Lead Medical Laboratory Scientist, Hematology Full-Time Days

Responsibilities

• In addition to the responsibilities of a medical laboratory scientist, this position provides technical/administrative oversight to and directs the workflow of personnel who perform laboratory tests.
• Assists in performing assay validations, instrument correlations, calibrations.
• Collects and interprets data for acceptance of new testing protocols or quality control materials.
• Performs IT validations on new or updated testing systems or test codes according to validation protocol.
• Assists the department Coordinator(s) or Manager with regulatory compliance and inspection readiness.
• Reviews and updates department documentation and procedures.
• Reviews proficiency testing documentation and performs 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.
• Collects, receives and processes 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.
• Reviews 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.
• 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.

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.