Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1: Coagulation & Hematology Lab, UWMC - Montlake

Job Description

Who we’re looking for

The UW Medicine Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle, WA has a fantastic opportunity for a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1 with the Coagulation & Hematology Laboratory at the University of Washington Medical Center - Montlake .

Our lab serves a patient population that includes oncology patients, transplant patients, cardiovascular patients, mechanical circulation patients, and patients with risky pregnancies. This MLS Trainee/1 role performs all the specialized testing in our division, including platelet aggregation and function screen testing, as well as TEG6s testing. Additionally, we provide support to the clinicians who perform bone marrow biopsies and aspirates for EVALHD bone marrow testing.

In partnership with the University of Washington, we also train MLS students during their clinical rotations as well as residents who will eventually run their own labs. Not only do we enjoy training others, but we also engage in continuing education opportunities to maintain our MLS certifications through MediaLab, MedTraining Services, and DLMP Grand Rounds and Research Rounds. There is a lot of exciting activity in our lab!

Work schedule

• 100% FTE
• Monday - Friday with rotating weekends and holidays
• Day Shift

What you’ll contribute

Coagulation General Duties :

On the General Bench

• Perform Coagulation testing such as PT, PTT, Thrombin Time, Fibrinogen, Ddimer assays and mixing studies when ordered on the STAR Max.
• Perform heparin contamination checks and removal protocols in accordance with SOPs.
• Perform Liquid anti-Xa testing for UF Heparin, LMW Heparin, Rivaroxaban Level, Apixaban Level, Chromogenic factor X, DTI and Dabigatran levels, Factor VIII and Factor IX levels when ordered on the STAR Max.
• Perform Platelet Function Screen assays on the PFA-100.
• Run and evaluate Quality Controls on all Coagulation General Bench procedures requiring the running of Quality Control material in accordance with SOPs.
• Perform maintenance procedures daily, weekly and monthly on Coagulation General Bench instruments in accordance with SOPs.

On the OR Bench - If Trained

• Perform Thromboelastograph testing using TEG6s instruments. Transmit TEG tracings to TEG Manager.
• Perform Hematological analysis - platelet counts and Hematocrits – using Sysmex instruments.
• Perform coagulation testing on STAR Max.
• Run and evaluate Quality Controls on any Satellite Lab instruments still supported as deep back-up to the main lab.
• Perform maintenance procedures daily, weekly, and monthly on Satellite Lab instruments still supported as deep back-up to the main lab.

On the Special Coagulation Bench – If Trained

• Perform Heparin Induced Platelet Antibody testing, Plasma Hemoglobin testing, and other special or research assays as trained using the BioTek Eon Plate Reader in accordance with SOPs.
• Perform Platelet Aggregation studies on the ChronoLog and Whole Blood LumiAggregometer.
• Run and evaluate Quality Controls on all Special Coagulation Bench procedures, requiring the running of Quality Control material in accordance with SOPs.
• Perform maintenance procedures daily, weekly and monthly on special Coagulation bench instruments in accordance with SOPs.

In General

• Process and store Coagulation samples for various Coagulation Assays and various Research Testing projects (may include precipitations, multiple centrifugations, aliquoting plasma into vials and placing in appropriate freezers or refrigerators).
• Enter patient and Quality Control data into the LIS. Notify Reference Lab Services to fax results as needed and follow SOPs to fax results to outside locations when RLS is not available.
• Assist with training and teaching MLS program students and new employees.
• Be familiar with Departmental “Environment of Care” Policies, Workplace Safety Protocols, patient confidentiality policies, and all SOPs regarding departmental and divisional compliance and integrity in the workplace and CQI.
• Be familiar with and confidently use the Coagulation Lab procedure manuals, including those in Media Lab.
• MLSs may be asked to perform other more specialized Coagulation testing and test development as needed and in accordance with training.
• Perform testing on proficiency testing materials when asked by the Coagulation MLS Lead or by the MLS 2 in accordance with departmental SOPs.
• Troubleshoot instrument issues and know when to call one of the groups that support the Coagulation lab (i.e., LabMed IT, Stago Support Hotline).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Hematology General Duties

• Perform Hematological analysis using Sysmex XN instruments.
• Perform Hematological analysis such as differentials and smear scans using Cellavision and microscopes.
• Use SP-50s for slide making and staining or manually make and stain the slide. Use Cytospin to make body fluid slides.
• Use Caresphere middleware to review Hematological results and conduct other checks prior to validation and submission of those results to the LIS.
• Perform Quantitative and Qualitative analysis body fluid cells using microscopes and counting chambers.
• Be familiar with and use the Hematology Lab procedure manuals, including those in Media Lab.
• Perform ESRs using the Excyte 20.
• MLSs who are specially trained and licensed may be asked to perform other more specialized Hematology testing (i.e., assist with the acquisition and processing of Bone Marrow samples) and test development as needed.
• Perform maintenance procedures daily, weekly and monthly on Hematology instruments in accordance with SOPs.
• Run and evaluate Quality Controls on all procedures requiring the running of Quality Control material in accordance with SOPs.
• Perform testing on proficiency testing materials when asked by the Hematology MLS Lead or by one of the MLS 2s in accordance with departmental SOPs.
• Troubleshoot instrument issues, knowing when to call one of the groups that supports the Hematology lab (i.e., LabMed IT, Sysmex’s TAC).
• Process bone marrow aspirate and biopsy samples, preparing them for transport to SCCA.
• Distribute bone marrow aspirate and biopsy samples to SCCA and other locations for testing, further processing, and evaluation.
• Maintains the bone marrow bench area at UWMC.
• Participate in demonstrating simple laboratory techniques to students and new employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What you’ll need

Requirements for an MLS Trainee

• Accredited bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science OR equivalent education/experience AND
• Eligible to take the Medical Laboratory Scientist or categorical certification examination from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) within 18 months from date of hire. Failure to attain the certification within 18 months of date of hire may result in a recommendation for termination.

Requirements for an MLS 1

• Accredited bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science OR equivalent education/experience AND
• Current Medical Laboratory Scientist certification with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent certifying organization OR certification with specialty organization appropriate to the laboratory division AND
• One (1) year of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee. Up to one (1) year of on-the-job experience performing clinical testing in a Medical Laboratory Science Program externship may count toward the experience requirement.

Desired qualifications

• One (1) year experience working in a lab performing Coagulation and/or Hematology testing.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.

What we offer

• Vacation time and sick time off that accrues monthly, including 12 paid holidays.
• State Employee Tuition Exemption Program covering up to 6 credits of qualifying coursework per quarter at the University of Washington or other participating colleges or universities.
• Fully subsidized public transit pass (U-PASS) that covers multiple forms of public transportation in the region.
• Excellent healthcare, dental, disability, retirement, and other plan options.
• Lots of free fantastic fitness, healthy eating, finance, and stress reduction classes offered through the Whole U.
• And much more!

About the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology

A regional resource for clinical laboratory services required for innovative patient care, research and educational programs, the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology at UW Medicine combines the sophisticated testing and informatics capabilities of fully accredited laboratories with the resources of an academic institution in its delivery of clinical and anatomic pathology services. Recognized for excellence in clinical training, world-class research initiatives, and a commitment to community service, we serve labs and medical facilities both nationally and internationally.

Please visit our website to learn more about our department.

About UW Medicine

UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region, and preparing tomorrow’s physicians, scientists and other health professionals.

All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that include Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, Valley Medical Center, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest.

Become part of our team . Join our mission to make life healthier for everyone in our community.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum

$38.46 hourly

Pay Range Maximum

$56.73 hourly

Other Compensation

-

Benefits

For information about benefits for this position, visit

Shift

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent)

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit

SEIU Local 925 Healthcare Prof/Lab Tech

ABOUT UW MEDICINE – WHERE YOUR IMPACT GOES FURTHER

UW Medicine is Washington’s only health system that includes a top-rated medical school and an internationally recognized research center. UW Medicine’s mission is to improve the health of the public by advancing medical knowledge, providing outstanding primary and specialty care to the people of the region, and preparing tomorrow’s physicians, scientists and other health professionals.

All across UW Medicine, our employees collaborate to perform the highest quality work with integrity and compassion and to create a respectful, welcoming environment where every patient, family, student and colleague is valued and honored. Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family of organizations that includes: Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, UW Medicine Primary Care, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine, and Airlift Northwest.