MLS; Medical Laboratory Scientist or MB; Molecular Biology ASCP

Department Overview

This position provides technical support to complete laboratory testing for OHSU hospital and clinic patients.

The Medical Laboratory Scientist aids clinicians in the diagnosis, treatment & prevention of diseases by accurately testing patient microbiology specimens, correlating data & reporting results in a timely manner to support quality patient care. Specimen processing, culture reading from different sources, performing identification and susceptibility testing for different organisms, and result reporting is performed independently after appropriate training. Supervisor or director review of results is required in situations dictated by policy or procedure.

Employees in this class have general knowledge of laboratory and Microbiology, specific terminology, equipment, materials, techniques, and safety procedures. The person filling this position will be of professional demeanor and perform their duties with an attitude, which will best serve the clients of the department.

• Laboratory Testing:
  The Microbiology Technologist aids clinicians in the diagnosis, treatment & prevention of diseases by accurately testing patient microbiology specimens, performing  susceptibilities & reporting results in a timely manner to support quality patient care.
• Handles and stores samples in a manner which prevents contamination or mislabeling.
• Ensure compliance with Quality control to affect highest quality patient care.
• Performs daily, weekly and monthly QC to follow and comply with CAP requirements.
• Prepares samples for testing. Determines acceptability of microbiology and molecular specimens and results. Interprets and reads cultures, performs susceptibility testing and results them accordingly using M100 guidelines and CAP requirements. Reports test results via computer and telephone.
• Equipment Quality Control and Maintenance:
  Ensure compliance w/ Quality Control & Quality Assurance Programs including POCT, to affect highest quality patient care: PERFORM Quality Control (QC) procedures w/ appropriate documentation; take corrective action to resolve problems; review unresolved problems w/ manager and Technical coordinator; report action limit results according to standard procedures; perform proficiency testing & report results.
• Performs all computer functions using EPIC software. Answers telephone requests for laboratory information.
• Trains new employees, students and residents.

• Assists with miscellaneous technical administrative functions to support daily laboratory activities.
• Performs inventory of reagents and supplies.
• Reviews critical, summary and outstanding lists.
• Performs projects assigned by lead worker, technical coordinator or lab manager.
• Completes competency training, annual review of policy and procedure manuals, and safety review. Attends and participates in staff meetings and training sessions.
• Performs requirements for Staff Members as outlined in Compliance Roles and Responsibilities in OHSU Hospitals and Clinics and understands and complies with the Code of Conduct, OHSU and departmental policies and procedure manuals, and other applicable procedures, rules and regulations.
• Communicates and works effectively as part of a team, and interacts with a variety of clients including doctors, nurses, laboratory staff and patients, maintaining a customer service focus at all times.
• Performs job responsibilities ethically, professionally, and with personal integrity, and functions as part of the team exhibiting excellent communication, teamwork and customer service skills.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and training sessions.

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Lab Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Chemical or Biological field, and current certification MT (ASCP), or MLS (ASCP) within 90 days of hire. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred.
• OR Completion of a 2-year accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program, plus MLT (ASCP) or equivalent certification within 90 days of hire, and 4 years of experience in a clinical laboratory. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004.
• OR Bachelor's degree in a Chemical or Biological field, and four years’ experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory performing testing and related tasks. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004.
  
  Note:
  
  experience in a specialty lab area will only qualify candidate to work in that specialty area.

• Three year of experience with microbiology testing.
• General knowledge of…