Clinic Lab Assistant

Trinity Health•Waterloo, IA

About The Position

The Clinic Lab Assistant supports laboratory departments at a Family Practice Clinic by assisting technical staff with the collection, processing, analysis, and reporting of laboratory tests used for patient diagnosis and treatment. The role ensures that specimens, patient information, and testing workflows are handled accurately and efficiently, helping maintain timely turnaround, data integrity, and compliance with quality and safety standards. The position performs specimen collection for patients from neonates through geriatric adults, receives and registers specimens, assesses specimen acceptability, and processes samples according to laboratory protocols. It also supports laboratory workflow, resolves specimen or order issues with colleagues and clients, and contributes to general department operations. This is a full-time, day-shift position. A high school diploma or GED is required. Laboratory experience and knowledge of medical terminology are preferred.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Strong computer skills and the ability to learn new systems and tools quickly.
Comfort operating in a collaborative, shared-leadership environment.
Personal presence characterized by honesty, integrity, and caring, with the ability to inspire and motivate others in support of Trinity Health and MercyOne's philosophy, mission, vision, goals, and values.

Nice To Haves

Laboratory experience.
Knowledge of medical terminology.

Responsibilities

Perform venipunctures, finger sticks, and heel sticks appropriate to patient age, from neonates through geriatric adults, and collect specimens according to laboratory policy.
Accept specimens and requisitions from internal and external customers; manage add-on orders and pending lists according to laboratory procedures.
Identify patients and specimens using two unique patient identifiers and accurately label specimen containers.
Register and log specimens in the Laboratory Information System (LIS), evaluate specimen adequacy and acceptability, and scan required documentation into the patient record.
Process specimens through proper identification, aliquoting, plate streaking, slide preparation, special handling, and required documentation in accordance with laboratory protocols.
Assist in resolving problematic patient specimens and test orders in collaboration with laboratory staff and clients.
Follow safety, infection-control, and chemical-handling procedures and support workflow practices that promote accurate testing, timely turnaround, and productivity expectations.
Operate laboratory information systems to support accurate data entry and workflow management.
Restock supplies, participate in peer teaching, and engage in department or hospital committees and projects as assigned.