Technical Asst Lab

Technical Assistant

JOB SUMMARY:

The Technical Assistant provides advanced level pre- and post-analytical support for both the Clinical and Pathology Laboratories. Essential functions include

• Pre-analytical preparation of specimens for pathology/histology/clinical pathology

• Aliquots, packages, and tracks specimens sent to/from other institutions

• Post analytical specimen storage/disposal and archiving of reports

• Performs quality control and preventative maintenance

• Provides advanced support of technical testing areas

• Provides advanced administrative support including data entry, QA/QC reporting, customer assistance, billing, clerical support of policy/procedure maintenance, document tracking, and facilitates the distribution of laboratory reports

• Performs phlebotomy and specimen collection

PRE-REQUISITES:

Education: Associates degree preferred and at least one year of experience in a Clinical Laboratory

Experience: Minimum of two years progressive experience in a clinical laboratory.

Special Skills: Required to know Medical Terminology and Human Anatomy, Proficient in MS-Word and Excel, Strong mental and visual concentration Good hand/eye coordination, Strong interpersonal and communication skills

RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports To: Laboratory Supervisors/ Laboratory Director with guidance from Pathologist

Supervises: n/a

Other Contacts: Lab Assistants, Histotechnicians, Medical Technologists I and II, Pathologists, Physicians/Providers and their support staff

SCOPE:

Machinery or Equipment Used: General Laboratory equipment including: Laboratory analyzers, glass slides, microhematocrit tubes, microscope, computer, pipettes, centrifuge, wheeled cart, dolly, vacuum, phone, safety shields, glue sticks, media plates, specimen loop, incubators, dry block heater, vortex mixer, anti-fatigue mats, tongs, tissue processors, plastic tissue cassettes, molten wax, heater, microtomy and staining machines, cover slipper machine, slide tray, tweezers, filter bag, ruler, Cryostat machine, picks and scrapers, and general office equipment (phones, fax/copy/scanner).

Physical Demands: Infrequent: Overhead reaching up to 90 inches for retrieval of equipment and supplies. Step stool available. Occasional: Pushing/pulling/lifting up to 20 lbs; pushing/pulling of wheeled cart or dolly. Lifting, crouching, squatting and overhead reaching when stocking or retrieving supplies. Sitting for computer work, meetings and breaks/lunch. Exposure to wet/slippery surfaces. Balance required when exposed to the wet/slippery surfaces. Exposure to cold temperature in the walk-in cooler (3 degrees Celcius) or walk-in freezer (-20 degrees Celcius). Frequent: Standing/walking when performing job tasks. Forward reaching for retrieval and placement of accessories, specimen and cleaning of equipment or touching of control panels. Must have good gross and fine motor dexterity and tactile sensation of the digits. Requires both red/green and blue/violet color discrimination.

Working Conditions: Occasional potential for exposure to infection form disease bearing specimens, infectious and contagious diseases, or blood-borne diseases. Occasional potential for exposure to odorous chemicals and equipment. Occasional potential for exposure to emergency crisis situations and pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries.

Required Protective Equipment: Lab Coat, gloves. Routine Standard Precautions PPE as indicated by protocol.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. CUSTOMER SERVICE - Provides exceptional customer service to all stakeholders in a manner that supports the mission, vision and values of the Laboratory and NMC

a. Promptly answers telephones and greets customers in a professional and courteous manner consistent with best practices. Demonstrates “NMC 5 Star Caring… Always” techniques and standards such as AIDET

b. Works collaboratively with clients to improve quality and to resolve discrepancies such as unclear orders or sample integrity issues

c. Provides guidance to client inquiries including collection techniques, test names, specimen requirements, and in providing information from reference laboratories.

d. Prioritizes multiple customer requests effectively.

e. Responds to customer in a timely manner

f. Ensures that reports are distributed in a timely manner using manual or automated systems.

g. Assists with updating provider contact information for the various computer and fax systems

2. SPECIMEN PROCESSING – Processes specimens pre- and post- testing in a timely manner, ensuring quality and adhering to established policies and procedures.

a. Uses available resources to resolve unusual test orders. Contacts the Provider or Charge Nurse to clarify any unclear orders. Refers unresolved orders back to the originator for further clarification. Consults with technologist/histotech/supervisor for additional guidance

b. Assists with the collection of specimens

c. Performs accurate advanced level accessioning of specimens according to procedure, taking into account specimen source and anatomic site.

d. Performs pre-analytical specimen processing including placing specimens in appropriate preservative/media, inoculating media, aliquotting, transferring, or repackaging of samples for additional testing

e. Assesses and maintains sample integrity throughout processing

f. Adheres to special handling instructions and forwards to testing personnel when appropriate

g. Works collaboratively with technical staff to deliver specimens to testing areas and to initiate the testing process in a timely manner

h. Performs post-analytical specimen storage/disposal

i. Recognizes potential errors or deficiencies that could compromise sample integrity and takes steps to proactively resolve.

