Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1, UWMC Montlake Core Laboratory

University of Washington Medical Center • Seattle, WA

17d • $38 - $57 • Onsite

About The Position

The UW Medicine - Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology (DLMP) in Seattle, WA has a fantastic opportunity for a Generalist Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Trainee/1 with the UWMC Montlake Core Laboratory. The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Trainee/1 Generalist performs clinical laboratory testing within an automated Total Laboratory Automation (TLA) and manual environment. This role is primarily focused on the operation, monitoring, troubleshooting, validation, and optimization of automated analyzers and specimen automation systems across the Core Laboratory, including Chemistry, Microbiology, Hematology, Coagulation, and Urinalysis. The MLS Trainee/1 Generalist ensures accurate, timely, and high-quality patient results by maintaining analyzer performance, managing automation workflows, and validating data through middleware and the Laboratory Information System (LIS).

Requirements

• Accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science OR equivalent education/experience AND 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 AND One (1) year of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee. 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.

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, Microbiology, Chemistry, Coagulation, and Urinalysis instrumentation. This includes running various sample types, performing dilutions/neutralizations/ultracentrifugation, or other sample alterations to improve test reliability, understanding the reportable ranges for each test, and what to do when the results are outside of the reportable range, validation, and carryover studies and research samples when appropriate.
• 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). Understands 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. Manual testing is not limited to but includes 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, Rapid Strep. The technologist can make and analyze cytospin preparations.
• Perform limited microbiology testing, including, but not limited to, organism identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, serologic testing, and molecular testing (e.g., PCR) in accordance with established laboratory procedures and protocols.
• Demonstrates 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. Performs 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.

Benefits

• 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

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