Medical Laboratory Scientist

POSITION SUMMARY:

UW Health Clinical Laboratory is a comprehensive provider of laboratory testing, expert medical interpretation of specimens and innovation in laboratory technology. The laboratory plays an essential role in the quality and safety of patient care by providing accurate diagnostic and treatment information to caregivers and patients.

The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) performs a wide range of diagnostic testing. The Medical Laboratory Scientist brings forth the specialized scientific and technical knowledge essential to perform most analytical testing in the Clinical Laboratory. They are responsible for the interpretation and reporting of lab tests. Their teaching and training abilities are of broad lab scope. Individuals are expected to perform some advanced troubleshooting, maintenance, and problem resolution; and instruct other employees. Able to assess specimen quality and test validity. A high level of technical skill is needed for testing methods/systems in which quality control materials and/or external proficiency testing materials are labile or not available. Troubleshooting is not automatic and requires decision-making and direct intervention to resolve most problems. Maintenance requires special knowledge, skills, and abilities. Resolution of problems requires extensive independent interpretation and judgment. Unusual issues or difficult problems are referred to a lead technologist or manager. The scope of testing is limited by specialty education and licensing requirements (i.e., cytotechnologist).

Organizational skill and ability to prioritize test requests are critical to successful performance. Multiple test requests, with different or the same priority, must be effectively organized by the individual in order to maximize diagnostic impact. A high degree of accuracy and reliability is required to ensure results that can assist in the timely diagnosis and treatment of patients. Ability to understand lab testing across departments to aid in diagnosis and treatment. Duties require interaction with clinical staff and physicians, i.e., explanation of test results or answering a variety of questions.

EDUCATION/TRAINING:

Minimum:

Bachelor's Degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or Medical Technology

Preferred:

Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS)

Master’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

Minimum:

Certification (Medical Lab Science, Chemistry, Hematology, Microbiology, Blood Banking, Molecular Biology) by the board of American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP)or equivalent. Certification must be maintained by submitting appropriate continuing education documentation to certifying agency.

Preferred:

N/A

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum:

N/A

Preferred:

One year healthcare or lab related work experience.

REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates the following skills: flexible, organized, and able to prioritize work, strong written and verbal communication, strong attention to detail, strong analytical skills, strong troubleshooting and problem solving, strong computer and information systems.
• Knowledge of quality control, quality assurance principles and proficiency testing procedures.
• Ability to demonstrate strong independent judgment.
• Demonstrate the ability to work under stress in a variety of situations.
• Knowledge of The Joint Commission (TJC), College of American Pathologists (CAP) and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations related to work area.
• Demonstrate the ability to work under stress in a variety of situations.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs testing in the clinical laboratories (any complexity).
• Skills to operate calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot analyzers and other lab equipment.
• Demonstrates competence in all laboratory procedures sufficient to perform at a satisfactory level, without supervision.
• Uses good judgment and decision making sufficient to ensure accuracy and quality of lab tests.
• Performs preventative maintenance on laboratory equipment or instruments. Suggests changes to maintenance schedules to meet the needs of the laboratory.
• Performs troubleshooting as needed. Uses problem solving skills when assessing test result accuracy and reliability to identify causes for unexpected test results. Serves as a resource less experienced lab staff.
• Promotes good patient and provider relations as demonstrated by positive patient interactions and
• professional attitude and appearance.
• Uses verbal and written communication skills to listen attentively to patient and provider needs sufficient to answer questions, explain procedures, and give instructions.
• Works as a team member as demonstrated by good relations with physicians, clinic staff and co-workers.
• Coordinates workflow/workload as necessary to ensure timely reporting of results. Serves as resource and mentor to less experienced lab staff.
• Reviews select policies as required (i.e., annual review). Recommends policy changes and assists with communication of policy changes to testing staff.
• Performs proficiency testing (PT) as required.
• Participates in survey readiness activities. Assists manager in development and oversight of survey activities.
• Assists with maintenance of procedure manual and communication of changes to testing staff.
• Assists in gathering data for validations, and with guidance, assists in data analysis.
• Assists with gathering data for research activities and coordinating communication to testing staff.
• Assists with activities to support the Laboratory Information System and software changes.
• Assists with supply inventory using principles of asset management.
• Understands the impact of testing activities on billing and submission of credits. Provide assistance with billing activities and corrections as required.
• Assists in the total quality management in all aspects of training, testing and quality review. Assist in quality assurance and proficiency testing activities.
• Uses knowledge of quality control to review and evaluate test or instrument performance.
• Assists with gathering quality control data for periodic reviews and under direction adjusts control ranges. Reviews quality control data as requested by manager.
• Assists with quality assurance activities including adverse event reporting (HERO) or variance review.
• Provides explanation of testing and test results.
• Provides new employee assistance/training.
• Prepares and presents educational and informative material in and outside of department.
• Participates in the teaching of Medical Laboratory Technician students, Clinical Laboratory Science students, residents and other clinical staff as directed by manager.
• Assists with coordinating schedules and gathering data for or assessment of competency.