Medical Laboratory Scientist

SUMMARY:

Performs clinical tests for the detection and diagnosis of disease. All essential functions performed in this position reflect the age specific needs of the patients. Refers unusual situations to Sr. Medical Technologist or Manager for clarification and/or guidance in handling.
Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.


RESPONSIBILITIES:

Demonstrates understanding of Hospital's Mission, Vision and Values.
Demonstrates understanding of job description, performance expectations, and competency assessment plan.
Demonstrates a commitment toward meeting and exceeding the needs of our customers and consistently adheres to our Customer Service Standards.
Complies with department and hospital policies and procedures:
Reviews policies and procedures
Reviews Employee Handbook.
Completes mandatory safety management education (Hospital-wide, Department-specific, Job-specific).
Participates in departmental and/or interdepartmental quality improvement activities
Informs appropriate health care provider of unusual test results on discovery.
Notifies physician or other health care provider of unusual delays in testing capability.
Operates mechanical and/or semi-automated equipment when required, participates in QC procedures and equipment maintenance.
Assists in maintaining laboratory readiness, may include cleaning, preparing work area and instruments and stocking supplies.
Cleans and maintains laboratory equipment, glassware, instruments, workbenches, etc.
Assists in the instruction of new employees in basic scientific theory and technical skills.
Assists in the development of test protocols.

SPECIFIC FUNCTIONS

PHLEBOTOMY:
Receives patient specimens and correlates information with the patient specimen and patient history file for proper patient identification.
Verifies sample information and acceptability upon receipt.
Utilizes effective sterile technique when processing, to avoid contamination.
Performs blood collection on:

Neonates
Children
Adults

Disposes of venipuncture materials in a manner that provides a safe environment for patients, visitors and employees.
Correctly labels all collected specimens.

LIS COMPUTER SKILLS:
Demonstrates ability to enter/edit patient requisitions.
Demonstrates ability to enter/edit patient test orders.
Demonstrates capabilities to enter/edit patient test results on manual or non-interfaced procedures.
Documents edited report changes appropriately.
Operates current I.S. system.

HEMATOLOGY - PERFORMS THE FOLLOWING:
Blood counts. – operates analyzer appropriately.
Cell morphology.
Cell differentiation.
Sedimentation rates.
Reticulocyte counts.
Clotting studies.

URINALYSIS
Perform routine and microscopic examination.

BLOOD BANKMMUNOLOGY - PERFORMS THE FOLLOWING
Assists in the preparation of fresh frozen plasma, platelets, cryoprecipitate, and dispenses for transfusion
Blood group and Rh type.
Antibody screen.
Identifies antibodies, if present.
Determines Rh immune globulin eligibility - pre and post-partum.
Infant cord blood tests.
Verifies blood type of blood units received from RIBC.

MICROBIOLOGY - PERFORMS THE FOLLOWING:
Gram stains/special stains - attain proficiency.
Inoculates patient culture specimens on appropriate media.
Identifies bacteria microscopically on slide.
Perform rapid E.I.A. antigen tests accurately.
Operate automated blood culture instrument.
Operates STAT PCR tests.

CHEMISTRY - PERFORMS THE FOLLOWING:
Coagulation studies – attain proficiency.
Routine chemistry analysis of blood and body fluids on the current analyzers – attain proficiency.
Quality control procedures as required within 2 SD.
Demonstrates proficiency in minor instrument repair.
Calibrates instruments as required to ensure proper operation of equipment.

SAFETY
Utilizes appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing, i.e. gowns, goggles/face-shield, gloves, and pipetting devices.
Practices aseptic technique and infection control procedures.
Stores flammables as appropriate.
Adheres to reagent and chemical cautionary label instructions or refers to SDS sheets.
Maintains a clean and safe environment through appropriate work area decontamination and specimen disposal.

PROFICIENCY TESTING
Performs external proficiency testing when requested and obtains satisfactory results.
Adheres to Administrative Proficiency Testing Policy # 340 .

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in a lab scien