Clinical Laboratory Assistant 1

University of Miami•Miami, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Assistant 1 performs a variety of routine duties in assisting technical and professional personnel in clinical and research laboratories. An employee in this position provides broad support for the laboratory operations.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent
No previous experience
Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.
Commitment to the University’s core values.
Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.
Basic understanding of laboratory safety procedures and infection control.
Familiarity with specimen handling, labeling, and processing protocols.
Understanding of confidentiality and HIPAA compliance.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in labeling and data entry.
Collaborate effectively with technologists, nurses, and other assistants
Adaptability to new procedures, technologies, or workflow changes.
Dependable and punctual with a strong sense of responsibility.
Calm and composed under pressure or during high workload periods.

Responsibilities

Identifies, handles, and accessions patient samples requiring laboratory testing.
Transports specimens and communicates test results timely and accurately.
Maintains required laboratory files and logs system in a neat and accurate manner.
Performs specimen processing, such as centrifugation, aliquoting, and volume measurement.
Maintains adequate inventory level as per protocol.
Participates in the performance improvement processes for the department.
Maintains assigned work area in a clean and orderly condition.
Maintains confidentiality of all patient information according to federal and state guidelines and regulations.
Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.
Receive, sort, and accurately verify clinical laboratory specimens (e.g., urine, stool, swabs, sputum, blood) for testing and analysis.
Prepare and process specimens according to established laboratory protocols and testing requirements.
Perform data entry and/or scanning of specimen and patient information into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) with accuracy and timeliness.
Ensure all laboratory equipment is functioning properly; perform routine maintenance and minor troubleshooting as needed
Identify and resolve specimen-related issues in collaboration with laboratory staff and supervisors.
Handle, prepare, receive, and track specimens in the Referrals Bench (Send-Outs), coordinating workflow across various departments and reference laboratories (e.g., Quest, Labcorp, Viracor).
Maintain adequate inventory of test bench supplies and replenish as necessary to support uninterrupted operations.
Uphold a clean, organized, and safe work environment in compliance with laboratory safety and infection control policies
Accurately complete logs, documentation, and administrative tasks as assigned.
Answer phones professionally and promptly, provide accurate information or transfer calls appropriately and communicate clearly with nursing and clinical staff regarding specimen issues or missing data (e.g., labeling errors, hemolyzed samples).
Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure compliance with quality assurance and regulatory standards