Medical Lab Scientist

Overview

II.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs various chemical, microbiologic, and microscopic tests in any one or combination of areas within the Laboratory to obtain data for use in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Interprets results based on basic clinical information regarding patient age, sex, and condition.
• Sets up, adjusts, and maintains Laboratory equipment and apparatus.
• Obtains Laboratory specimens via venipuncture or capillary puncture from both inpatients and outpatients. Able to obtain adequate specimen from all patient age ranges - neonatal to geriatric.
• Receives written or verbal orders from physicians for routine or special Laboratory testing.
• Correctly documents results in the hospital information system. Notifies physician and documents communication of critical values.
• Charts results to patient chart and files Laboratory copies of report using the Laboratory information system.
• Identifies and labels all specimens to be retained and files them for future reference.
• Participates in the development of policies and procedures in his/her area of the Laboratory.
• Helps in the identification of educational needs of assigned area of the Laboratory and helps plan and/or teach in-services.
• Attends hospital staff development programs and continuing education courses offered by the hospital and other sources.
• Judges the adequacy of a specimen submitted to the Laboratory and requests another if the original specimen is unsatisfactory.
• Assists in quality control, quality assurance, and safety in meeting requirements set forth by inspecting agencies.
• Refuses to procure specimens on unwilling, rowdy, or improperly identified patients until the situation is corrected.
• Maintains credentials at all times.
• Performs order entry for laboratory tests.
• Programs instruments with manufacturers expected QC ranges, establishes laboratory QC ranges, gathers and submits QC data for same instrument peer comparisons of performance.
• Produces and maintains procedures for testing in the department.
• Oversees proficiency results submitted and responds to discrepancies.
• Develops, maintains and monitors a department Quality Assurance Plan to include review of manual testing, Quality Control and supervises other workers performance in the department.
• Teaches and manages Medical Technology and Medical Laboratory Technologist students performing clinical functions in the department and monitors their work.
• Is instrumental in selection, set up, installation and validation of new analyzers and instrumentation, including interface validation with the Laboratory Information System.
• Calibrates tests and challenges their linearity to monitor accuracy of testing when necessary.
• Validates test orders and calculations in Meditech and EMR for accuracy.
• Correlates testing between similar instruments.
• Maintains and troubleshoots instruments, performing weekly, monthly and as needed maintenance. Monitors daily maintenance and field service for preventive maintenance compliance.
• Maintains logs for maintenance, calibration, QC, etc. digitally or manually, as appropriate.
• Keeps supplies stocked in the department, orders supplies when needed and monitors supplies for expiration.
• Works directly with Laboratory Manager on all aspects of Quality Management and any concerns in the department and laboratory.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must be able to read, write, and organize. Must be able to utilize a computer in daily work.
• Education:
  
  Individual must graduate from an accredited Medical Laboratory Technician or Clinical Laboratory Assistant program. Must have bachelor's degree in related field.
• Experience:
  
  Previous Laboratory experience is required.
• Certification/Licensure:
  Must maintain current registry.
• Code Blue Training: B.C.L.S. (Basic Cardiac Life Support):
  Maintain certification, renew every two years.
• Physical/Work Requirements:
  Requires occasional sitting. Frequent walking and standing are required. Occasionally required to lift up to 50 lbs and carry up to 25 lbs. Eye-hand, manual, and finger dexterity are required. Requires corrected hearing and vision to normal range.…