Microbiology MLS: Diagnostic Trailblazer

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist to perform comprehensive laboratory testing and reporting for patient diagnosis and treatment. The role covers pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic workflows, with strict adherence to SOPs, quality control, and safety standards.

Responsibilities include specimen handling, test performance, result interpretation, and collaboration with physicians and nurses to resolve unclear orders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Allied Health qualifying the applicant to take the ASCP, or equivalent certification examination.
• License/Certification and Regulatory Agency: General MLS or MT (ASCP) Certification or eligible or
• Categorical BB, C, H or M (ASCP) Certification or eligible

Responsibilities

• Performs all aspects of pre-analytic workflow appropriate for the specific laboratory section to ensure orders are entered correctly, specimens collected are appropriate for the test ordered and are correctly processed/transported.
• Verifies order where necessary
• Verifies non-patient information (e.g., collection time) according to established protocol.
• Handles unresolved orders, troubleshoots where needed.
• Verifies with physicians and/or nurses prior to LIS order entry to resolve unclear, duplicate or otherwise ambiguous orders.
• Verifies specimens for add-on tests are available and acceptable and generates add-on test orders.
• Recognizes when fraud and abuse compliance issues require adjustments to the test order
• Performs all aspects of analytical testing appropriate for the specific laboratory section, following established written protocols and SOP
• Maintains test system integrity by performing preventive maintenance on instruments/equipment
• Verifies reagents and supplies meet defined acceptability criteria upon receipt and prior to use
• Ensures sufficient reagents and supplies necessary for test performance and notifies when minimum inventory is encountered
• Performs and records all necessary quality control (QC) required for test system performance
• Evaluates QC results and takes corrective actions
• Performs specimen preparation and transfers or ships specimens according to SOPs
• Performs tests prioritizing testing based on assignment and turn-around-times
• Responds to changes in workflow to accommodate STAT tests or volume fluctuations
• Monitors daily workflow to assure meeting service levels
• Performs technical review and interpretation of results and provides accurate interpretations
• Follows established notification protocols for critical values and test results requests
• Ensures safety of operations and maintains clean work area
• Provides service excellence and maintains patient confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Allied Health

Job description

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a Medical Laboratory Scientist to perform comprehensive laboratory testing and reporting for patient diagnosis and treatment. The role covers pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytic workflows, with strict adherence to SOPs, quality control, and safety standards.

Responsibilities include specimen handling, test performance, result interpretation, and collaboration with physicians and nurses to resolve unclear orders.