Medical Lab Assistant

Night (United States of America)

Medical Lab Assistant

Provides timely and courteous service to patients, physicians, and hospital staff by performing manual laboratory pretesting duties accurately and efficiently on newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients. Uses sophisticated equipment, methods and techniques to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Detects unusual conditions and assumes responsibility for problem solving.

1. Performs manual pretesting procedures and techniques on newborn, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients in chemistry, microbiology, hematology or other areas of the clinical or anatomical laboratory as defined by the Board of Clinical Laboratory Personnel. These include routine hematology and microbiology slide preparation from a primary sample; measuring and aliquoting specimens; loading automated strainers; loading samples onto automated or processing systems (provided it does not include any activity that initiates an analytic process) and direct primary inoculation of microbiology cultures.

Standard:  Recognizes, determines steps, and implements actions necessary to resolve problems. Uses independent judgment to determine acceptability of specimens; detects problems and develops resolutions.  Demonstrates technical competency through ability to correctly perform skills on annual technical competency evaluation checklist without error.

2.  Receives and prepares specimens for analysis; processes and prepares specimens for testing including centrifugation and shipment to reference laboratories.

Standard:  Assumes responsibility for acceptable specimen integrity and patient identification. Monitors and takes action to resolve uncollected specimens and identifies problem/ process affecting specimen integrity and patient identification; initiates corrective action.

3.  Stocks solutions, reagents or test media following laboratory procedures and formulae.

Standard:  Manages inventory such that stock is rotated and maintained at sufficient levels to meet demand. 

4. Performs various clerical duties; recording and phoning reports; answering telephones and returning reports, etc.

Standard:  Recognizes work needs and shares clerical duties as needed within department.  Anticipates customers’ needs and responds appropriately.

Participates in continuing education if applicable and general laboratory meetings.

Standard:  Completes annual continuing education hours if applicable.  Attends and participates in educational inservices and meetings.

6. Maintains a clean, hazard free work environment; observes and practices safety and hazard precautions.

Standard:  Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of safe handling of equipment and specimens. Reports problems and requests service as necessary. Uses PPE with no exceptions. Identifies safety problems. Responds according to protocol to fire drills and disaster drills.  

7. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Standard: Performs assignments as specified.  Willingly shares in less desirable tasks/schedules.  Recognizes the need for assistance in other areas and assists as workload allows.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Frequent prolonged standing/walking; occasional lifting of supplies/equipment up to 25 lbs; continuously exhibiting manual dexterity and mobility; frequently reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching; continuous ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less, to judge distance and space relationships; to bring objects into focus; and to distinguish and identify different colors.  

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Employee handles potentially infectious blood, body fluids, and body specimens, requiring knowledge of personal protective equipment; handles reagents necessary for performance of laboratory procedures.