Medical Laboratory Scientist

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of supervisors is directly responsible for the prompt and accurate performance of work assigned. Performs analyses on blood and other body fluids for use in diagnosis and treatment of disease. Maintains proficiency to work in all clinical departments of the laboratory.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. Bachelor’s degree of equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Completed a 12 month clinical internship in an accredited school for medical technology.

Experience:

1. No previous experience required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Continually strives to maintain good rapport and cooperation with all hospital departments, medical staff, patients, fellow employees, visitors, etc. by communicating effectively.

License/Certification/Registration:

1. Certified MT with ASCP, AMT, NCCLS or equivalent certification.
2. Certified MLS with ASCP, AMT, NCCLS or equivalent certification.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives general supervision from the Medical Director, Manager, Supervisors, and Section Heads

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Performs assigned duties accurately, efficiently and according to established procedures in blood bank, immunology, coagulation, urinalysis, hematology, chemistry, special chemistry, microbiology, or specimen collection departments.
   1. Uses proper techniques and/or equipment in the performance of duties.
   2. Prepares specimens for processing by always accurately identifying appropriate specimen, logging into the department, entering all patient information required, and assuring the proper testing as ordered.
   3. Promptly processes and begins analysis of all specimens by manual or automated methods to determine qualitative or quantitative results for efficient reporting.
   4. Assures quality control criteria are always met before releasing any reports. Immediately repeats any procedures which appear to be out of control following established departmental protocol at all times.
   5. Keeps work organized to avoid confusion and potential for error.
   6. Consistently reviews results for accuracy and completeness before releasing. Repeat results that are not consistent with previous results, diagnosis or fail delta checks. Request new specimen when appropriate.
   7. Seeks assistance from supervisor when difficulties in proper identification, interpretation, or processing are encountered or when very rare abnormal results are obtained.
   8. Assists with training of technical personnel by demonstration of techniques and review of work performance as requested by supervisor.
   9. Will participate in all proficiency testing or quality assurance activities as instructed.
2. Maintains current knowledge of laboratory and hospital policies and procedures as well as performance standards for the laboratory.
   1. Demonstrates continuous awareness and compliance with safety, infection control and quality assurance procedures. Advises supervisor of potential hazards when noted.
   2. Demonstrates constant awareness and compliance with departmental and hospital policies.
   3. Suggests ways of improving laboratory services when appropriate.
   4. Complies with policies for release of patient information and appropriately documents the time and other required information when reports are released.
3. Maintains all departmental equipment and supplies.
   1. Checks the performance of all instruments daily and maintains all equipment, including any back up equipment, in working condition at all times. Communicates any problems to supervisor promptly and notifies affected patient care area if delays may occur.
   2. Maintains ability to troubleshoot both instrumental and procedural problems when they arise. Continually strives to be familiar with principles of both instruments and procedures for achieving acceptable troubleshooting skills.
   3. Assists with maintaining sufficient inventory of departmental reagents and supplies at all times. Promptly submits information or requests to supervisor when additional materials are anticipated or when problems are encountered with any current supplies or reagents.
   4. Maintains cost control in utilization of materials and suggests ways to improve conservation of same as appropriate.
   5. Rotates, dates, and tests reagents as they are received or prepared to insure accuracy, avoid expiration, and to provide availability for use at all times.
4. Assists with the implementation of new procedures and/or evaluation of new products or equipment.
   1. Evaluates new products, procedures or techniques and provides written information when requested regarding findings to supervisor as soon as possible after evaluation.
   2. Suggests changes in methodologies, work flow, etc. which will increase accuracy and/or efficiency of service at any time.
5. Performs specimen collection duties.
   1. Verifies patient identification prior to specimen collection at all times to assure accurate testing. No more than one error will be acceptable per any 12 month period.
   2. Promptly responds to any request for specimen collection. Communicates effectively with patient care area if any delay does occur because of an emergency.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned.
   1. Accepts additional assignments as assigned from lab supervisors.
   2. Ordinarily works in all clinical departments of the laboratory but may be assigned to a specific department as necessitated by departmental workload and staffing requirements.
   3. Voluntarily assists co-workers when patient care priorities and workload fluctuate.

Why Mount Nittany Health?

At Mount Nittany Health, we provide high-quality patient care with a unique combination of the latest in clinical technology and compassionate medical professionals. We are committed to improving both the quality and availability of healthcare in our region and seek to hire only the best to support the communities we serve.