Medical Laboratory Scientist

Department Overview

This position provides technical support to complete laboratory testing for OHSU hospital and clinic patients.

The Medical Laboratory Scientist aids clinicians in the diagnosis, treatment & prevention of diseases by

accurately testing patient microbiology specimens, correlating data & reporting results in a timely manner to

support quality patient. Specimen processing, culture reading from different sources, performing identification

and susceptibility testing for different organisms, and result reporting is performed independently after

appropriate training. Supervisor or director review of results is required in situations dictated by policy or

procedure.

Employees in this class have general knowledge of laboratory and Microbiology, specific terminology,

equipment, materials, techniques, and safety procedures. The person filling this position will be of professional

demeanor and perform their duties with an attitude, which will best serve the clients of the department.

Function/Duties of Position

• Laboratory Testing: The Microbiology Technologist, aids clinicians in the diagnosis, treatment & prevention of diseases by accurately testing patient microbiology specimens, performing ID and susceptibilities & reporting results in a timely manner to support quality patient care
• Handles and stores samples in a manner which prevents contamination or mislabeling.
• Ensure compliance with Quality control to affect highest quality patient care.
• Performs daily, weekly and monthly QC to follow and comply with CAP requirements. 

• Prepares samples for testing. Determines acceptability of microbiology and molecular specimens and results. Interprets and reads cultures, performs susceptibility testing and results them accordingly using M100 guidelines

  and CAP requirements. Reports test results via computer and telephone.

• Equipment Quality Control and Maintenance: Ensure compliance w/ Quality Control & Quality Assurance Programs including POCT, to affect highest quality patient care: PERFORM Quality Control (QC) procedures w/ appropriate documentation; take corrective action to resolve problems; review unresolved problems w/ manager and Technical coordinator; report action limit results according to standard procedures; perform proficiency testing & report results.

• Performs all computer functions using EPIC software. Answers telephone requests for laboratory information.

• Trains new employees, students and residents.
• Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in medical technology, Clinical Lab Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Chemical or Biological field, and current certification MT (ASCP), or MLS (ASCP) within 90 days of hire.  Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004.  Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. OR
• Completion of a 2-year accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program, plus MLT (ASCP) or equivalent certification within 90 days of hire, and 4 years of experience in a clinical laboratory. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. OR 
• Bachelor's degree in a Chemical or Biological field, and four years’ experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory performing testing and related tasks. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. Note: experience in a specialty lab area will only qualify candidate to work in that specialty area.

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• General knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, materials and techniques, regulations and safety.
• Skill in handling of laboratory specimens, record keeping and laboratory equipment. 
• Skill in identifying cells and cell morphology.
• Skill in using several different computer systems, including word processing, dedicated LIS/HIS, etc.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions accurately and operate and maintain standard laboratory equipment.
• Ability to work independently within established guidelines, to adjust to rapidly changing priorities, and apply problem-solving skills.
• Ability to demonstrate performance of job duties to trainees. 
• Demonstrate personal integrity, efficiency, and ability to adjust to rapidly changing testing priorities