Medical Laboratory Scientist

General Summary of Position

Performs specimen testing and analysis on patient samples to aid the clinician in providing patient care services. Ensures that all quality control, quality assurance and equipment maintenance is documented and maintained according to standards. Provides exceptional customer service as needed. These functions are performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and Georgetown University Hospital's philosophy, policies, procedures and standards.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Specimen Testing and Preparation Performs, documents and reports routine and specialized testing in assigned area. Correlates laboratory findings with disease stage, integrates and relates data from other laboratory specialty areas. Confirms abnormal results and specimen discrepancies and institutes correct follow-up procedures. Completes patient care testing for specimens received in assigned laboratory section as outlined in the training and / or competency assessment documentation. Performs patient care testing on assigned specimens without supervision and / or director review for specimen processing, test performance or result reporting unless specified and documented in the competency assessment or testing procedure. Utilizes judgment and discretion in considering sample integrity, process calibration, reagent concentration and stability, quality control relationship to unknown results, evaluation of unexpected patient results and error identification. Immediately notifies patient care areas and / or physicians of critical values and documents notification by following established policies and procedures. Evaluates specimen integrity and acceptability for test performance; obtains specimens for quantitative and qualitative analyses. Accessions specimens received in the laboratory in the laboratory information system. Utilizes computer appropriately for entry of results, quality control, specimen inquiry, and patient inquiry.
• Quality Control Performs and documents quality control according to manufacture specifications, laboratory specifications and / or regulatory specifications. Institutes corrective action and notifies supervisor of quality control problems. Reviews section SOP manual and ensures testing practices match SOP guidelines.
• Quality Assurance / Regulatory / Safety Completes competency assessment within 90 days of hire and annually thereafter, or as needed to meet all regulatory requirements. Actively participates in proficiency testing as assigned. Achieves satisfactory rating on proficiency testing results. As needed, assists supervisor with any regulatory requests and / or inspections. Works collectively with co-workers to ensure laboratory meets and exceeds all safety requirements, including but not limited to maintaining temperature charts, equipment logs, control materials, laboratory cleanliness and transportation of hazardous wastes to the department's pick-up area. Complies with all designated safety policies and procedures in the work area, including the use of applicable protective equipment when necessary to prevent exposure to potentially infectious agents.
• Customer Service Complies with department customer service standards (i.e. answering phone within 3 rings, identifying self to caller or customer in person, promptly attending to customer needs) Ensures that turnaround time standards are met within the lab section. Always maintains a positive imag
• Laboratory General Maintains files for patient specimens, reports and other quality control materials as needed. Completes patient test billing as needed. Proactively reviews pending log to ensure patient care tests are not missed, resulted correctly and meet turnaround time standards. Participates in continuing education and complete require CEUs per year. Provides training / retraining and continuing education to others as assigned by the Supervisor, Laboratory Manager, and Administrative Director, Laboratory Director or equivalent.
• Career Ladder Requirements Annual competency assessment reflects ability to successfully perform patient care testing in 70% of the bench assignments within the lab section. On an annual basis, one of the following items must be completed : serves as section safety representative; manages section inventory; or reviews and revises existing section SOPs. On an annual basis, one of the following items must be completed : coordinates, completes and reviews at least two proficiency tests per year; serves as an inspector for an internal CAP inspection; independently completes a validation study. Completes 10 CEUs on an annual basis. Annual competency assessment demonstrates competency to independently perform patient care testing in current lab section assignment as well as another lab section
• Observes Joint Commission (JC) standards, Patient Safety initiatives, Patient Rights, and HIPAA Privacy standards Follows care, documentation and cleanliness standards in the performance of job duties; Completes in-services and education on a timely basis; Completes continuing education requirements for recertion as required by certification organizations (ASCP / NCA, ABHI or local licensure). Is focused on patient safety during performance of duties and improves or makes corrections when safety issues arise; notifies department manager, as required; Interacts with other team members both on the unit and in other units in an appropriate and proactive way to benefit the patient; Observes proper elevator etiquette and courtesy : smiles and speaks to patients and visitors, does not discuss patient care and keeps voice low, gives right-of-way to patients and visitors; Keeps all patient information strictly confidential; Never discusses patient information and hospital business in public areas; and Protects patient privacy in public areas. Adheres to all JC and GUH Patient Rights standards.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to the position and area. The above responsibilities are a general description of the level and nature of the work assigned to this classification and is not to be considered as all inclusive.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Licenses and Certifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This position has a hiring range of $34.98 - $62.52