Medical Laboratory Assistant

You Belong Here.

At MultiCare, we strive to offer a true sense of belonging for all our employees. Across our health care network, you will find a dynamic range of meaningful careers, opportunities for growth, safe workplaces, and flexible schedules. We are connected by our mission - partnering and healing for a healthy future - and dedicated to the health and well-being of the communities we serve.

FTE: 1.0, Shift: Night, Schedule: 8 hour shifts, nights

Position Summary

The Medical Lab Assistant will be responsible for receipt, processing and storage of all types of specimens. This includes electronic receipt in the LIS/EMR, centrifugation, separation, refrigeration, labeling, storage and distribution of samples. This position provides support to the Technical Staff, performing non-technical tasks and CLIA waived and moderately complex testing as approved by the Lab Manager. This position may also assist with inventory control for various laboratory departments. This is a staff level position working under direct supervision. MLA performs manual and automated procedures, operate instruments that are computer interfaced and use networked computer information systems. Work situations are routine laboratory functions requiring a commitment toward customer service, attention to detail, organization, and prioritization. Internal contacts may include patient care staff throughout MHS. External contacts are limited but may include physicians and patients.

• Receive specimens and establish/maintain positive identification of specimens

• Determine suitability of specimens; may reject specimens 

• Order, receive and appropriately store testing supplies

• Perform instrument maintenance and calibration 

• Perform waived and moderate complex testing using manual and automated methods 

• Verify instrument and/or method performance utilizing quality control materials and processes

• Verify LIS and instrument interface functionality 

• Perform Proficiency Testing 

• Detect and troubleshoot problems with instruments and methods, as necessary 

• Validate and verify testing results, detect aberrant results, and re-test as necessary 

• Analyze control specimens, record results and determine reportability of results

• Report testing results in Laboratory Information System 

• Provide timely notification of critical and abnormal results, as per protocol

• Perform and document quality assurance, including selection of method and evaluation of results; calculate and evaluate comparison data under direct supervision

• Prepare and issue blood products for routine transfusion

• Maintain confidentiality of all privileged department and patient information

• Practices “Standard Precautions”  

• Understand and enforce established safety procedures and policies 

• Maintain and update knowledge and skills of laboratory medicine 

• Perform other duties as assigned by laboratory leadership 

• Train and/or orient new MLA employees

• Maintains knowledge of departmental and MultiCare policy and procedures  

• High school graduate or equivalent  

• One year recent laboratory experience within the past 2 years, which includes specimen processing and laboratory computer functions

Our Values

As a MultiCare employee, we'll rely on you to reflect our core values of Respect, Integrity, Stewardship, Excellence, Collaboration, Kindness and Joy. Our values serve as our guiding principles and impact every aspect of our organization, including how we provide patient care and what we expect from each other.

Why MultiCare?

• Belonging: We work to create a true sense of belonging for all our employees
• Mission-driven: We are dedicated to our mission of partnering for healing and a healthy future and the patients and communities we serve
• Market leadership: Washington state's largest community-based, locally governed health system
• Employee-centric: Named Forbes “America’s Best Employers by State” for several years running
• Technology: "Most Wired" health care system 15 years in a row
• Leading research: MultiCare Institute for Research & Innovation, 40 years of ground-breaking, clinical and health services research in our communities
• Lifestyle: Live and work in the Pacific Northwest - offering b