complex problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions that will help their job function.
• Prepare culture media, chemicals, reagents, and solutions.
• Perform bacteriologic, microscopic, and chemical laboratory tests and examinations to obtain data for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
• Perform immunohematology (blood bank) laboratory tests and examinations to obtain data for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
• Use automated equipment and instruments capable of performing simultaneous testing including microscopes, cell counters, and other laboratory equipment.
• Perform simple and complex mathematical calculations as needed, analyze results, and communicate findings to the appropriate healthcare provider.
• Record findings in accordance with established policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Perform and monitor quality control programs.
• Maintain inventory of supplies, materials, and equipment.
• Maintain and clean equipment and instruments as per established procedures and manufacturer's instructions.
• Responsible for performing tasks that are within the scope of educational preparation, knowledge, and permitted by applicable policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Educated on and compliant with HIPAA regulations; maintains strict confidentiality of client information.
• Complies with Infection Control, Standard Precautions, and OSHA standards for the healthcare professional.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment (e.g., face mask, goggles, latex/non-latex gloves) as needed.
• Ability to work effectively within role independently and with other team members.
• Ability to organize and complete work in a timely manner.
• Ability to understand medical/surgical terminology.

 

Licenses & Certifications

• West Virginia Certification as a Medical Technologist (MT) or Clinical Laboratory Scientist (CLS) by ASCP, AAB, AMT, or the equivalent required.