Clinical Lab Assistant

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

Night (United States of America)

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

The Clinical Lab Assistant is responsible for performing a variety of pre-analytical clinical laboratory procedures and services including laboratory specimen intake, accessioning, processing, and routing. Must be skilled in laboratory/hospital computer procedures and able to effectively communicate with all customers of the laboratory including physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, and other clinicians.  Functions as a member of the Specimen Processing team and actively supports the Hospital’s Continuous Quality and Customer Service goals through modeling appropriate behavior and providing a work environment conducive to attaining these goals.

Job Responsibilities:

• Performs pre-analytical specimen preparation. Accessions specimens with correct collection and receipt information. Verifies patient information and specimen acceptability by correlating orders with test requirements. Prepares samples for storage and analysis by centrifugation and aliquoting. Distributes and/or stores specimens according to handling instructions. May load specimens onto automated line systems or into specimen racks for analysis.

• Verifies or releases orders from electronic medical record; orders tests in laboratory information system as needed. Prints labels and forms as appropriate.

• Assures specimens are properly aliquoted with correct patient information and stored for send out testing.

• Maintains telephone inquiries in a professional, proactive customer service fashion and serves as a resource for customer information and requests.

• Utilizes the laboratory and hospital computer systems to order and receive laboratory specimens, retrieve collection lists, verify account numbers, resolve incorrect orders.

• Maintains an appropriate inventory of supplies in the work area.

• Keep refrigerators and freezers clean and organized. Disinfects work area and equipment according to the departmental maintenance guidelines.

• Supports new staff in orientation and training.  Participates in continuing education and mandatory programs.  Successfully completes annual competency skill assessments.

• Complies with safety, hazardous materials, standard precautions, and infection control policies.

• Displays professional appearance.  Promotes professional environment, including emphasis on cleanliness and safety.

• Communicates any problems or deviations from established protocol to Coordinator or Manager; documents deviations in the safety reporting system.

• Communicates effectively with physicians, ancillary hospital employees, team members, and external customers.

• Performs job functions adhering to service principles with customer service focus of innovation, service excellence and teamwork to provide the highest quality care and service to our patients, families, co-workers and others.

• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate’s degree in chemical, physical, biological science, or medical technology preferred.

• Training or prior experience as a Clinical Laboratory Assistant, Specimen Processor, Medical Assistant, or Phlebotomist preferred.

• Prior experience working in a lab setting and/or specimen processing experience preferred.

• Ability to resolve problems with the utilization of appropriate resources, to make informed decisions and handle complex inquiries in a courteous and timely manner; to work in a fast-