Clinical Laboratory Assistant 1

University of Miami•Miami, FL

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Assistant 1 performs routine duties supporting technical and professional personnel in clinical and research laboratories and provides broad support for laboratory operations. The role handles, verifies, accessions, processes, and transports patient specimens; enters specimen and patient information into the Laboratory Information System (LIS); maintains laboratory records and inventory; and helps keep equipment and work areas safe, clean, and orderly. The assistant also supports referral laboratory workflows, communicates with clinical staff about specimen issues, follows standard operating procedures, and protects confidential patient information.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; relevant experience, certification, or license may be considered.
No previous experience is required.
Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.
Ability to collaborate effectively and contribute to a team environment.
Proficiency with office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Basic understanding of laboratory safety procedures and infection control.
Familiarity with specimen handling, labeling, processing, storage, and transport requirements.
Knowledge of medical terminology, test requisitions, basic computer systems, and LIS.
Awareness of quality control principles, documentation practices, confidentiality, and HIPAA compliance.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in specimen labeling and data entry.
Effective time management and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to use laboratory equipment and perform routine maintenance.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with critical thinking and problem-solving skills when discrepancies arise.
Dependability, punctuality, professionalism, adaptability, and commitment to patient safety and specimen integrity.

Responsibilities

Identify, receive, sort, verify, handle, and accession patient specimens for laboratory testing and analysis.
Prepare and process specimens according to laboratory protocols, including centrifugation, aliquoting, and volume measurement.
Transport specimens and communicate test results in a timely and accurate manner.
Enter or scan specimen and patient information into the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
Maintain laboratory files, logs, documentation, and administrative records accurately.
Maintain adequate inventory of laboratory and test bench supplies, replenishing them as needed.
Ensure laboratory equipment is functioning properly and perform routine maintenance and minor troubleshooting.
Identify and resolve specimen-related issues in collaboration with laboratory staff and supervisors.
Handle, prepare, receive, and track referral and send-out specimens, coordinating with departments and reference laboratories.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area in compliance with laboratory safety and infection control policies.
Maintain confidentiality of patient information and follow applicable federal and state requirements, including HIPAA.
Participate in departmental performance improvement processes and follow University, unit, quality assurance, regulatory, and standard operating procedures.
Answer phones professionally, provide or route information appropriately, and communicate specimen issues or missing data to nursing and clinical staff.
Assist in orienting or training new staff or students and support workload balance during peak times.