Medical Laboratory Scientist

About the Role

Join a dynamic team passionate about providing exceptional care to patients through moderate and high complexity medical laboratory testing. This role involves performing specimen analysis, maintaining laboratory equipment, and ensuring quality control procedures are followed. You will also assist with patient flow, train employees, and act as a resource for laboratory science information.

Responsibilities

• Accurately perform specimen analysis, instrument maintenance, and quality control procedures for moderate and high complexity laboratory tests.
• Initiate and follow quality assurance and safety policies and procedures.
• Perform specimen collection and assist with patient flow as needed.
• Train employees in laboratory procedures and act as a primary operator for at least one laboratory instrument.
• Act as a resource for laboratory science information and oversee daily laboratory activities in the absence of a supervisor.
• Perform clinical tests used in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases, demonstrating technical skills to assess result appropriateness and recalibrate equipment as needed.
• Perform and monitor specialized diagnostic laboratory tests while adhering to quality guidelines and standard operating procedures.
• Assist with phlebotomy and collect appropriate specimens from patients, ensuring pre-authorization and completion of consent forms for limited coverage tests.
• Assist with special procedures such as bone marrows.
• Follow laboratory procedures for specimen handling, processing, test analyses, reporting, and maintaining patient records.
• Perform analysis of Chemistry, Hematology, and Immunology specimens.
• Maintain and operate all laboratory equipment, including daily, weekly, and monthly instrument maintenance.
• Adhere to quality control policies, document QC activities, and record lot numbers for controls, calibrators, and reagents.
• Participate in proficiency testing by analyzing and reporting results at least once a year.
• Prepare peripheral blood smears and perform complete WBC differentials on normal and abnormal smears.
• Perform microscopic examination of urinary sediment.
• Record results on worksheets and computer systems, and perform file maintenance.
• Process specimens for send-out testing and follow policies when test systems deviate from established performance specifications.
• Identify and correct problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting, documenting all corrective actions.
• Maintain proper documentation as described by the quality assurance program, including logs, records, and checklists.
• Verify critical results and document follow-up accurately.
• Maintain adequate inventory of supplies, ensuring viability before use in patient testing.
• Prepare reagents, stains, and other chemical solutions, and restock the laboratory as needed.
• Send specimens to reference laboratories for testing not performed in-house.
• Process incoming orders for lab testing, including reference laboratory specimens.
• Process in-house and incoming results for charting and chart patient results in a timely manner.
• Properly identify and band patients for blood product transfusion and process specimens according to blood bank policy.
• Train employees in laboratory procedures and participate in the development of new instruments and procedures.
• Comply with quality assurance standards, OSHA laws, and Universal Precaution procedures.
• Properly dispose of hazardous materials and maintain a clean working environment.
• Maintain confidentiality of all patient and medical staff information.
• Perform CLIA-classified Moderate and High complexity testing with minimal supervision.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related healthcare field.
• ASCP or equivalent certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.
• Minimum of three years of experience in a relevant role.

Skills

• Full range of body motion, including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination for operating complex laboratory equipment.
• Ability to sit or stand for extensive periods while using hands to handle, feel, or reach.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of items weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Corrected vision, color perception, and hearing within normal range.
• Legible handwriting.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO).
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• 401k plan with company contribution.
• Wellness program that rewards healthy lifestyle practices.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee Assistance Program and discount program for retailers.
• Free parking.
• Career growth and development opportunities.
• Supportive team and resources.

Pay

$30 - $45 per hour. Compensation is based on education, relevant experience, certifications, licensure, pay equity, and market considerations.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a laboratory environment with significant interaction with management, staff, and external auditors. The role requires adherence to OSHA compliance laws and Universal Precaution procedures.