Medical Laboratory Scientist III - Reference Lab

University of Arkansas • Little Rock, AR

1d

About The Position

The Medical Laboratory Scientist III sends specimens to referral laboratories in accordance with hospital and laboratory policies and state and federal regulations, enters referral-laboratory results into the laboratory information system, assists clients with selecting appropriate reference tests, researches potential referral laboratories, consults with pathologists and other experts about reference-test requests, and helps manage inventory. Other duties may be assigned.

The role coordinates send-out specimens and related information with referral laboratories, clients, providers, and internal clinic or hospital departments. It supports specimen and order accuracy, resolves routine issues or escalates them to the direct supervisor, and follows confidentiality, laboratory procedure, and safety requirements. The position is a regular day-shift clinical support role at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology or Medical Laboratory Sciences, or an approved ASCP discipline with 30 semester hours in biology and chemistry; the semester hours may be obtained within or in addition to the bachelor’s degree.
• Three years of experience.
• Certified or eligible for certification by ASCP or another accrediting agency; certification must be obtained within one year of employment.

Nice To Haves

• DOT/IATA certification.
• ASCP certification or equivalent in at least one laboratory specialty.

Responsibilities

• Use patient identifiers to match information on requisitions and specimen labels.
• Order and status specimens, print labels, and complete requisitions.
• Work with referral laboratories to resolve questions or problems involving specimens.
• Notify clients when tests are canceled.
• Obtain referral-laboratory results and enter them into the patient chart or laboratory information system.
• Coordinate with internal clinic or hospital staff and other departments to resolve issues with patient blood draws.
• Contact the appropriate provider if a patient does not have active lab orders in EPIC or if there are questions about patient orders.
• Work with clients to clarify orders, obtain requisitions, and coordinate specimens requiring special collection or shipping instructions.
• Gather specimens for send-out to reference laboratories.
• Maintain adequate inventory of shipping supplies, order supplies as needed, and distribute supplies to clients.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment and follow laboratory safety precautions and procedures in procedure manuals.
• Identify possible causes of routine problems, develop plans to resolve them, and escalate issues to the direct supervisor as needed.
• Coordinate with referral laboratories to receive special collection containers.
• Resolve patient collection issues with referral laboratories, including arranging mobile phlebotomy in some cases.
• Maintain strict confidentiality when necessary.
• Perform other duties as needed or assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans are available for qualifying staff and family.
• Holiday, vacation, and sick leave.
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only).
• Retirement contribution matched by UAMS up to 10%.
• Basic life insurance up to $50,000.
• Career training and educational opportunities.
• Merchant discounts.
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using the UAMS pharmacy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level