Laboratory Assistant

Job Summary / Purpose

Under the direction of the Laboratory Clinical Coordinator, Market Director of Laboratory Services and Laboratory Supervisor or Manager, the clinical laboratory assistant assists in specimen collection, receiving, processing, distribution of specimens, clerical duties including accessioning, receptionist duties, processing specimens for Reference laboratory send outs, monitoring tube stations (when equipped) and distribution of samples.

Essential Key Job Responsibilities

Front Desk and Accessioning Responsibilities

• Accepts specimens and requisitions from external and internal customers utilizing excellent customer service skills.
• Accurately registers specimens and logs into Laboratory Information System (LIS) and evaluates specimen adequacy and acceptability.
• Identifies patients/specimens using two unique patient identifiers and accurately labels specimen containers.
• Process specimens from the tube system (if applicable).  Performs specimen processing as needed.  For example, proper identification, aliquoting, special handling, and required documentation. 
• Follows established procedures and policies including infection control and blood borne pathogens. Handles chemicals according to established safety protocols.
• Meets defined workload productivity standards. Works accurately and proficiently.
• Follows established procedures and policies to obtain optimal test turn-around-times, including, but not limited to single piece flow.
• Demonstrates a cooperative attitude in relationships with co-workers and other personnel.  Serves an effective representative to physicians, nurses, patients, and visitors in a courteous and empathetic manner.
• Participates in teaching peers. 
• Handles incoming and outgoing telephone calls utilizing good customer service skills and knowledge of the laboratory.
• Performs pickups as needed for on campus offices. 
• Follows up on and documents out of range temperatures, missing or inadequate specimens, and missing specimens.
• Additional duties as assigned. 

Microbiology  

• Plating of cultures onto appropriate media
• Blood Culture loading, unloading and positive bottle processing.
• Fecal Transplant specimen processing

Hematology

• Specimen integrity monitoring
• Load and unload analyzers
• Prepare blood smears
• Monitor expected lists and for Add-ons

Chemistry

• Specimen integrity monitoring and processing
• Load and unload analyzers
• Pour-off samples as needed
• Monitor expected lists and for Add-ons

Reference Lab

• Accurately and efficiently performs specimen processing for send out reference lab testing.
• Has a thorough understanding of Reference Lab specimen requirements.
• Monitors for completion of miscellaneous results, prints as necessary and delivers to MLT/MT
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates a cooperative attitude in relationships with co-workers and other personnel.  Serves an effective representative to physicians, nurses, patients, and visitors in a courteous and empathetic manner.

Minimum Qualifications