Job Description

JOB TITLE: Medical Laboratory Scientist, Certified

SUPERSEDES: 07/19, 04/22 (Medical Laboratory Scientist (Certified)), 12/22

FLSA: Non-Exempt

JOB CODE: 6109h

ISSUED: 07/2019

REVISED: 05/2023

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

The Medical Laboratory Scientist, Certified will perform a variety of specialized, non-routine tests, procedures, and examinations in one or more areas of work, such as chemistry, toxicology, hematology, immunohematology, or cytogenetics for use by physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform chemical, bacteriological, serological, or microscopic laboratory test procedures on specimens in one or more laboratory sections.

Perform and monitor quality control procedures and report results to ensure consistency and accuracy.

Calibrate, standardize, and maintain equipment following established procedures. Perform troubleshooting techniques on instruments. Recognize instrument malfunctions and abnormal test results and take corrective action.

Prepare reagents, standards, and controls according to prescribed procedures.

Validate, review and report results of tests performed.

May assist higher-level technical staff with the instruction and teaching of laboratory procedures and tests.

Perform tests requiring routine and/or complex instrumentation on flow cytometer, optical, photometric, electronic, automated scintillation, etc.

Review and evaluate literature for new testing and techniques.

Dispose of or properly handle biological, radioactive, and/or hazardous water in a manner that is consistent with laboratory, university, state, and federal government policy.

Participate in the ordering activities for supplies, materials, and equipment as needed.

Instruct laboratory staff and when required, resident physicians, in the performance of laboratory tests of all types which require a high degree of skill and training, involving all STAT procedures.

Interpret laboratory results and discuss results with Pathologist, other clinical staff, and laboratory supervisors. May suggest additional tests based on results obtained.

May complete unit/department specific duties and expectations as outlined in department documents.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

None

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Supervision is received from Laboratory Leadership and/or Laboratory Medical Directors.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Certification: Medical Technologist (MT), Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS or IMLS), categorical or specialist technologist (such as Chemistry, Cytotechnologist, Histotechnologist, Microbiology, Blood Banking, Molecular Biology) by American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT), or Certified Point of Care Professional (CPP) by American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), or Clinical Laboratory Technologist by former Dept of Health Education & Welfare (HEW/HHS).

Bachelor's degree. Individuals who have qualified as a medical technologist by February 28, 1992 may substitute an associate's degree.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Additional license/certification requirements as determined by the hiring department.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met with or without reasonable accommodation. The performance of these physical demands is an essential function of the job. The employee may be required ambulate, remain in a stationary position and position self to reach and/or move objects above the shoulders and below the knees. The employee may be required to move objects up to 10 lbs.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job; however, completion of these duties is a measure of successful performance. Employees of this job classification are subject to performance reviews. Basic function, responsibilities and characteristics duties may change at any time with or without notice.

SAFETY SENSITIVE STATUS

This job description is considered safety sensitive.

This document is a general description of typical job duties, responsibilities and qualifications of employees holding the associated job title. Additional duties, specific qualifications and work emphasis may vary between individual positions.