Medical Lab Assistant

Overview

Shift: 9p-5:30a

Description

• Performs and evaluates semi-technical laboratory procedures on patient specimens, test material/reagents, blood products, and quality control material.
• Works in various areas of the clinical and anatomic pathology laboratories.
• Duties may include registering patients, ordering tests, collecting samples, and assessing the acceptability of samples for testing.
• Processes samples for testing including centrifugation, aliquoting, storage, and shipping.
• Provides support for clinical testing including preparation of slides, loading instruments, and result reporting. May perform waived and point-of-care testing.
• Uphold the values of the organization including providing and demonstrating exemplary customer service skills throughout the pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical processes.
• Communicates with hospital nursing service, physicians, procurement agencies, and others regarding testing of laboratory specimens.
• Communicates any issues quickly and respectfully.
• Reviews patient information and test orders on paper requisitions and computerized test requests.
• Operates departmental computer programs to receive and order laboratory tests appropriately; follows up on all specimens with incomplete information or questionable test orders.
• Reconciles outstanding test orders that have not been resolved through standard operating procedures.
• Checks daily logs and summaries for accuracy and cancels tests as authorized.
• Verifies complete courier delivery. Enters specimen tracking, laboratory data and patient information in the computer.
• Receives specimens appropriately and in a timely manner. Performs proper specimen registration and accessing in the computer, if necessary.
• Verifies and monitors all specimens received in laboratory for accurate packaging, labeling, and correct specimen collection requirements and are received appropriately.
• Initiates appropriate action or intervention on unacceptable specimens, as needed.
• Maintains computerized records, resolves and troubleshoots outstanding specimens.
• Accurately labels and processes specimens for laboratory testing; ensures preservation of the integrity of each sample prior to distributing.
• Processes all samples according to their order priority within the required time frame.
• Processes and prepares referral specimens for shipping to reference laboratories.
• Takes prompt action to resolve any problem with the registration, collection or processing of all specimens including referral specimen using available procedure manuals or reference materials.
• Maintains the stock of commonly used supplies, performing routine inspections of supply levels to ensure adequate availability.
• May order supplies. Routinely uses laboratory equipment/instruments.
• Performs troubleshooting as necessary, including performing repairs and calling service as needed.
• Performs preventative maintenance on equipment and calibrates instruments as required.
• Assists in set up and validation of new equipment.
• Participates in quality activities and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintains accurate and complete documentation on processes/procedures, patient information, and equipment maintenance, ensuring compliance with all accreditation regulations.
• Collects and maintains quality data for reporting.
• Observes universal precautions, barrier protection methods and infection control and isolation procedures when working with body fluids and other contagions to ensure a safe work environment.
• Practices the principles of sterile technique and other infection control policies and standards.
• Takes the necessary precautions in keeping with laboratory, organizational and other safety mandates. Escalates issues, problems, and opportunities to supervisory level for resolution.
• Assists with onboarding of new staff as requested.
• May perform venipuncture as required.
• Attends educational in-services and training classes as appropriate.
• Works with leader to formulate a plan for professional development.
• Perform other duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A high school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience.
• Degree in Biology, Science or related major may be considered in lieu of experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical dema