BASIC PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Medical Laboratory Assistant performs the pre-analytical and preparatory portion of the testing process for routine and specialized clinical lab tests for use in diagnosis and treatment of patients by providers.  The individual will perform only those processes that she/he has been trained and found competent in performing. 

REPORTS TO

• Director—Laboratory

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Minimum Education: High School Diploma/GED preferred

Degree: General

License/Certification Required: None

Minimum Work Experience: Basic computer skills, medical terminology, registration, or equivalent combination of clinical/clerical skills. Must successfully complete an in-laboratory training program and competency assessment facilitated by a Medical Technologist or Medical Laboratory Technician.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Performs preparatory functions necessary to complete routine and high complexity tests that the individual has been trained in.
• Follows the Laboratory’s procedures for specimen handling and processing, and preparatory steps
• centrifuging; pouring off blood, body fluid, and urine specimens; preparing specimens for testing; and archiving specimens
• checking applicable specimens for clots if needed prior to proceeding for testing
• performing pipetting techniques for appropriate specimen preparations
• preparing peripheral blood smears for staining for microscopic examination
• staining peripheral blood smears by automated method
• loading primary bar-coded clinical specimens on any trained analyzer
• preparing microbiology specimens for cultures and gram stains, including inoculation of microbiology culture plates from primary clinical specimens, slide preparation and staining by automated method
• preparing specimens for KOH examinations
• preparing surgical specimens for pathology according to protocol
• preparing and loading blood culture specimens
• preparing specimens for PCR testing
• receiving and tagging new reagent inventory, and sorting by lot number to separate current versus new reagent lot numbers
• performing required quality checks of eye wash and emergency shower stations
• Documents all corrective actions taken when the test process deviates from the Laboratory’s established performance specifications. Does not submit patient specimens for testing until all corrective action has been taken.
• Identifies problems that may adversely affect a test result and either corrects or notifies a licensed Laboratory employee to assist.
• Utilizes the LIS and monitors outstanding lists. Follows up by locating specimens and taking appropriate next steps, including loading specimens, aliquoting, or notifying an MLT/MT of issues.
• Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots applicable Laboratory equipment, e.g., centrifuges, stainers, analyzers, etc., as trained to use.
• Responsible for communicating to the next shift and other appropriate staff needed information about patient samples or equipment performance.
• Acts as resource person for phlebotomy if trained appropriately
• Maintains and disinfects work area
• Assists with coverage of the pneumatic tube system, processing and distributing specimens.
• Handles biohazard wastes according to policy.
• Performs any job-related duties assigned by competent authority. Helps other departments as qualifications and needs permit.
• Assists in the orientation and training of new and existing employees.
• Responsible for care, maintenance, troubleshooting and notification of supervisor or manager when equipment needs repair or replacement (i.e., stainers, centrifuges, printers, fax/copy machines, etc.).
• Performs pipette and glassware cleanings, timer verifications, centrifuge rpms, and thermometer verifications, and pipette verifications.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs preparatory functions necessary to complete routine and high complexity tests that the individual has been trained in.
• Follows the Laboratory’s procedures for specimen handling and processing, and preparatory steps
• Properly performs the following functions: centrifuging; pouring off blood, body fluid, and urine specimens; preparing specimens for testing; and archiving specimens
• Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots applicable Laboratory equipment, e.g., c