Medical Laboratory Scientist III

Performs routine and specialized assays and provides technical advice and information in one or more clinical laboratory scientific specialties to support the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Analyzes body fluids, cells, and products to identify abnormalities and critical disorders associated with disease processes. Serves as a subject matter expert and technical consultant in the assigned specialty area(s).

• Evaluates specimen adequacy for test performance and obtains specimens for quantitative and qualitative analyses.

• Performs routine and specialized testing in the assigned area. Correlates laboratory findings with disease stages and integrates and relates data from other laboratory specialty areas. Confirms abnormal results and specimen discrepancies and initiates appropriate follow-up procedures.

• Reviews and verifies test results, recognizes and follows up on abnormal or unusual results, and communicates findings to appropriate personnel. Accurately completes all required documentation. Utilizes judgment and discretion when considering sample integrity, process calibration, reagent concentration and stability, quality control results in relation to unknown results, evaluation of unexpected patient results, and error identification before releasing test results.

• Performs and documents daily quality control and quality assurance measures to ensure established tolerance limits are not exceeded. Advises the supervisor of quality assurance and quality control problems. Evaluates College of American Pathologists (CAP) and other proficiency testing survey materials as required.

• Analyzes technical problems related to specimen collection and instrumentation. Determines the causes of problems and resolves them in accordance with established guidelines and procedures.

• Maintains adequate reagents and supplies in the work area and/or on instruments to prevent delays in sample processing. Keeps the work area clean and organized at all times in accordance with established Lean standards. Decontaminates counter surfaces, instruments, computers, telephones, and general work areas according to laboratory protocols.

• Ensures turnaround time standards are met within the laboratory section and communicates any deviations to the supervisor in a timely manner.

• Participates in the education and training of students and new employees.

• Maintains individual competency according to established schedules.

• Assists with departmental competency requirements, including performing training assessments and direct observations, as delegated by the Medical Director.

• Provides technical advice and support to other laboratory personnel as required.

• Communicates pertinent information to the incoming shift to maintain efficient laboratory operations.

• Demonstrates proficiency in troubleshooting both simple and complex technical problems.

• Serves as a resource to leadership by reliably contributing to activities such as serving as the section safety representative; monitoring instrument- or assay-specific performance and accountability; managing section inventory; and reviewing and modifying Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Actively participates in cross-training activities and completes cross-training according to departmental needs.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Physical, Biological, or Clinical Laboratory Science, or a related field, required.

Experience

• Three to four years of clinical laboratory training and/or experience required.

Licenses and Certifications

• Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) required; or

• Certification requirement may be waived for applicants with a minimum of seven years of experience in a designated specialty.