Lab Technical Assistant

Department Overview

OHSU is Oregon’s only public academic health center. We are a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and southwest Washington. We are an institution of higher learning, with schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry and public health – and with a network of campuses and partners throughout Oregon. We are a national research hub, with thousands of scientists developing lifesaving therapies and deeper understanding. We are a statewide economic engine and Portland’s largest employer. And as a public organization, we provide services for the most vulnerable Oregonians, and outreach to improve health in communities across the state.

 

This position provides technical support in the Core Laboratory to complete laboratory testing for OHSU hospital and clinic patients. Testing is performed in the following areas: microbiology, serological and urinalysis. Specimen processing, test performance, and result reporting is performed independently after appropriate training. Supervisory review of results is required in the case of unusual/complex results, procedural problems, or when dictated by policy or procedure. The person filling this position will be of professional demeanor and perform their duties with an attitude, which will best serve the clients of the department.

Function/Duties of Position

Performs data entry and sample processing for samples received for testing in CP and AP Lab

• Checks accuracy of specimens, requisitions and labels.
• Performs computer entry in EPIC, test request and billing functions.
• Accurately labels samples, requisitions, and appropriate specimen containers
• Ensures that all samples are logged in to the lab and triaged in a timely manner
• Centrifuges samples and transfers to appropriately labeled containers
• Directs samples to technologists and testing areas or stores samples for future testing.

Laboratory testing duties

• Performs urine dipsticks and centrifuges urines for microscopy.
• Performs kit testing for example; strep A, urine hCG, Rapid HIV, C-Diff, Occult Blood.
• Performs testing with accuracy, speed, and and efficiency, using the IRIS instrument, Cephied, Biofire and Virtuo instrumentation. 
• Follows written procedures and policies.
• Other laboratory duties as needed

Answers multi-line telephone and performs client services duties

• Provides a pleasant and professional telephone manner as frontline representative of the laboratory
• Assists needs of callers in all aspects of laboratory operations 
• Transfers or refers calls or confers with other areas of lab or hospital as needed
• Follows up on all client questions and problems within the same working day
• Records phone calls and resolution of problems according to lab procedures
• Performs other client services duties such as: phoning results, generating and faxing reports, reporting results for interpretive tests, mailing reports, etc.
• Does whatever is necessary to meet needs of customers

Miscellaneous duties

Required Qualifications

• A Certificate or Associate Degree from an accredited Medical Laboratory Technician training program; OR 
• Completion of a certified Laboratory Assistant training program which includes 45 credit hours in chemistry or biological science, plus one year experience in a clinical laboratory; Medical Lab Assistant certification preferred (CLMA(AMT)or equivalent); OR 
• Forty-five credit hours of college level chemical or biological courses and two years of  experience as a Laboratory Assistant in a clinical laboratory; Medical Lab Assistant certification preferred (CLMA(AMT) or equivalent)

Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):

• General knowledge of laboratory terminology, equipment, materials and techniques, and safety. 
• Customer service and telephone communication skills.
• Skill in handling of laboratory specimens (including microbiological specimens), record keeping, sterile technique, and laboratory equipment.
• Skill in using several different computer programs including: WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, Access, or other similar applications, dedicated LIS, SMS, including Order Entry and results retrieval on LCR, etc. 
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions accurately and operate and maintain standard lab equipment.
• Ability to initiate procedures and policies to improve workflow and work accuracy in the section. 
• Ability to demonstrate performance of job duties to trainees.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a variety of clients including doctors,