Medical Lab Scientist (MLS) - Medical Lab Technician (MLT) - Roper Hospital

Primary Function/General Purpose of Position  

Performs routine, and special diagnostic procedures requiring technical skill, judgment, and independent decision-making following established standards, policies and procedures. Performs phlebotomy and accessioning duties as needed. Assists the Laboratory Supervisor in the technical and administrative functions of the laboratory. 

Essential Job Functions  

• Technical Procedures: Responsible for testing procedures, quality control, and proficiency testing to ensure that the test results meet the labs definition of quality – accurate, timely, appropriate, and useful. To this end verifies specimen integrity, sets priorities, evaluates and interprets data and take appropriate action per policy, performs appropriate documentation, assists in evaluation and implementation of new methods, assists with upkeep of policy/procedure manuals and CAP inspections. Is aware of resources and works efficiently to prevent waste.  

• Instrumentation: Responsible for the proper operation of instruments, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting to enable test results to be timely and accurate. Operates lab instruments as assigned, performs instrument QC, documents results, and takes appropriate action. Performs preventive maintenance, troubleshoots instrument problems. Understands theory of instrument operations and mechanical functions. Seeks help when necessary. 

• Information Handling: Responsible for proper use of Cerner/STAR according to policy/procedure in ordering/receiving/ canceling tests, reviewing/verification of results. Responsible for review of pending lists and follow-up of pending tests. Documents all actions appropriately in computer. Documents all PMs, and QC appropriately. Maintains patient confidentiality per established policies. 

• Communication/Customer Service: Communicates information to supervisor/pathologist, coworkers or students, laboratory staff on other shifts, outside departments – accurately, timely, clearly, and professionally. Follows through on communications, responds as appropriate. Answers laboratory phones, directs parties or gives appropriate information. Communicates with physicians, nurses and patients to assist them with their needs. Maintains good rapport with peers, management, physicians and hospital staff. 

• Compliance/Safety: Is aware of and follows laboratory and hospital policies/procedures. Informs Supervisor of issues or problems involving laboratory or hospital safety. Maintains a safe work environment. Is knowledgeable of and follows regulations pertaining to medical necessity and billing as applicable to the job. Completes all mandatory education and participates in available continuing education programs. Works to meet department Performance Improvement Goals. 

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation. 

Licensing/Certification 

• ASCP, ASCPI, NCA, or AMT registered as a MT, MLS, or IMLS. 

Education 

• B.S. in Medical Technology, or Bachelors degree with prerequisite coursework and clinical training (required) 

• In lieu of a Bachelors degree, candidate must meet the alternate route requirements for education and training as set forth by ASCP, NCA, or AMT in order to be certified by ASCP, NCA, or AMT. 

Work Experience 

• Not Required 

Training 

Language 

Patient Population  

The following must be included in all position descriptions that involve direct or indirect patient care.  This is a Joint Commission requirement.  Also, select the age of the patient population served:  

     X    Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit. 

         Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.​ 

         Neonates (0-4 weeks) 

         Infant (1-12 months) 

         Pediatrics (1-12 years) 

         Adolescents (13-17 years) 

         Adults (18-64 years) 

         Geriatrics (65 years and older) 

        Not applicable to this position 

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements  

Frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping. May require lifting or moving items up to 50 lbs. Frequent use of finger/hand dexterity and eye/hand coordination. Frequent reaching with hands/arms. Corrected hearing and vision to normal range. Requires visual acuity and normal color perception needed for interpretation of lab orders and proper collection technique. Exposure to blood, body fluids or tissue. Possible exposure to communicable diseases, infections materials, toxic substances, biohazardous materials, and other conditions common to a laboratory environment. Normal laboratory environment. Ability to read and comprehend. Fast paced, high traffic work environment which may be interruptive and stressful. May be required to take call and/or work weekends/holidays based on the needs of the department.                                                 

Skills 

Hard/Tech/Clinical Skills: 

• Must be capable of operating laboratory instrumentation, performing patient phlebotomy, and making sound, well-informed decisions under stressful conditions and time constraints.  

• Must demonstrate superior work knowledge and ability to organize and communicate clearly.  

• Must be able to use office equipment such as telephones, fax machines, computer terminals, etc. 

Soft/Interpersonal Skills: 

• Demonstrates excellent organizational, leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills. 

• Must maintain strict confidentiality of work-related information.