Medical Laboratory Scientist 2 Generalist, Renton Core Lab

University of Washington • Seattle, WA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle, WA has a fantastic opportunity for a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) 2 with the Renton Core Laboratory at the Renton Central Laboratory. This role involves demonstrating the ability to perform testing on Hematology, Chemistry, Coagulation, and Urinalysis instrumentation, including running various sample types, performing dilutions, understanding reportable ranges, and conducting validation and carryover studies. The MLS 2 will also run and evaluate quality control, perform maintenance procedures, and execute appropriate quality assurance for flagged samples. The position requires the ability to determine reportable results, validate them in middleware, and report to the Lab Information System (LIS). Troubleshooting documentation, manual testing, and training students and new employees are also key aspects. The role involves reagent replenishment, maintenance on automated analyzers, and identifying and resolving technical issues. Furthermore, the MLS 2 will manage critical results communication, retrieve materials, use computer applications for reporting and information lookup, and operate and monitor Total Laboratory Automation systems, including troubleshooting automation line errors and performing validation of new modules and interfaces. The MLS 2 will also recognize and manage mislabeled specimens, follow up with LMR on call, perform maintenance and troubleshooting on equipment, make decisions based on policies, know critical limits, assist with new test evaluations, perform inventory, and provide high-level support and direction to staff and students.

Requirements

• Accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory OR equivalent education/experience
• Current Medical Laboratory Scientist certification with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent certifying organization; or certification with specialty organization appropriate to the laboratory division
• Two years of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist 1 or equivalent experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a Total Laboratory Automation (TLA) platform.
• Experience in a high-volume core laboratory environment.
• Experience as MLS generalist.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate the ability to perform testing on Hematology, Chemistry, Coagulation, and Urinalysis instrumentation.
• Run and evaluate quality control on all applicable general bench procedures requiring the running of Quality Control material according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Perform maintenance procedures daily, weekly, and monthly on all general bench instruments according to SOPs.
• Perform appropriate quality assurance procedures for all flagged samples as indicated by the middleware for each sample in LIS and/or HC1 automated analyzer as instructed by the SOPs and the middleware.
• Able to determine when results are reportable and will validate the results in the middleware program and thus report the results to the Lab Information System (LIS).
• Understand the troubleshooting documentation process for each quality control and when issues need to be escalated to the lead MLS and/or Manager of the department.
• Perform manual testing for each section reporting via the middleware into the LIS.
• Make and analyze cytospin preparations.
• Demonstrate the ability to differentiate normal and abnormal cell morphology, identify and differentiate types of WBCs and nucleated cells, crystals, casts, other urine elements.
• Train students and new employees in performing the tasks assigned for each bench in the sections for which they are trained.
• Perform reagent replenishment on the various automated analyzers and for other manual tests as needed.
• Perform the proper documentation and sequence for reagent utilization and will initiate requests for new reagents or kits as needed.
• Perform maintenance procedures on the automated analyzers in the sections for which they are trained.
• Troubleshoot technical issues as they arise and follow up with the section Lead or Manager for the department.
• Detect when results are questionable and may require further Quality Assurance or troubleshooting to ensure the accuracy of the results.
• Perform quality control and quality assurance requirements and follow procedures to validate test results.
• Enter QC results into the Laboratory Information System or applicable QC monitoring system and follow-up documentation when appropriate.
• Recognize critical and other urgent results that may need to be called to a clinical provider.
• Correctly communicate these results to the appropriate provider in the expected timeframe and to note these communications in the Lab Information System.
• Obtain a ‘read-back’ or comment on the reason for no readback for review by departmental or QA management.
• Retrieve samples, slides, reagents, or any testing materials needed for review from storage when requested.
• Use computers to access all required computer applications.
• Use the analyzer middleware and the Laboratory Information System to accurately report results on patient samples and look up information as needed.
• Cancel and credit results as needed, notify providers of canceled tests, and enter requests for additional testing as needed in accordance with SOPs.
• Operate and monitor Total Laboratory Automation systems, including automated analyzers, automated specimen receipt, centrifugation, decapping/recapping, aliquoting, routing, storage, and retrieval systems.
• Use Command Center automation middleware to monitor specimen flow.
• Use the automation track to ensure appropriate routing to Hematology, Chemistry, Coagulation, and Urinalysis analyzers.
• Ensure all testing is completed and reported by the system.
• Identify and resolve automation line errors (e.g., barcode read failures, clot detection flags, routing errors, sample integrity issues).
• Troubleshoot automation track stoppages and analyzer interface issues in collaboration with section Leads, IT, and vendor technical support.
• Perform validation and verification of new automation modules, analyzer interfaces, and middleware rule changes.
• Recognize and manage mislabeled specimens in accordance with SOPs.
• Follow up with the LMR (Lab Medicine Resident) on call when appropriate.
• Perform maintenance and troubleshooting on all related equipment.
• Make decisions based upon written policies and demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills when new situations arise.
• Know the critical limits for all tests (or how to access them quickly) for which critical values are defined and report them to appropriate medical staff and documents the information according to laboratory policy.
• Follow established protocols for reporting STAT results and ensure turnaround times (TAT) meet expectation.
• Assist with the evaluation of new tests and instrumentation.
• Perform inventory in assigned areas, unpack, label, and put away supplies, taking care to rotate stock as needed and informing the Supervisor or Lead well in advance when any items are getting low.
• Instruct new employees, medical laboratory scientist program students, residents, and post-doctoral fellows in routine procedures with tolerant patience.
• Maintain TempTrack for-related equipment.
• Perform and provide high level support for the performance of moderate to high complexity procedures and interpretations.
• Provide direction to laboratory staff and students; and/or exercise expertise in development/evaluation/performance of new or specialty procedures; and/or organize staff and student teaching programs; and/or perform administrative functions.

Benefits

• Relocation incentive for eligible new employees.
• Vacation time and sick time off that accrue monthly, including 12 paid holidays.
• State Employee Tuition Exemption Program covering up to 6 credits of qualifying coursework per quarter at the University of Washington or other participating colleges or universities.
• Fully subsidized public transit pass (U-PASS) that covers multiple forms of public transportation in the region.
• Excellent healthcare, dental, disability, retirement, and other plan options.
• Lots of free fantastic fitness, healthy eating, finance, and stress reduction classes offered through the Whole U.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees