Medical Laboratory Scientist

Department Overview

OHSU is Oregon’s only public academic health center. We are a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and southwest Washington. We are an institution of higher learning, with schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry and public health – and with a network of campuses and partners throughout Oregon. We are a national research hub, with thousands of scientists developing lifesaving therapies and deeper understanding. We are a statewide economic engine and Portland’s largest employer. And as a public organization, we provide services for the most vulnerable Oregonians, and outreach to improve health in communities across the state.

This position provides testing to ensure patient transfusion safety, necessary laboratory process to maintain and monitor the blood product inventory, document all transactions relating to blood product receipt, use and disposal.  The incumbent also instructs students, resolves or refers clinical questions regarding transfusion, monitors and maintains testing and blood product storage equipment, prepares blood components, chooses appropriate blood products for patient transfusions and ensures that hospitals and clinics are aware that products are available when the necessary lab work/processing are completed. The person in this position is authorized to perform testing in Transfusion Services. Specimen processing, test performance and result reporting is performed independently, and after appropriate training.  Supervisor or director review of results is required in situations dictated by policy or procedure. This position fulfills responsibility to the organization through performance that promotes teamwork, excellent communication and the service excellence philosophy. Adheres to all general OHSU and Department of Pathology policies and procedures.

Function/Duties of Position

Medical Laboratory Science Bench Duties

• Perform routine lab testing; accurately record results and interpretations by computer entry and/or legibly in writing.
• Use lab instruments, supplies and equipment responsibly and according to lab and manufacturer's guidelines and Transfusion Service procedures.
• Perform complex serologic testing to resolve problems encountered in routine testing, accurately record results and interpretations. Obtain consult to resolve issues.
• Recognize incorrect or unusual blood product orders and take steps to modify the order after consulting patient physician or Transfusion Service medical staff or residents.
• Maintain and manage an adequate inventory of perishable blood products and ensure that excessive wastage does not occur.
• Choose appropriate blood products for patients based on urgency of need, available inventory, lab results, and therapeutic requirements.
• Prepare blood components according to SOP. Thaw plasma and cryoprecipitate; irradiate blood product, divide blood products into aliquots using correct technique; pool blood products; document preparation and label correctly.
• Sign in blood products received from Red Cross with appropriate documentation. Issue and receive blood products to and from patient care areas.
• Document transactions involving blood products correctly and legibly, i.e., receive/issue documentation; verbal orders; and orders placed with Red Cross, etc.
• Follow established policies and procedures but also have knowledge to modify in special situations; bring these to the attention of the Technical Coordinator, Manager, or Medical Director. Seek guidance from or notify the Technical Coordinator, Manager, Medical Director, or Resident, when appropriate.
• Train new personnel and mentor personnel in Transfusion Service procedures and policies while promoting excellent customer service, communication and teamwork.
• Guide, instruct, and evaluate Medical Technician and Medical Laboratory Scientist students.
• Ensure department specific turn-around times are met for tests, products and services.
• Provide guidance and cover Transfusion Service Laboratory Technical Assistant bench as needed.

Quality Control Monitoring, Maintenance and Review

• Perform Quality control, periodic maintenance and Proficiency Testing as assigned.
• Perform and document maintenance of analyzers, blood storage and other equipment. Troubleshoot equipment and interact with vendors, as needed.
• Participate in departmental Quality Monitoring/Improvement processes. Recognize and document variations, errors, and accidents.
• Participate in qualification and validation of new equipment or methods as instructed by the Manager or Technical Coordinator.
• Document proper temperature of blood products in transit from hospital to hospital, and internally at OHSU.
• Inspect blood products for appropriate appearance. Organize, check for accuracy, and report blood product usage statistics as assigned.
• Maintain inventory of supplies and ordering; alert Technical Coordinator or Manager when supplies are low in a timely manner.
• Accurately bill blood products and testing, and record audit trail of product use in compliance with regulatory and accrediting requirements

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology, Clinical Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Science which includes a clinical lab externship, and current certification as MT (ASCP), or MLS (ASCP) within 90 days of hire.  Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. OR

• Completion of a 2 year accredited Medical Laboratory Technician program, plus MLT (ASCP) or equivalent certification within 90 days of hire, and 4 years of experience in a clinical laboratory. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. OR 

• Bachelor's degree in a Chemical or Biological field, and four years experience as a Medical Laboratory Technician in a clinical laboratory performing testing and related tasks. Certification as MT (ASCP) or MLS (ASCP) or by AMT preferred. Current certification and credential maintenance must be maintained for individuals who were certified after January 1, 2004. Note: experience in a specialty lab area will only qualify candidate to work in that specialty area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in medical technology /medical laboratory science

Additional Details

Positions in the laboratory and environs may require working flexible schedules including nights weekends and holidays; working at multiple laboratory or hospital sites; traveling between laboratories and sites by stairs, elevator, tram, shuttle or other means; exposure to blood and body fluids, chemical hazards, radiation; working in a somewhat noisy and crowded environment; wearing gloves and other Personal Protective Equipment for long periods of time; experiencing occasional temperature control problems in building.

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.