Senior Medical Technologist, Core Reference Laboratory

Under the direction of the Technical Director of Pre/Post Analytics, the Senior Technologist for the Massachusetts General Hospital Core Reference Laboratory is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Reference Laboratory Testing department by functioning as the principal reference laboratory technologist. Maintains and enhances client relationships with existing reference laboratories. Provides on-going updates to the sendout test dictionary based on information received from the reference laboratories. Serves as the primary liaison in problem resolution for issues related to reference laboratory testing. Oversees the interfaces between the reference laboratories and the internal laboratory LIS. Monitors and reviews procedures and test offerings to ensure conformance to laboratory quality criteria and hospital/departmental policies/procedures. Confers with hospital staff on patients regarding any concerns they might have. Ensures that the working space in the reference laboratory is consistently maintained in a hygienically safe and functional condition. Manages record keeping and report resolution as required by the Technical Director.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the technical management of the reference laboratory department with oversight of sample preparation, shipping, result entry, and review of all sendout testing.
• Performs analysis to identify operational problems, reports and makes recommendations to improve service delivery to Technical Director.
• Serves as the primary contact for the reference laboratory department to effectively handle client customer service and cross laboratory communication both within and outside of MGH.
• Responsible for monitoring procedures and performing annual competency checks on staff. Initiates action to improve or maintain performance.
• Provides feedback for annual performance evaluations of staff who rotate through the Core Reference Testing department.
• Responsible for training and updating reference laboratory staff on all procedures and changes for sending samples to the various reference laboratories.
• Responsible for auditing the accuracy of test entries in the laboratory handbook and LIS system. Keeps abreast of any testing changes made at the reference laboratories and updates the Technical Director, Medical director, and associated test dictionaries.
• Responsible for assuring that the specimen requirements and normal/critical ranges for all sendout testing are accurate.
• Analyzes test volumes and ordering patterns and makes recommendations for bringing high volume sendout testing in-house, moving reference laboratories, or requesting test builds. Leads or assists with the transfer of the test.
• Responsible for overseeing the interface(s) between the reference laboratories and LIS. Works with IT programmers to add new tests to the interface. Responsible for obtaining all necessary information to facilitate interfacing of new tests.
• Works with the MT Client Services Coordinator to ensure a smooth flow of patient reports and billing.
• Responsible for tracking all tests that are sent out as a miscellaneous or send-out temp.
• Responsible for obtaining approvals for testing that has been restricted.
• Responsible for reviewing the overdue test list, cancel/credit reports, sendout temp pending lists, and the sendout third party credit check.
• Assists billing coordinators with inquiries including CPT codes, billing type, and accounts approaching filing limit.
• Works with various hospital staff to research any new test request, identifies the performing laboratory, obtains pricing and CPT code information. Obtains the necessary approvals before moving forward with test builds.
• Provides technical information on test methodologies performed at various reference laboratories. Provides technical information on the collection of specimens and proper storage for optimal sample preservation. Provides information regarding turnaround time and laboratory testing schedules.
• Oversees the ordering of supplies and maintains adequate levels of supplies at all times.
• Oversees the shipping of dangerous materials and ensures that staff follow DOT guidelines for shipping samples. Assists the technical director with scheduling training for staff.
• Is responsible to be aware of JC National Patient Safety Goals and comply with MGH hospital and laboratory policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as required.

Supervision:

Indirect: Supervision of 5 - 6 Clinical Laboratory Assistants rotating through the Send out department, 2 Mayo processors, and 1 Quest processor.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology or Clinical Lab Science, Active national general certification or categorical certification in a relevant specialty (ASCP), and Minimum 4 years of relevant experience as MT2 (or equivalent) in high complexity testing.

OR

• MT2 at MGH, Active national general certification or categorical certification in a relevant specialty, andTotal of two consecutive years of performance that meet expectations with 1 at the MT2 level including twenty-four hours of documented continuing education in previous two years according to lab-specific policy

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Basic quality control and operations policies and procedures
• Basic knowledge of current regulatory policies
• Possess manual dexterity and visual accuracy
• Ability to train others in specific laboratory procedures
• Basic computer skills including word and spreadsheet documents, and LIS
• Appropriate level of professionalism
• Demonstrates advanced level of analytical skills and judgement
• Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of department policies and procedures, test principles, equipment management, maintenance and service
• Works independently and exercise judgement in complex procedures or assignments
• Demonstrates ability to contribute to the review or development of new procedures
• Demonstrates ability to identify and contribute to performance improvement, work re-design or quality/safety projects
• Able to provide clear direction and guidance to less experienced personnel

• Demonstrates ability to work well under pressure, make appropriate decisions and provide clear instructions
• Able to pay consistent attention to detail and maintain appropriate written and on-line documentation

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment