Medical Laboratory Scientist - Per Diem

New York Oncology Hematology•Albany, NY

About The Position

The Medical Laboratory Scientist performs CLIA-classified moderate- and high-complexity laboratory testing, including specimen analysis, instrument maintenance, and quality control. The role follows quality assurance and safety policies and procedures, performs specimen collection, and assists with patient flow as needed. The scientist evaluates test results and determines when retesting or equipment recalibration may be appropriate, performs specialized diagnostic tests, and works under established procedures and quality guidelines. The position may include training employees, serving as a primary operator for at least one instrument, providing laboratory science information, and overseeing daily laboratory activities when a supervisor is absent. This is an entry-level, per-diem position requiring no prior experience, although laboratory experience is preferred. The work is performed in an office or laboratory setting and may require travel for approximately 70% of the workweek.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or a related health care field; alternatively, a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a biological science or chemistry major and a combination of 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry.
Except for grandfathered situations, a bachelor’s degree in medical technology is required.
Current state license if required; licensure and certification requirements depend on the state.
Four-year degree candidates are required to take a Hematology and/or Chemistry exam after one year of training completion.
Ability to perform moderate- and high-complexity laboratory testing with minimal supervision.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including manual and finger dexterity, eye-hand coordination, extended sitting or standing, and occasionally lifting or carrying items up to 40 pounds.
Corrected vision, color perception, and hearing within the normal range, and legible handwriting.

Nice To Haves

AMT, ASCP, or equivalent certification.
Laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

Assist with phlebotomy and collect appropriate patient specimens as ordered.
Ensure pre-authorization and complete applicable consent forms before collecting limited-coverage tests.
Assist with special procedures, such as bone marrow procedures in the room.
Follow laboratory procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analysis, reporting, and maintaining patient-result records.
Analyze Chemistry, Hematology, and Immunology specimens.
Maintain and operate laboratory equipment, including scheduled daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance.
Follow quality-control policies and document QC activities, calibrations, and instrument maintenance.
Record lot numbers for controls, calibrators, and reagents.
Participate in proficiency testing by analyzing samples and reporting results at least annually.
Prepare peripheral blood smears and perform complete WBC differentials on normal and abnormal smears.
Perform microscopic examinations of urinary sediment.
Record results on appropriate worksheets and computer systems and perform file maintenance.
Process specimens and orders for send-out and reference laboratory testing.
Follow laboratory policies when test systems do not meet established performance levels; identify and correct problems or notify a supervisor.
Document corrective actions when test systems deviate from established performance specifications.
Maintain quality assurance documentation, including accessioning, test-report, and quality-control logs, as well as equipment records and checklists.
Verify critical results and document accurate follow-up.
Maintain adequate inventory, check supply viability before patient testing, prepare reagents and chemical solutions as needed, and restock the laboratory.
Process incoming and in-house results for charting and chart patient results in a timely manner as needed.
Identify and band patients for blood product transfusion and process labeled specimens according to local blood bank policy.
Train employees in laboratory procedures and potentially serve as primary operator for at least one laboratory instrument.
Participate in developing new instruments and procedures as needed.
Serve as a laboratory science resource and potentially oversee daily laboratory activities in the supervisor's absence.
Comply with quality assurance standards, OSHA requirements, universal precautions, and applicable regulatory standards.
Dispose of hazardous materials properly, maintain a clean work environment, and protect the confidentiality of patient and medical staff information.
Perform moderate- and high-complexity testing with minimal supervision.