Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee/1, UWMC

About the Role

The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) Trainee/1 at UW Medicine - Transfusion Services performs clinical laboratory tests for screening, diagnosing, and treating pathological conditions. This role involves pretransfusion testing using automated and manual methods, antibody identification, component preparation, unit confirmation, sample processing, and quality control. The position may also include delivery of blood products and training students and new employees.

Work Schedule

• 100% FTE
• Monday to Friday, rotating weekends and holidays
• Evening Shift: 1500-2330

Key Responsibilities

• Perform analysis of blood and blood products with accuracy and precision.
• Follow established procedures and guidelines for testing and documentation.
• Complete routine tasks with attention to detail and critical review.
• Make critical judgments regarding test results and donor compatibility.
• Investigate and solve problems related to specimen collection or handling.
• Take appropriate action on critical, abnormal, or unusual results.
• Communicate critical results to healthcare providers.
• Complete patient and quality control procedures within defined time limits.
• Coordinate multiple procedures simultaneously and prioritize workload for STAT requests.
• Work as a team member, showing initiative and cooperation.
• Communicate effectively between team members to facilitate patient care.
• Assist with heavy workloads or special projects.
• Adapt to new routines and modifications in assignments and schedules.
• Share responsibility for emergency coverage, overtime, on-call, and call-back needs.
• Maintain a neat, clean, and efficient work area.
• Monitor supply stock and inform lead technologists before depletion.
• Perform and document daily quality control; analyze QC data and take corrective actions.
• Verify QC acceptability before reporting patient values.
• Follow maintenance protocols for all instruments and document appropriately.
• Monitor QA indicators on instruments and institute corrective action as needed.
• Document laboratory or specimen issues and problems appropriately.
• Understand principles of operation for various laboratory equipment.
• Maintain basic troubleshooting skills on instruments; document problems and notify lead technologists.
• Exhibit working knowledge of laboratory information system software.
• Effectively teach and train medical technology students, new employees, or others.
• Complete and review necessary paperwork for trainees.
• Provide adequate supervision of trainees.
• Verify trainee performance before allowing them to report results.
• Provide feedback on trainee performance.
• Represent the department professionally when interacting with the healthcare team.
• Demonstrate good communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Communicate clearly, directly, and in a timely manner.
• Maintain neat, legible, and organized written work documents.
• Maintain competency and keep job knowledge current; attend in-services and continuing education.
• Exercise knowledge of laboratory safety and proper precautions.
• Practice "Universal Precautions" at all times.
• Report hazards and unsafe practices to supervisors.
• Keep abreast of safety procedures, including fire plans and evacuation routes.
• Participate in laboratory disaster preparedness drills.
• Perform accurate analysis on proficiency testing materials.
• Make and verify quality of reagents.
• Assist in development and/or evaluation of new procedures and instruments.
• Perform special projects and related duties as assigned.
• May be required to perform venipunctures.
• May be required to prepare and process samples for transport/testing, respond to trauma codes, or deliver blood to the bedside.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Accredited bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science OR equivalent education/experience.

Qualifications

• For MLS Trainee: Eligible to take the Medical Laboratory Scientist or categorical certification examination from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) within 18 months from the date of hire.
• For MLS 1:
• Current Medical Laboratory Scientist certification with the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent certifying organization OR certification with a specialty organization appropriate to the laboratory division.
• One (1) year of experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist Trainee.
• Up to one (1) year of on-the-job experience performing clinical testing in a Medical Laboratory Science Program externship may count toward the experience requirement.

Desired Qualifications

• Two (2) years’ experience in all aspects of pretransfusion testing in an acute care environment.
• Automation experience preferred.