Lab Tech Assistant | Mercy Health - Putnman County Medical Center

Thank you for considering a career at Mercy Health!

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

36

Work Shift:

Afternoons/Nights (United States of America)

Primarily evenings/night shift. Rotating weekends and holidays.

Summary of Primary Function/General Purpose of Position 
The Lab Tech Assistant prepares specimens for analysis by registering and accessioning orders via Hospital Information System and Laboratory Information Systems (clinical lab and/or anatomic pathology), verifying specimen acceptability. Performs established pre-analytical and analytical laboratory procedures, not requiring Medical Technologist, Histotechnologist, or Cytotechnologist interpretation, in accordance with established laboratory policy in an accurate, safe, and timely manner. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
Essential Job Functions
•    Performs waived and limited moderately complex testing as defined by Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).
•    Performs and reports testing and quality control procedures according to established protocols; evaluates specimen acceptability and implements corrective action within scope of training.
•    Provides support functions to technologists including the loading and maintaining of instruments, making up of reagents, thawing, pooling, importing, and issuing of blood products, and maintenance and function checks. 
•    Recognizes instrument and equipment malfunctions and keeps appropriate person(s) informed of problems, issues, and resolutions as needed. 
•    Operates, maintains, and repairs clinical laboratory equipment within the scope of training including routine preventative maintenance, calibrations, and safety checks.
•    Competently registers, enters insurance information, accessions, triages and processes specimens in preparation for testing and transit. Follows established guidelines for centrifugation and aliquoting of samples. 
•    Uses computer programs to track specimen transport and minimizes lost specimens. 
•    Provides laboratory customer service to include request for add-ons, specimen collection information, phlebotomy requests, result inquiry, etc. 
•    Maintains inventory levels and stocks supplies 
•    When staffed in Microbiology department, culture setup of microbiology samples and gram stain preparation. Performs the MST (Micro Setup Time) as needed. 

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Licensing/Certification
 

Education
High School Degree or GED (required)
Associates, Biology or Chemistry (preferred)

Work Experience
Laboratory experience (preferred)

Training
None

Skills
Active Listening 
Critical Thinking 
Verbal and Written Communication 
Monitoring 
Science 
Judgment and Decision Making 
Operation Monitoring 
Time Management 
Customer Service
Problem solving
Medical Terminology
Office Machine Operation
Phlebotomy Collection Software

Working Conditions
Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur
May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids*
May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials* 
May have periods of constant interruptions
Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions
Other:  Intermittent exposure to fumes and odors
* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements
Lifting/Carrying (0-50 lbs.)   1-33%
Lifting/Carrying (50-100 lbs.)    0%
Push/Pull (0-50 lbs.)    1-33%
Push/Pull (50-100 lbs.)    1-33%
Stoop/Kneel   1-33%
Crawling    0%
Climbing    0%
Balance    1-33%
Bending    1-33%
Sitting    67-100%
Walking    1-33%
Standing   1-33%

Additional Physical Requirements/Hazards
Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination)
Perform shift work
Hear alarms/telephone/audio recorder
Reach above shoulder
Repetitive arm/hand movements
Finger Dexterity
Color Vision
Acuity - far
Acuity - near
Depth perception
Exposure to toxic/caustic/che