Assistant, Laboratory Technician

Kaiser Permanente • Portland, OR

99d

About The Position

To provide technical and clerical support within scope of practice, to the laboratory professional staff by receiving and preparing specimens for examination/testing; performing and reporting limited analytical and quality control procedures; communicating test results to authorized recipients.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Passing score on Medical Lab Terminology Assessment.
• Demonstrated customer-focused service skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly with patients and staff at all levels.
• Willingness to handle patient specimens.
• Demonstrated ability to accurately perform multiple tasks within a limited time frame and attention to detail.
• Ability to lift and move containers weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Demonstrated verbal and written command of the English language.
• Working knowledge of typing/computer keyboard (20 wpm).
• Basic computer skills.
• Proven dependability and good attendance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a medical laboratory.
• Experience in operating computer systems, printers, copiers and fax machines.
• Working knowledge of Kaiser system.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize.
• Ability to use multi-line phone system.
• Demonstrated highly effective communication and human relation skills.
• Proficient in high-volume, detail-oriented tasks.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Successful completion of four (4) or more classes at an accredited university or college in life sciences (including Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, Physiology, Organic Chemistry, Cell Biology, Anatomy, Genetics or related field).

Responsibilities

• Receive incoming specimens or blood components and log in according to department policies and work instructions.
• Verify correct specimen identity.
• Evaluate that specimen has been collected correctly and handling requirements have been met.
• Notify testing staff of all STAT or ASAP test requests.
• Using Laboratory Quality Assurance policies, initiate problem solving in regards to missing, inadequate or compromised specimens or blood components.
• If the specimen has been collected incorrectly or the quality of the specimen is unacceptable, inform the appropriate person(s) and/or arrange for recollection.
• Prepare specimen for testing on-site or for shipment to specific testing laboratory.
• Process may include but not limited to slide preparation/staining, centrifugation, separation, aliquoting, refrigeration/freezing, distribution or routing to testing areas.
• When indicated, determine most appropriate means of specimen transport.
• Ensure compliance with packaging and labeling regulations while maintaining specimen integrity.
• Under technical supervision, perform waived testing according to CLIA regulations.
• Release and report test results when appropriate.
• Receive and screen incoming phone requests for patient reports.
• Following Confidentiality policy, provide test results to authorized recipients by consulting either the electronic or paper information sources.
• Call and/or fax abnormal, STAT or requested results to the appropriate person(s).
• Verify that verbal reports have been correctly received.
• Serve as a resource person by answering questions or providing instructions related to specimen collection and processing.
• When appropriate, refer calls to technical staff, pathologists or other department(s).
• Support accurate record keeping by preparing accession logs, initiating worksheets, creating and maintaining files.
• Compile data for workload auditing, quality assurance monitors, research and patient history.
• Prepare completed patient reports for final distribution.
• Perform quality control and maintain records of routine maintenance procedures specific to the work area.
• Record any action taken to correct unacceptable quality control or equipment functions.
• Conduct environmental safety checks where applicable.
• Collect and package bio-hazardous and chemical waste for disposal.
• Ensure adequate levels of supplies in the work area through timely inventory and ordering practices.
• Order products and supplies through purchasing or specific vendor.
• Prepare and label reagents according to work instructions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Industry: Ambulatory Health Care Services
• Education Level: High school or GED