Medical Lab Scientist

Job Overview

Fairview is looking for a full time, evening shift Medical Laboratory Scientist/Medical Technologist (MLS/MT) for the Infectious Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory (IDDL) located in the Mayo building at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center-East Bank. This is a 8-hour evening shift (3:00 pm to 11:30 pm) with every third weekend and rotating holidays. Schedule may change to meet the requirements of the department.

Phlebotomy is not required for this position.

IDDL performs over 800,000 Microbiology and Virology tests annually. We span the spectrum from manual reading of bacteriology cultures to state of the art PCR testing. IDDL offers expertise in the following areas:
Bacteriology, Mycology, Parasitology, and Virology.

The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) functions independently in performing all major work responsibilities of professional laboratory practice. The MLS performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic and therapeutic testing, and acts as a resource for problem resolution and interpretation of results. The MLS correlates data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise, and other conditions affecting test results. The MLS collaborates with the customers of the laboratory to promote customer satisfaction.

The MLS participates in laboratory performance improvement activities.

• Follows established guidelines to obtain specimens and prioritize work.
• Obtains specimens from patients of all ages and degrees of physical and/or mental disability.
• Properly verifies patient identity.
• Assesses integrity of all specimens for testing.
• Verifies correct identification of specimens before testing.
• Follows established guidelines for determining priority of specimen testing and procurement.
• Performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic and therapeutic testing.
• Performs waived, moderate, or high complexity testing as defined by CLIA ’88.
• Functions independently in performing all major work responsibilities of professional laboratory practice.
• Operates laboratory instrumentation and information systems according to procedure.
• Completes specified maintenance on instruments.
• Recognizes problems and takes appropriate measures to resolve them.
• Acts as a resource for problem solving, action steps and troubleshooting for lab procedures and unexpected events in lab operations.
• Initiates proper safety or emergency responses.
• Consults with supervisor if unable to resolve issues.
• Exercises critical thinking to maintain and improve department productivity and efficiencies.
• Evaluates testing results for accuracy and appropriate intervention.
• Determines if test results fall within normal parameters and reporting protocols. Recognizes age‑specific reference ranges.
• Correlates data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise and other conditions affecting test results.
• Takes appropriate action to recheck abnormal, discrepant, or unexpected results.
• Directly communicates abnormal and critical results to caregiver.
• Obtains information from caregivers to resolve reasons for in congruent results (physiologic or methodologic).
• Demonstrates understanding of and commitment to Laboratory Quality Assurance, Performance Improvement and Laboratory Compliance Programs.
• Documents deviations and action taken.
• Documents reagent, test kit and calibrator checks.
• Recognizes and communicates values and trends that exceed the QC decision levels.
• Takes action to resolve and consults with supervisor as needed.
• Participates in the lab performance improvement program by collecting data, reviewing the results, and implementing action step recommendations.
• Documents compliance with regulations of governmental or voluntary regulatory agencies.
• Collaborates with the customers of the laboratory to promote customer satisfaction.
• Orients and mentors new employees and students.
• Orients individuals in routine and complex testing methodology, instrumentation, and information systems.
• Checks work prior to release.
• Completes training checklists and evaluations as appropriate.
• Reports progress and problems to supervisor/manager.
• Demonstrates ability to provide care or service adjusting approaches to reflect developmental level and…