Clinical Lab Assistant II

PathGroup•Nashville, TN

About The Position

The Clinical Lab Assistant II performs clinical laboratory support functions, including data entry, specimen handling and preparation, centrifuging, pouring off specimens, preparing peripheral smears by automated methods, loading bar-coded specimens onto analyzers, and using automated systems to sort, decap, aliquot, and archive specimens. The role also assists Clinical Supervisors and Managers with day-to-day laboratory operations as needed. Microbiology-specific duties include automated smear staining, loading primary barcoded specimens onto automation for analysis by a licensed individual, and primary inoculation of microbiology specimens. The position supports specimen receiving and processing, specimen tracking and retrieval, referral testing, client communications, routine clerical work, and document management. The Clinical Lab Assistant II is expected to meet departmental productivity guidelines, follow laboratory safety procedures, protect confidential and sensitive information, and comply with corporate policies and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Strong aptitude for pattern recognition.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
Minimum of one year of previous job-related experience in a health care environment is preferred.
Prior knowledge of laboratory testing and specimen processing is preferred.
Knowledge of medical terminology is preferred.

Nice To Haves

Prior knowledge of laboratory testing and specimen processing.
At least one year of previous job-related experience in a health care environment.
Knowledge of medical terminology.

Responsibilities

Receive department FastTrack specimens while meeting established productivity metrics.
Load and unload specimens on automated instrumentation in accordance with state guidelines.
Maintain clinical pending specimen logs to identify missing physical specimens and retrieve specimens identified through log review.
Use specimen registration (accessioning) processes for department testing.
Handle specialty specimens, including assembling specimen folders, printing labels, sorting samples by department, completing paperwork for add-on testing, and sending samples for reference testing.
Maintain and review pending lists and ensure referral testing turnaround-time requirements are met.
Collect information about client inquiries and complaints and communicate it to Client Services Representatives for follow-up.
Receive inbound calls from physicians, laboratories, nurses, clients, sales representatives, clinics, and hospitals; route calls to appropriate personnel and communicate with clients as needed.
Handle difficult calls tactfully, courteously, and professionally.
Perform routine clerical duties, including filing, faxing, supply inventory, and receiving and distributing mail.
Accurately capture computer images using software and perform assigned data entry for patient demographic information and imaging.
Meet productivity expectations established by current departmental guidelines.
Transport and help organize documentation stored off-site; review retention periods and dispose of documents when retention periods are met.
Follow laboratory safety precautions and procedures in laboratory manuals.
Perform responsibilities in accordance with security practices and regulatory guidelines to protect protected health information and other sensitive company data.
Follow the Corporate Compliance Program and corporate policies, including Privacy and Security policies.
Perform microbiology-specific tasks as assigned, including automated smear staining, loading primary barcoded specimens onto automation for analysis by a licensed individual, and primary inoculation of microbiology specimens.
Work with other departments within PathGroup and its subsidiaries.
Perform other duties as assigned; management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities.