Medical Laboratory Scientist

SUMMARY

The Pathology Technologist reports to the Pathology Manager. Under general supervision and within department policies and procedures, performs various complex clinical laboratory tests in one or more of the laboratory sections of the Pathology Department. Work requires a professional level of knowledge in order to read and interpret test results, especially those which are abnormal or atypical. Responsibilities include calibrating instruments, reporting test results, conducting quality controls, and the like.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares and determines suitable solutions, reagents and stains following standard laboratory formulas and procedures; may prepare variations of same for special tests.
• Performs complex clinical laboratory tests in one or more sections of the Pathology Department, which require a professional level of knowledge in order to monitor testing procedures and parameters, and to interpret and analyze test results.

Examples of Tests Performed

Blood Banking

• Performs routine and specialized blood tests to:
  • Type and cross-match blood and assumes responsibility for compatibility between patient and donor.
  • Isolate and identify any unusual or abnormal blood incompatibility factors.
  • Identify atypical conditions in blood specimens.

Hematology

• Performs standard hematologic procedures, as well as more specialized and difficult procedures, such as:
  • Identifying and quantifying all formed elements of blood (i.e., platelets, leukocytes, etc.).
  • Identifying coagulation factors.

Microbiology

• Isolates microorganisms from a variety of clinical specimens with emphasis on rapid detection of pathogenic organisms using specialized morphological and biochemical methods.
• Performs antibiotic susceptibility tests.

Chemistry

• Performs chemical analyses of body fluids in order to determine conditions, such as levels of glucose, sodium, potassium, chlorides, carbon dioxide, drugs, and alcohol in the blood.

Additional Responsibilities

• Records and reviews test results for accuracy and prepares test reports; relays test results and/or reports to physicians or others authorized to receive them.
• Discusses findings with physicians when necessary.
• Assists in the instruction of students and residents and in the orientation of new employees to an assigned laboratory section.
• Performs quality control checks on equipment and reagents, records values and uses results to identify potential problems.
• Performs new tests and procedures during development stages and makes recommendations for modification and establishment of new tests and procedures.
• Monitors equipment operation; sets up and calibrates equipment, troubleshoots operational problems and performs preventative maintenance and minor repairs.
• Logs in specimens and maintains records of specimens during testing; walks to patient floors, draws patient blood samples following established procedures, and transports specimens to Pathology for testing.
• Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment, glassware, instruments, work benches, and related work areas.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in a laboratory science such as chemical, physical, biological, clinical laboratory science, medical technology, or a closely related field; or equivalent education and experience as defined by CLIA standards.

CREDENTIALS

• National certification by ASCP or equivalent in any of the offered categories such as:
  • Medical Laboratory Science
  • Medical Technology
  • Microbiology
  • Chemistry
  • Hematology
  • Any other recognized categorical certification

OR

• Eligible for national certification with laboratory training, including completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by ABHES, NAACLS, or another organization approved by HHS.

OR

• Previously qualified or could have qualified as a Technologist as defined by CLIA standards for testing personnel.

Required Skills and Abilities

• The ability to operate equipment and instruments and to perform all procedures and tests within the assigned laboratory section and interpret them accurately.
• The physical and visual dexterity necessary to conduct and interpret tests.
• The physical ability to stand and work at laboratory benches.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages, and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

EXPERIENCE

• One year of experience in a clinical laboratory.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Exposure to odors, infectious materials, toxins, and other hazardous substances.
• Visual strain is encountered while closely examining specimens.
• Regularly required to stand, lift, and carry supplies and equipment.

Pay Range:

EEO Statement:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

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Driving Required: