MEDICAL LAB SCIENTIST (MLS)

Job Description

Medical Laboratory Scientist I, II or III

Basic Function and Scope of Responsibility:

The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) performs waived, moderately complex, and high complexity testing, according to established standards and practices in the areas of hematology, chemistry, immunology, microbiology and immunohematology for use in diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Performs preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration of equipment, quality control procedures and is responsible for the validity of test results. Performs phlebotomy.

Employee Responsibilities:

Level I - Minimum

• Perform laboratory assays in accordance with Valor Health’s standard operating procedures
• Operate, calibrate and maintain all laboratory equipment and instruments according to standard operating procedures to ensure quality results
• Maintain adequate inventory of supplies, reagents and materials
• Accept or reject test results in accordance with standard operating procedures
• Document remedial action, troubleshooting, quality assurance activities and instrument maintenance
• Maintains excellent customer service and professionalism when communicating with patients, colleagues and vendors
• Ensures HIPPA is always followed. Maintains patient rights and confidentiality of patient information and abides by established communication code. Assures accurate maintenance of patient’s medical records and that patient records are treated as confidential information.
• Adhere to established processing timelines
• Adhere to all quality and safety standards
• Other duties as assigned by management 

Level II – Fully meets the responsibilities of Level I plus the following:

• General knowledge of Standard Operating Procedure writing, assay theory, and instrumentation
• Orient, mentor and teach clinical laboratory methods, procedures, and techniques to new Associates
• Demonstrate effective teamwork skills by knowledge sharing
• Take on formally assigned additional duties as a part of routine job performance
• Participate on special project teams as requested by supervisory staff
• Assists the Laboratory Manager with the direction of the daily operation of the laboratory.
• In conjunction with the Laboratory Manager and Lead, assists in training, performs competency assessment, and enforces policies with new and existing staff.
• Provides for review of patient testing results. 
• Ensures any associated quality control issues are resolved.
• Provides technical expertise in the laboratory.
• Assists in continued instrument and/or testing method troubleshooting of tests as needed.
• Assists with problem resolution and follow up reports for proficiency testing as requested.
• Assists with the completion of QC/QA activities and assists in the compliance of regulatory requirements.
• Responsible for monitoring and ordering supplies.
• Other duties as assigned

Level III – Fully meets the responsibilities of Level II plus the following:

• Obtain advanced knowledge of Valor Health’s standard operating procedures, assays, and instrumentation
• Participate in troubleshooting activities in conjunction with Technical Supervisor
• Volunteer to serve on various committees and panels to the benefit of the laboratory or company in general (e.g.
• Safety Committee)
• Other duties as assigned.

Level I – Minimum Requirements

• BS or BA in biological, physical, chemical or clinical laboratory science 
• Certification: MLS (ASCP) or within six months of employment
• Phlebotomy experience
• Willing to work with potentially infectious human blood and body fluids
• Ability to work with automated and manual platforms
• Must possess skills required for aseptic techniques
• Intermediate level of proficiency with PC based software programs
• Demonstrates a high level of integrity and honesty in performing tests, documenting test results and maintaining patient, client, employee and laboratory business confidentiality
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills
• Analytical judgment, problem solving skills, accuracy and strong detail oriented

Level II – Fully meets the qualifications of Level I plus the following:

Minimum of 2 years of clinical laboratory experience 

Level III – Fully meets the qualifications of Level I and II plus the following:

Minimum of 5 years of clinical laboratory experience