Medical Laboratory Scientist

SUMMARY

• Under the general supervision of the Specialist, Manager, or Director performs various complex clinical laboratory tests in one or more of the laboratory sections of the Pathology Department.
• The work performed requires a professional level of knowledge in order to read and interpret test results, especially those that are abnormal or atypical.
• Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
  • The calibration of equipment.
  • Performance and interpretation of highly complex testing and the corresponding Quality Control results.
  • The troubleshooting of equipment as needed.
• All specific functions performed in this position reflect the age specific needs of the patient.
• 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.
• In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done:
  • Instill Trust and Value Differences
  • Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receives specimens, confirms patient's identification, validates the appropriateness of physician's orders and labels, exercising care to avoid contamination of specimen.
• Prepares and determines suitability of solutions, reagents and stains following standard laboratory formulas and procedures; confirming expiration dates.
  • Datesnitials reagents and QC materials appropriately once opened.
• Follows established departmental procedures, performs complex clinical tests using a variety of methodologies including:
  • EIA
  • IFA
  • Chemiluminesence
  • RIA
  • Electrophoresis
  • Immunoassay
  • Colorimetry
• Performs complex clinical laboratory tests, which require a professional level of knowledge in order to:
  • Monitor testing procedures and parameters.
  • Interpret and analyze test results.
• Interprets clinical significance of test results.
  • Collaborates with other technologists to confirm unusual test results or test procedure variation.
  • May review same with Specialist, Manager or Director.
  • Records and reports test results to ordering physician or DOH, as procedurally required.
• Assists in the instruction of students and residents, as required, and in the orientation and training 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 developmental stages and makes recommendations for modification and establishment of new tests and procedures.
• Monitors, sets up and calibrates equipment, troubleshoots operational problems and performs preventative maintenance and minor repairs involving the manufacturer's Hot Line as needed.
• Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment, glassware, instruments, work benches, etc.
• Helps to maintain inventory control in the lab, to include stocking of supplies to maintain laboratory readiness.
• Participates in quality Assurance and Improvement programs, as needed.
• Maintains RI State CLS License, requiring a minimum of 15 hours/year in continuing education, and current knowledge of clinical laboratory theories and technologies.
• Complies with all QA, Safety, Infection Control, and HIPAA guidelines in accordance with established hospital and departmental policies, procedures and objectives.
• Performs other related duties that may be assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

BASIC KNOWLEDGE

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

CRENDENTIALS

• 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 certifications

OR

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

OR

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

• The ability to operate equipment and instruments and to perform all procedures and tests within 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 patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

EXPERIENCE

• One year 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, etc.