Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1 (Intermittent), UWMC - Northwest

University of Washington•Seattle, WA

24d•$41 - $59•Onsite

About The Position

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle, WA has a fantastic opportunity for an intermittent Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1 with the UWMC – Northwest Laboratory. This role involves performing a wide range of laboratory tests on various instrumentation, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of results, performing quality control and maintenance procedures, and contributing to a collaborative team environment. The position also requires proficiency in transfusion medicine processes and adherence to laboratory safety protocols.

Requirements

Accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science OR equivalent education/experience
Eligible to take the Medical Laboratory Scientist or categorical certification examination from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) within 18 months from date of hire. Failure to attain the certification within 18 months of date of hire may result in a recommendation for termination.
Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.
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 (for MLS 1)
One (1) year of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee (for MLS 1). Up to one (1) year of on-the-job experience performing clinical testing in a Medical Laboratory Science Program externship may count toward the experience requirement (for MLS 1).

Responsibilities

Performs testing on Hematology, Chemistry, Coagulation, Microbiology, and Urinalysis instrumentation, including running various sample types, performing dilutions/neutralizations/ultracentrifugation, or other sample alterations to improve test reliability.
Understands the reportable ranges for each test and what to do when results are outside of the reportable range.
Performs validation and carryover studies and research samples when appropriate.
Runs and evaluates quality control on all applicable general bench procedures requiring the running of Quality Control material, according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Performs maintenance procedures, daily, weekly, and monthly, on all general bench instruments according to SOPs.
Demonstrates the ability to perform appropriate quality assurance procedures for all flagged samples as indicated by the middleware for each automated analyzer as instructed by the SOPs and the middleware.
Determines when results are reportable and will validate the results in the middleware program and thus report the results to the Lab Information System (LIS).
Understands the troubleshooting documentation process for each quality control and when issues need to be escalated to the lead technologist and/or Manager of the department.
Performs manual testing for each section reporting via the middleware into the LIS, including manual differentials and urine microscopic examinations, gram staining and slide interpretations, body fluid counts and analysis, manual hematocrit testing, kit testing for pregnancy, occult blood, mononucleosis, HIV Antigen/Antibody testing, Fetal Fibronectin, Rapid Strep.
Makes and analyzes cytospin preparations.
Differentiates normal and abnormal cell morphology, identifies and differentiates types of WBCs and nucleated cells, crystals, casts, other urine elements and distinguishes various elements on microbiology smears (bacteria, fungus, parasites, foreign material) using microscopes.
Trains students and new employees in performing the tasks assigned for each bench in the sections for which they are trained.
Performs reagent replenishment on the various automated analyzers and for other manual tests as needed.
Utilizes proper documentation and sequence for reagent utilization and will initiate requests for new reagents or kits as needed.
Performs maintenance procedures on the automated analyzers in the sections for which they are trained.
Troubleshoots technical issues as they arise and follow up with the section Lead or Manager for the department.
Detects when results are questionable and may require further Quality Assurance or troubleshooting to ensure the accuracy of the results.
Understands quality control and quality assurance requirements and follows procedures to validate test results.
Enters QC results into the Laboratory Information System or applicable QC monitoring system and follow-up documentation when appropriate.
Recognizes critical and other urgent results that may need to be called to a clinical provider.
Correctly communicates critical results to the appropriate provider in the expected timeframe and notes these communications in the Lab Information System.
Obtains a ‘read-back’ or comment on the reason for no readback for review by departmental or QA management.
Retrieves samples, slides, reagents, or any testing materials needed for review from storage when requested.
Uses computers to access all required computer applications.
Uses the analyzer middleware and the Laboratory Information System to accurately report results on patient samples and look up information as needed.
Cancels and credits results as needed, notifies providers of canceled tests, and enters requests for additional testing as needed, in accordance with SOPs.
Recognizes and manages mislabeled specimens in accordance with SOPs.
Follows up with the LMR (Lab Medicine Resident) on-call when appropriate.
Demonstrates proficiency with transfusion medicine lab information processes.
Processes transfusion medicine specimens.
Manages blood component storage devices.
Retrieves, tags, and releases blood components.
Returns units to inventory, quarantined components, and returning components to the Montlake campus, where applicable.
Processes frozen blood product components including cryoprecipitate and plasma.
Responds to transfusion emergencies in a calm and organized manner, expediting provision of products in an efficient manner with thorough and complete documentation.
Assists the provider or care giver with important information regarding status of component readiness, turnaround expectations and review of components transfused.
Performs maintenance and troubleshooting on all transfusion related equipment including but not limited to the primary and backup storage devices.
Works as a member of a team, helping other colleagues out as needed and asks others when they need assistance.
Demonstrates knowledge of laboratory safety and consistently complies with wearing appropriate PPE in the laboratory area while handling hazardous chemicals according to the SOPs.
All hazardous chemical waste and biohazardous waste are discarded according to the SOPs.
Rotates and maintains competency in all assigned departments where they have been trained as well as in the LIS (Laboratory Information System).
Establishes priorities of work to be done accurately and precisely in all trained departments and communicates problems to the following shift, documenting errors and keeping records neat, organized, and legible.
Manages average workload and asks for help when falling behind because of heavier than normal workloads.
When tasks are completed, helps others or works on other assigned projects, tasks, or lab related improvements.
Works with health care providers in a professional manner and remains calm when answering calls from providers under challenging circumstances.
Forms productive working relationships with all co-workers throughout the medical centers and aids in establishing a good working relationship between the laboratory and other hospital affiliated departments.
Makes decisions based upon written policies and demonstrates critical thinking and problem-solving skills when new situations arise.
Knows the critical limits for all tests (or how to access them quickly) for which critical values are defined and reports them to appropriate medical staff and documents the information according to laboratory policy.
Follows established protocols for reporting STAT results and ensures turnaround times (TAT) meet expectations.
Assists with the evaluation of new tests and instrumentation.
Performs inventory in assigned areas, unpacks, labels, and puts away supplies, taking care to rotate stock as needed and informing the Supervisor or Lead well in advance when any items are getting low.
Calculates concentrations, prepares, verifies, and documents the making of reagents, controls, and standards, updating instruments with new lot parameters if appropriate.
Receptive to new ideas and procedures and adapts to new routines, technologies, and schedules as necessary.
Instructs new employees, medical laboratory scientist program students, residents, and post-doctoral fellows in routine procedures with tolerant patience.
Continues education by attending Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology related seminars, in-services, staff meetings and/or by reading scientific journals.
Arrives to and leaves work at assigned times and limits meal and paid breaks to the allowed times.
Shares responsibility for covering overtime and on call slots if help is needed.
Uses sick time appropriately.
Follows all rules and regulations regarding the preparation and processing of samples for transport and/or testing.
Handles and quickly responds to emotionally challenging situations such as codes and Massive Transfusion Protocols.
Is adaptable, willing to learn new tasks, and performs other duties as assigned and agreed upon.