Medical Laboratory Scientist, Blood Bank, Full-Time, Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Chicago, IL

11h • $34 - $53

About The Position

The Medical Laboratory Scientist performs clinical laboratory testing and conveys accurate, timely results to physicians or their designees to support patient diagnosis and treatment. The role reflects Northwestern Medicine’s mission, vision, and values; follows its Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program; and complies with applicable policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards.

The position performs pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic workflows for its laboratory section. This includes verifying orders and specimen information, receiving and processing specimens, performing tests and technical review, maintaining test systems and quality control, troubleshooting problems, reporting and amending results, responding to inquiries, storing specimens and records, and completing applicable billing tasks. The employee follows established protocols and service levels, participates in training and test development, maintains safety and confidentiality, and supports quality operations and service excellence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Allied Health qualifying the applicant to take the ASCP or equivalent certification examination.
• General MLS or MT (ASCP) certification or eligibility, or categorical BB, C, H, or M (ASCP) certification or eligibility.
• Employees hired after January 19, 2025 must obtain ASCP certification or equivalent within one year of employment.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-analytic workflow, including verifying orders and non-patient information, resolving ambiguous orders, and confirming the availability and acceptability of specimens for add-on tests.
• Receive, label-check, evaluate, prioritize, process, document, and aliquot specimens according to established protocols.
• Perform analytical testing and required specimen preparation according to written protocols and standard operating procedures.
• Maintain test system integrity by performing preventive maintenance, checking reagents and supplies, monitoring inventory, and completing and evaluating required quality control.
• Prioritize and complete testing within defined turnaround times, follow age-specific protocols, and adapt workflow to STAT tests and changes in workload.
• Review and interpret test results for completeness, correctness, and consistency; perform visual interpretations, reflex testing, and follow-up actions as appropriate.
• Follow established protocols for notifying relevant parties about critical values, abnormalities, and results requests.
• Troubleshoot test system problems, take corrective action, escalate unresolved issues, and follow up on pending tests.
• Store and retrieve specimens and related materials according to protocols.
• Verify and report results, perform computer functions to release results, generate reports, and review reports for problems.
• Correct and amend erroneous reports according to procedure.
• Respond to information requests while following confidentiality and information-release protocols; escalate unresolved inquiries.
• Store documents and records according to established protocols.
• Perform applicable billing and charge-capture tasks, and escalate billing problems.
• Follow SOPs, equipment and computer protocols, downtime procedures, safety requirements, and quality-system responsibilities.
• Meet departmental proficiency and competency standards; help train new employees and students; review new SOPs operationally; and participate in test development, validations, and implementation.
• Attend at least one personal development session per year and perform other duties as assigned or needed to maintain quality operations.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, use appropriate personal protective equipment, answer telephones using NM etiquette, protect patient confidentiality, and assist patients, visitors, and other contacts as needed.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement
• Loan forgiveness
• 401(k) matching
• A range of benefits supporting physical, emotional, and financial well-being and protection against unexpected life events

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time