Medical Laboratory Scientist

Primary Purpose : Provides services of both a technical and non-technical nature in the laboratory service areas. Performs routine and complex laboratory tests in an assigned department of the clinical laboratory to provide physicians with rapid and accurate laboratory test results. Works under the direction of specialist, lead, and/or supervisor. This position is not qualified for delegation of supervisory duties for NY testing areas. About ARUP : ARUP Laboratories is a national clinical and anatomic pathology reference laboratory and an enterprise of the University of Utah and its Department of Pathology. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah. ARUP proudly hires top talent to create a work environment of diversity, professional growth and continuous development. Our workforce is committed to the important service we provide to over one million patients each month. We always strive for excellence and have a strong desire to have involvement with the advances in medicine and the role laboratory services plays within each patient’s life. We never forget that there is a patient behind every specimen we receive. We are looking for individuals who want to contribute to ARUP's culture of accountability, integrity, service, and excellence. Consider joining our dynamic team. Essential Functions: Performs waived, moderate, and/or highly complex analytic processes without direct supervision for which they are qualified, trained, and demonstrate competency according to established lab standard operating procedures (SOPs). Operates, calibrates and troubleshoots laboratory instruments and ensures proper functioning of laboratory equipment. Recognizes when professional service is required and requests service if instrument is covered under a service contract. Otherwise, reports service needs to supervisor for resolution. Performs quality control (QC) procedures as specified in lab section SOPs and maintains QC records and documentation necessary to meet the standards of accrediting agencies. Follows appropriate specimen collection, handling, transport, and recording procedures. Processes data, verifies accuracy, and enters data in the laboratory information system, along with appropriate explanatory or interpretive information in a timely manner. Monitors QC and assists in data collection for Quality Assurance (QA) indicators, as assigned. Performs internal and external proficiency testing. Meets output measures as defined by individual group policy. Assists with workload in any section where competency has been verified and is current. Recognizes critical patient results and follows the defined process for reporting them. Recognizes unexpected results, errors, and problems with patient tests and escalates as required. Understands the theory of laboratory procedures and evaluates all potential causes of unexpected test results. Correlates clinical and laboratory data with pathologic states to determine result validity. Evaluates exceptions to established criteria and special circumstances related to specimen collection and integrity to determine impact on testing. Recognizes appropriate and inappropriate selection of basic and complex lab tests. Prioritizes order of testing and coordinates general work flow in assigned area. Resolves and documents resolution of all QC results which fail lab criteria and institutes corrective action. Integrates and relates lab data to investigate possible discrepancies and contributes to the resolution. Trains new and current employees on procedures and policies. Provides technical information and/or instruction to clients, new employees, medical students, residents, peers, physicians, and the public as requested and where appropriate. Maintains adequate inventory of reagents and supplies. Directs workflow activities and reviews daily data reports as assigned. Performs assessment of peers performing testing as a qualified observer after two years of experience not including NY testing. Other duties as assigned. Physical and Other Requirements : Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. Mobility: The person in this position needs to occasionally move between work sites and inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Communicate: Frequently communicate with others. PPE: Biohazard laboratory environment that requires use of personal protective equipment in accordance with CDC and OSHA regulations and company policies. ARUP Policies and Procedures: To conduct self in compliance with all ARUP Policies and Procedures. Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Fine Motor Control: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling. Vision: Having close, far, and peripheral visual acuity to perform a variety of tasks such as make general observations of depth and distance. Color Vision: Perception of and ability to distinguish colors. Continuing Education: Continual assessment of current literature and best practices.