Medical Laboratory Scientist-Lab Blood Bone Bank-Full-time Nights

About the role

This is a full-time, third shift position (40 hours per week) in the Lab Blood Bone Bank at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. The Medical Laboratory Scientist 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.

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.

Responsibilities

• Technical responsibilities:
  • Performs all aspects of pre-analytic workflow to ensure orders are entered correctly, specimens collected are appropriate for the test ordered, and are correctly processed/transported.
  • Verifies order details, including non-patient information (e.g., collection time) according to established protocol.
  • Handles unresolved orders and troubleshoots ambiguous, duplicate, or unclear orders by verifying with physicians and/or nurses prior to laboratory information system (LIS) order entry.
  • Verifies specimens for add-on tests are available and acceptable, and generates add-on test orders.
  • Recognizes and addresses fraud and abuse compliance issues requiring adjustments to test orders.
• Collecting, receiving, and processing of specimens:
  • Verifies specimens are correctly and completely labeled upon receipt.
  • Evaluates specimens for appropriateness and takes necessary corrective action.
  • Documents unacceptable specimens and ensures proper notifications.
  • Prioritizes specimen processing based on established priorities.
  • Aliquots specimens according to established protocols.
• Maintains test system integrity:
  • Performs preventive maintenance on instruments/equipment according to defined schedule.
  • Verifies reagents and supplies meet acceptability criteria; removes unacceptable items from use.
  • Ensures sufficient reagents and supplies are available; notifies senior staff when minimum inventory is reached.
  • Performs and records all necessary quality control (QC) required for test system performance; evaluates QC results and takes corrective actions.
• Performs specimen preparation:
  • Performs 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).
  • Follows age-specific protocols as needed.
  • Adjusts workflow to incorporate STAT tests or fluctuations in work 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.
  • Performs visual interpretation/identifications as appropriate.
  • Recognizes unusual test results/interpretations and completes 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 corrective actions.
  • Escalates unresolved problems as needed.
  • Prints pending logs and ensures pending tests are completed or cancelled.
• 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 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; 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 procedures.
  • 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 a clean and organized work area.
• Provides service excellence:
  • Answers telephone using Northwestern Medicine telephone etiquette.
  • Maintains patient confidentiality, including protected health information (PHI).
  • Assists patients, visitors, and other contacts as needed.

Requirements

• 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.
• General 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) within one year of employment.

Benefits

Northwestern Medicine offers 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