3. SPECIMEN COLLECTION - Obtains specimens for testing according to policies, procedures and regulatory requirements

a. Performs specimen collection for inpatients, outpatients, and off-site locations

b. Recognizes age specific needs of the patient and makes appropriate adjustments to ensure safety and quality of specimen collection

c. Performs proper patient and sample identification, immediately resolving any discrepancies prior to performing a procedure

d. Follows procedures to obtain quality venous and capillary specimens using appropriate venipuncture techniques including dermal puncture, vacuum tube, syringe, and butterfly venipuncture techniques. Phlebotomy is performed in a manner to minimize patient discomfort, the need for additional attempts, and the potential for bruising

e. Follows specimen collection procedures to obtain specimens from other sources including urine and swab techniques. Instructs outpatients in the proper method of obtaining special clinical specimens

f. Maintains specimen integrity by using aseptic technique and complying with applicable precaution procedures

4. ADMINISTRATIVE – Performs advanced administrative duties including billing, auditing, filing, specimen tracking, and document management

a. Performs billing/charging, filing, and auditing of lab work/records

b. Prepares and maintains Quality Maintenance, Preventative Maintenance, and Quality Assurance reports. Discrepancies are identified and resolved. Tech II or supervisors are notified.

c. Provides clerical support of schedules and workflow assignments

d. Assists with accrediting and regulatory agency record keeping.

e. Provides administrative support for the creation, editing, and maintenance of Policies and Procedures

f. Prepares, ships, and tracks specimens/consults sent to reference laboratories, ensuring timely testing and reporting.

g. Maintains inventory levels to avoid expired, overstocked, or understocked supplies.

5. QUALITY MANAGEMENT – Performs quality management/control/assurance procedures aligning with policies, regulatory/accrediting agency requirements, troubleshooting processes and documentation guidelines.

a. Prepares, controls, re-agents, solutions, etc. according to protocols.

b. Recognizes and corrects issues that have the potential to affect the performance of tests, including anything with the potential to create pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical error

c. Conducts/evaluates performance checks

d. Performs and documents quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) activities within scope of practice

e. Evaluates QC/QA/PM, implements appropriate corrective action, and documents action taken.

f. Effectively communicates issues to the Tech II/Supervisor

g. Completes Lab and NMC Event Reports in a timely manner

h. Recommends system changes to improve processes

i. Keeps work area organized and disinfected

6. PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE – Ensures that all instruments and equipment are maintained in good operating condition and any issues are promptly resolved.

a. Performs and documents preventative maintenance (PM) seeking out opportunities to assist others with weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual maintenance activities

b. Proactively manages unplanned instrument and assay downtimes utilizing backup equipment and procedures

c. Promptly notifies key customers when instruments/assays are unavailable and takes steps to minimize the impact to the patient

d. Troubleshoots instrument and assay problems, documenting action taken. Consults with technical help hotlines, Field Service Engineers, and other technical experts

e. Effectively communicates issues to the Tech II/Supervisor

7. COLLABORATION AND COMMUNICATION - Uses a variety of communication skills to meet the needs of the laboratory department and the customers served by the laboratory.

a. Communicates effectively when covering for breaks and/or at shift change to ensure continuity of work

b. Provides guidance and technical assistance to coworkers including support staff to promote a cooperative work environment

c. Coordinates absences from the work area to minimize workflow disruptions

d. Attends and constructively contributes to departmental meetings

e. Supports efforts to improve relations among shifts, job categories within the Lab, and between NMC departments.

8. PROFESSIONAL AND DEPARTMENTAL GROWTH - Participates in continuing education and departmental development functions to support professional growth and departmental initiatives.

a. Participates in continuing education opportunities and acquires sufficient annual CME credits

b. Demonstrates a willingness to learn and perform new procedures

c. Willingly shares knowledge and experience with coworkers and customers

d. Participates in committees and workgroups

e. Demonstrates active and supportive efforts with Performance Improvement initiatives

f. Supports and participates in departmental initiatives and goals