Medical Laboratory Scientist III - Reference Lab

Type of Position: Clinical Staff - Clinical Support
Work Shift: Day Shift

About the role

The Medical Laboratory Scientist III will send out specimens to referral laboratories according to hospital and laboratory policies and in accordance with state and federal regulations. Enters results from referral laboratories into the laboratory information system. Assists clients with ordering the correct reference tests and performs research into potential new referral laboratories. Consults with pathologists and other experts as needed for reference test requests. Assists with inventory needs. Other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Use patient identifiers to match information on requisition and labels.
• Order specimens, print labels, status specimens, complete requisitions.
• Work with referral labs to resolve any questions or problems with specimens.
• Notify clients of any test cancellations.
• Obtain results from referral labs and enter them into the patient chart.
• Work closely daily with internal clinic or hospital staff and various departments to resolve issues with patient blood draws.
• Maintain strict confidentiality when necessary.
• Contact the appropriate provider if a patient does not have active lab orders in EPIC or if there are questions about patient orders.
• Work with clients to clarify orders, obtain requisitions, and coordinate specimens with special collection or shipping instructions.
• Gather all specimens for send out to Reference Labs.
• Assure adequate inventory of shipping supplies and order supplies as needed.
• Distribute supplies to clients as needed.
• Utilize proper PPE (Personal Prote Equipment) to ensure personal safety.
• Exercise all laboratory safety precautions and adhere to lab procedures as stated in procedure manuals.
• Identify possible causes of routine problems and develop a plan for resolving those problems, escalating issues to the direct supervisor as needed.
• Work with referral laboratories to coordinate receiving special collection containers.
• Work with referral laboratories to resolve patient collection issues, including in some cases arranging for mobile phlebotomy.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Biology, or related field.
• 3 years of experience in a clinical laboratory setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• DOT/IOTA certification.
• ASCP certified or equivalent in at least one laboratory specialty.

Physical Requirements

• Stand: Frequently
• Sit: Frequently
• Walk: Occasionally
• Bend, crawl, crouch, kneel, stoop or reach overhead: Frequently
• Lift and carry weight: 25 lbs
• Push and pull weight: 25 lbs
• Use hands to touch, handle or feel: Frequently
• Talk: Continuously
• Hear: Continuously
• Taste or smell: Occasionally
• Read, concentrate, think analytically: Continuously

Physical Environment: Inside Medical Facility Environment

Constant Physical Activity

• Feeling
• Grasping
• Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding

Frequent Physical Activity

• Hearing
• Repetitive Motion
• Sharps
• Sitting
• Standing
• Talking
• Walking

Occasional Physical Activity

• Crouching
• Kneeling
• Lifting
• Pulling
• Pushing
• Reaching
• Stooping

Benefits

UAMS offers the following benefits and perks for benefits-eligible positions:

• Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
• Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
• Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
• Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
• Career Training and Educational Opportunities
• Merchant Discounts
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy

Pre-employment Screening Requirements

• Annual TB Screening
• Criminal Background Check
• Substance Abuse Testing

This position is subject to pre-employment screening (criminal background, drug testing, and/or education verification). A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant except as provided by law. Any criminal history will be evaluated in relationship to job responsibilities and business necessity. The information obtained in these reports will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.