Medical Lab Scientist- Generalist

Job Summary

Must have chemistry and/or blood bank experience. Collects, processes, and analyzes human clinical specimens using established medical laboratory methods. Supports Covenant Health Ministry's mission and values.

About the Role

Supports and promotes Covenant Health Ministry's mission and values. Respects and maintains confidentiality of patient data (HIPAA).

Responsibilities

• Performs medical laboratory procedures in one or more laboratory sections (clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, transfusion medicine) and specimen processing with a high degree of proficiency and understanding.
• Proficient with laboratory analytical equipment. Recognizes deviations from expected results and analyzes and corrects problems. Performs basic troubleshooting of instrument problems. Initiates vendor tech support as required.
• Recognizes abnormal and critical laboratory results and follows protocols for result verification and notification of physician. Correlates patient results with established reference ranges and available patient medical information. Recognizes, investigates and resolves discrepancies.
• Answers inquiries about test results, methodology, specificity, and sensitivity; answers questions about specific factors that can influence test results. Helps evaluate new techniques and procedures in terms of method validation, method comparison, cost analysis, establishing reference values, and personnel and space requirements. Writes and revises technical procedures.
• Uses technical knowledge and critical thinking ability to investigate laboratory discrepancies, determine courses of action and resolve problems to ensure high level of clinical accuracy. Familiar with and follows all CLIA, DNV, and CAP accreditation standards as they apply to operation of a clinical laboratory. Familiar with and consistently follows lab quality control protocols. Analyzes quality control materials, interprets data and makes judgments concerning appropriate action to maintain accuracy and precision. Consistently assures the release of accurate results through sample and result verification and properly follows all policies and procedures.
• Participates in proficiency surveys by organizing specimens, entering orders, making assignments to other staff, testing PT specimens and recording results. Maintains work area and equipment in the condition required by department standards and can describe his or her responsibilities related to general safety, department/service safety, and specific job-related hazards.
• Demonstrates ability to organize work during heavy workload situations to expedite patients' results. Recognizes, reports, documents, and seeks appropriate intervention for signs of complication or significant change in patient status (critical values, delta checks, unusual results, etc.). Meets or exceeds the laboratory standards for Stat turnaround times. Pulls pending lists frequently throughout the shift and follows up on outstanding specimens.
• Uses sound judgment to make decisions which may affect patient results. Works with clinicians, patients, and nursing staff to resolve issues. Other duties as consistent with this role.

Requirements

• Earned Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Technology, or closely related field or equivalent education and experience as defined by CLIA standards strongly preferred.
• National certification in Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology by ASCP or equivalent preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

Job Knowledge and Skills

Work may involve testing procedures which require high degree of theoretical knowledge and technical expertise, including practical knowledge of quality control and quality assurance as they relate to Laboratory Medicine. Position requires exercise of independent judgment with minimum degree of supervision.

Education and Experience

Education and experience as defined by CLIA standards strongly preferred. National certification in Medical Laboratory Science or Medical Technology by ASCP or equivalent preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.