Lead Medical Lab Scientist, Hematology, Full-Time, Evenings

Responsibilities

• Provides technical/administrative oversight to and directs the workflow of personnel who perform laboratory tests.
• Assists in performing assay validations, instrument correlations, calibrations.
• Collecting and interpreting data for acceptance of new testing protocols or quality control materials.
• Performing IT validations on new or updated testing systems or test codes according to validation protocol.
• Assisting the department Coordinator(s) or Manager with regulatory compliance and inspection readiness.
• Reviewing and updating department documentation and procedures.
• Reviewing proficiency testing documentation and performing investigations as required for the follow up and corrective action process.
• Performs all aspects of pre-analytic workflow appropriate for the laboratory to ensure orders are entered correctly, specimens collected are appropriate for the test ordered and are correctly processed/transported.
• Verifies specimens for add on tests are available and acceptable and generates add on test orders.
• Recognizes when fraud and abuse compliance issues require adjustments to the test order.
• Collecting, receiving and processing of specimens.
• Verifies specimens are correctly and completely labeled upon receipt.
• Evaluates specimens for appropriateness and takes necessary corrective action.
• Appropriately documents unacceptable specimens and proper notifications as needed.
• Performs any necessary pretest specimen preparation according to protocols.
• Transfers or ships specimens to approved testing locations according to SOPs.
• Responsible for all aspects of analytical testing appropriate for the laboratory.
• Maintains test system integrity.
• Examines preventative maintenance logs on instruments/equipment in a timely fashion and follows up as needed.
• Verifies reagents and supplies meet defined acceptability criteria upon receipt and prior to use; takes action to ensure unacceptable items are removed from use.
• Responsible for inventory maintenance and supply ordering in designated section.
• Performs and records all necessary quality control (QC) required for test system performance.
• Review and evaluates QC results in designated sections and takes necessary corrective actions according to established protocol.
• Performs evaluations of new lot numbers of QC and calibration material, establishes criteria for acceptance such as normal ranges and SD's, and Westgard or Sigma rules.
• Performs tests.
• Performs waived, moderate, and high complexity testing.
• Prioritizes testing based on assignment or established priorities, completes testing within defined turn-around-times.
• Responds effectively to changes in the workflow by coordinating a simultaneous series of tests when needed or adjusting work to incorporate STAT tests or fluctuations in work volume.
• Exercises independent judgment in the performance of technical responsibilities.
• Performs technical review and interpretation.
• Develops and maintains a higher level of expertise in the specific areas of responsibility.
• Reviews results for completeness, correctness, and consistency within defined test system.
• Evaluates test results/reactions and provides accurate interpretations as appropriate to include correlation with, and integration of, other patient data as necessary.
• Performs visual interpretation/identifications as appropriate.
• Recognizes unusual test results/interpretations and complete indicated reflex testing or other follow-up actions.
• Follows established notification protocols for critical values, a phone/fax result requests, abnormalities.
• Evaluates instruments and test systems and makes recommendations for acquisition to senior management.
• Evaluates and proposes updates to SOPs if necessary.
• Troubleshoots and solves problems.
• Recognizes when unresolved problems need to be escalated and takes necessary follow-up action.
• Reviews pending logs and follows-up to ensure pending tests are completed or cancelled when appropriate.
• Performs advanced troubleshooting and repair.
• Calls for field service when necessary and is familiar with contractual terms of maintenance agreements.
• Peer coaches/ trains staff on troubleshooting tasks.
• Post-test specimen storage.
• Ensures that specimens and related materials (blood, body fluids, slides, etc) are stored according to protocols for location and duration with necessary documentation.
• Performs all aspects of the post-analytic workflow appropriate for the specific section to ensure accurate results are reported within established time frames, specimens are retained appropriately, test results and/or current status are available upon inquiry, and billed charges are correct.
• Universal Responsibilities:
• Ensures quality of operations.
• Assumes delegated responsibilities in the absence of a coordinator.
• Responsible for regulatory compliance in designated section.
• Performs required Quality systems responsibilities including initiating Quality Investigation Reports.
• Participates in the training of new employees.
• Meets proficiency and competency standards of the department and assists in the competency assessment of technical and support staff.
• Participates in new test development, validations and implementation.
• Presents continuing education programs.
• Assists the coordinator and manager in monitoring the operations of designated areas to ensure the service standards and financial goals are met.
• Presents continuing education programs.
• Contributes in developing and is responsible for implementation of technical goals and standards.
• Information Systems:
• Ensures integrity of Laboratory Information System by following established protocols and participating in the maintenance and enhancements of the LIS.
• May oversee instrument computer software updates.
• Demonstrates expertise in Information Technology; uses applications to streamline operations and facilitate service monitoring and data collection.
• Ensures safety of operations.
• Follows all required safety procedures, uses personal protective equipment appropriate for tasks performed.
• Maintains clean and organized work area.
• Provides service excellence.
• Answers telephones when needed, using AIDET telephone etiquette.
• Maintains patient confidentiality, including protected health information (PHI).
• Assists patients, visitors and other contacts whenever need occurs.
• Verifies and reports results:
• Verifies results according to procedure.
• Performs computer functions necessary for releasing results.
• Generates written reports according to established protocol.
• Reviews electronic or printed reports when applicable, recognizes problems and escalates according to protocol.
• Amends reports:
• Corrects erroneous reports and amends reports according to procedure.
• Responds to inquiries:
• Responds to requests for information according to established protocol for confidentiality and release of information.
• Recognizes when unresolved inquiries need to be escalated and takes action.
• Stores documents and records:
• Stores documents and records according to established protocol.
• Charge capture/billing:
• Performs billing and/or enter credits for tests and services when applicable.
• Recognizes billing problems and escalates accordingly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Allied Health qualifying the applicant to take the national ASCP certifying exam.
• If hired after 1/19/2025, must obtain Medical Laboratory Technician (MLS) (ASCP), or categorical BB, C, H, or M (ASCP) certifications or equivalent certification within 1 year of hire date.
• 2 years of clinical lab experience in a TJC or CAP accredited laboratory.