Medical Laboratory Scientist - Cancer Center Laboratory, Full-Time, Days

About the role

A Medical Laboratory Scientist performs test procedures in a clinical laboratory and conveys the results to the physician or designee in an accurate and timely manner for the purpose of patient diagnosis and treatment. This role reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulatory and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities

• Technical responsibilities:
  • Performs all aspects of pre-analytic workflow appropriate for the specific laboratory section to ensure orders are entered correctly, specimens collected are appropriate for the test ordered, and are correctly processed/transported.
  • Verifies order where necessary and non-patient information (e.g., collection time) according to established protocol.
  • Handles unresolved orders, troubleshoots where needed, and verifies with physicians and/or nurses prior to laboratory information system (LIS) order entry to resolve unclear, duplicate, or ambiguous orders.
  • 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.
  • Prioritizes specimen processing based on established priorities.
  • Aliquots specimens according to established protocols.
• Maintains test system integrity:
  • Performs preventive maintenance on instruments/equipment in a timely fashion according to defined schedule.
  • Verifies reagents and supplies meet defined acceptability criteria upon receipt and prior to use; removes unacceptable items from use.
  • Ensures sufficient reagents and supplies necessary for test performance are available; notifies senior staff when minimum inventory level is encountered.
  • Performs and records all necessary quality control (QC) required for test system performance; evaluates QC results and takes corrective actions as needed.
• Performs specimen preparation:
  • Performs any necessary pretest specimen preparation according to protocols (e.g., microbiology plating, cell cultures, filtering, extraction, separation, elution, absorption).
  • Transfers or ships specimens to approved testing locations according to SOPs.
• Performs tests:
  • Prioritizes testing based on assignment or established priorities, completes testing within defined turn-around-times (TAT).
  • Recognizes the need for and follows any age-specific protocols.
  • Responds effectively to changes in workflow by coordinating simultaneous tests or adjusting work for STAT tests or fluctuations in volume.
  • Monitors daily workflow and priorities to meet service levels.
• Performs technical review and interpretation:
  • Reviews results for completeness, correctness, and consistency within defined test systems.
  • Evaluates test results/reactions and provides accurate interpretations, including correlation with other patient data as necessary.
  • Performs visual interpretation/identifications as appropriate.
  • Recognizes unusual test results/interpretations and completes indicated reflex testing or follow-up actions.
  • Follows established notification protocols for critical values, phone/fax/e-mail results requests, and abnormalities.
• Troubleshoots and solves problems:
  • Recognizes test system performance problems and takes necessary corrective actions.
  • Escalates unresolved problems and follows up as needed.
  • Prints pending logs and ensures pending tests are completed or cancelled when appropriate.
• Post-test specimen storage:
  • Stores specimens and related materials (blood, slides, tissues, etc.) according to protocols for location and duration.
  • Retrieves specimens and related materials when needed.
• Post-analytical responsibilities:
  • Performs all aspects of post-analytical workflow to ensure accurate results are reported within established time frames, specimens are retained appropriately, and test results or current status are available upon inquiry.
  • Verifies and reports results according to procedure; performs computer functions necessary for releasing results.
  • Generates written reports according to established protocol; reviews electronic or printed reports and escalates problems as needed.
  • Amends reports by correcting erroneous reports according to procedure.
  • Responds to inquiries according to established protocol for confidentiality and release of information; escalates unresolved inquiries as needed.
  • Stores documents and records according to established protocol.
  • Performs billing and/or enters credits for tests and services when applicable; recognizes billing problems and escalates accordingly.
• Universal responsibilities:
  • Ensures quality of operations by following written standard operating procedures (SOP), operating instruments/equipment according to protocol, and using computers according to established protocol.
  • Meets proficiency and competency standards of the department.
  • Participates in the training of new employees and students.
  • Performs operational review of new SOPs and participates in new test development, validations, and implementation.
  • Attends at least one personal development session per year.
  • Performs other duties as assigned or needed to ensure continued quality operations.
• Ensures safety of operations:
  • Follows all required safety procedures and uses personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for tasks performed.
  • Maintains clean and organized work area.
• Provides service excellence:
  • Answers telephone when needed, using NM telephone etiquette.
  • Maintains patient confidentiality, including protected health information (PHI).
  • Assists patients, visitors, and other contacts whenever needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Allied Health qualifying the applicant to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), or equivalent certification examination.
• MLS or MT (ASCP) Certification or eligible, or Categorical BB, C, H, or M (ASCP) Certification or eligible.
• If hired after 1/19/2025, must be ASCP certified (or equivalent certification) within one year of employment.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Benefits include:

• Tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness.
• 401(k) matching.
• Lifecycle benefits.