Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

The US Oncology Network•McAllen, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Texas Oncology is seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) to join their team at the McAllen West location. This is a full-time position, Monday through Friday, with alternating weekly shifts between 8 am - 5 pm and 7:30 pm - 4:30 pm. The role does not require weekend, on-call, or major holiday work. The position can be hired at a level 1, 2, or Sr, depending on the candidate's experience. Texas Oncology is a leading community oncology provider in the country, dedicated to making high-quality cancer care accessible to all communities. They utilize cutting-edge technology and research to deliver evidence-based cancer care, aiming for "More breakthroughs. More victories." in their patients' fights against cancer. The company treats a significant portion of Texans diagnosed with cancer annually.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science, or related health care field OR Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college/university with a major in biological science or chemistry with a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry, which may be obtained within, or in addition to, the baccalaureate degree.
Except for grandfathered situations, bachelor's degree in Medical Technology required.
Current state license if required.
Level 1: Position is entry level and requires no experience, however lab experience is preferred.
Level 2: Position requires a minimum of three years of experience.
Level Sr: Position requires five years of experience.
Licensure and certification requirements depend on the state.

Nice To Haves

AMT, ASCP or equivalent certification preferred.
4-year degree candidates are required to take Hematology and/or Chemistry exam after 1 year of completion of training.

Responsibilities

Performs moderate and high complexity laboratory testing.
Accurately performs specimen analysis, instrument maintenance, and quality control procedures.
Initiates and follows quality assurance and safety policies and procedures.
Performs specimen collection and assists with patient flow as needed.
Trains employees in laboratory procedures.
May act as primary operator for at least one laboratory instrument.
Acts as a resource for laboratory science information.
May oversee daily laboratory activities in the absence of a supervisor.
Performs clinical tests used in the treatment and diagnosis of diseases.
Demonstrates clinical thinking and technical skills to assess result appropriateness and the need for retesting or equipment recalibration.
Performs and monitors specialized diagnostic laboratory tests.
Works within clearly defined standard operating procedures and/or scientific methods and adheres to quality guidelines.
Assists with performing phlebotomy and collecting appropriate specimens from patients as ordered.
Assures pre-authorization and completes appropriate consent forms (ABN) prior to collection of limited coverage tests.
Assists with special procedures as needed (i.e., bone marrows in the room).
Follows laboratory procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting, and maintaining records of patient results.
Performs specimen analysis of all Chemistry, Hematology, and Immunology specimens.
Maintains and operates all laboratory equipment, performing daily, weekly, and monthly instrument maintenance.
Adheres to laboratory's quality control policies and documents all QC activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and instrument maintenance.
Records proper lot numbers of all controls, calibrators, and reagents.
Participates in proficiency testing by performing sample analysis and reporting results at least once a year.
Prepares peripheral blood smear and competently performs complete WBC differential on normal and abnormal smears.
Performs microscopic examination of urinary sediment.
Records results on appropriate worksheet and computer system and performs file maintenance.
Processes specimens for send-out testing.
Follows laboratory policies when test systems are not within established acceptable levels of performance.
Identifies problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either corrects the problem or notifies supervisor.
Documents all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from established performance specifications.
Maintains proper documentation as described by the quality assurance program including accessioning logs, test report logs, quality control logs, equipment records and checklists.
Verifies all critical results and documents with accurate follow-up.
Maintains adequate inventory of supplies and ensures that all supplies are viable before using in patient testing.
Prepares reagents, stains, and other chemical solutions as needed.
Restocks the laboratory area as needed.
Sends specimens to reference laboratories for any testing not performed in-house.
Processes incoming orders for lab testing including reference laboratory specimens.
Processes in-house and in-coming results for charting.
Charts patient results in a timely manner as needed.
Properly identifies and bands patients for blood product transfusion.
Processes properly labeled specimens according to local blood bank policy.
Participates in development of new instruments and procedures as needed.
Complies with quality assurance standards.
Adheres to all OSHA compliance laws and Universal Precaution procedures.
Complies with applicable regulatory agency standards.
Properly disposes of hazardous materials.
Maintains a clean working environment.
Maintains confidentiality of all information related to patients and medical staff.
Performs CLIA classified Moderate and High complexity testing with minimal supervision.