Medical Laboratory Scientist

Job description

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.