Clinical Laboratory Assistant I

Medical University of South Carolina•Columbia, SC

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for preparing biological specimens such as blood and tissues for medical examination. Supervised by a MLT or MT. Helps primarily in the preparation of samples, recording information, labeling specimens for identification, delivering specimens to the laboratory departments, packing and shipping to reference lab. Assisting with preanalytical workflow and receiving.

Requirements

Associate degree or higher in biology, physical science, chemistry
Strong work ethic
High School Degree or Equivalent
0-6 months work experience
Ability to perform job functions while standing. (Continuous)
Ability to perform job functions while sitting. (Continuous)
Ability to perform job functions while walking. (Continuous)
Ability to work indoors. (Continuous)
Ability to bend at the waist. (Continuous)
Ability to perform gross motor activities with fingers and hands. (Continuous)
Ability to perform firm grasping with fingers and hands. (Continuous)
Ability to perform fine manipulation with fingers and hands. (Continuous)
Ability to reach in all directions. (Continuous)
Ability to perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders. (Continuous)
Ability to fully use both legs. (Continuous)
Ability to maintain 20/40 vision, corrected, in one eye or with both eyes. (Continuous)
Ability to see and recognize objects close at hand or at a distance. (Continuous)
Ability to match or discriminate between colors. (Continuous)
Ability to determine distance/relationship between objects; depth perception. (Continuous)
Good peripheral vision capabilities. (Continuous)
Ability to maintain hearing acuity, with correction. (Continuous)
Ability to perform gross motor functions with frequent fine motor movements. (Continuous)
Ability to deal effectively with stressful situations. (Continuous)
Ability to work in a latex safe environment. (Continuous)
Ability to maintain tactile sensory functions. (Continuous)
Ability to maintain good olfactory sensory function. (Continuous)
Ability to be qualified physically for respirator use, initially and as required. (Continuous)

Nice To Haves

Ability to climb stairs. (Infrequent)
Ability to work outside in temperature extremes. (Infrequent)
Ability to work from elevated areas. (Frequent)
Ability to work in confined/cramped spaces. (Frequent)
Ability to perform job functions from kneeling positions. (Infrequent)
Ability to twist at the waist. (Frequent)
Ability to squat and perform job functions. (Frequent)
Ability to perform "pinching" operations. (Frequent)
Ability to reach overhead. (Frequent)
Ability to use lower extremities for balance and coordination. (Frequent)
Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs. unassisted. (Infrequent)
Ability to lift/lower objects 50 lbs. from/to floor from/to 36 inches unassisted. (Infrequent)
Ability to lift from 36" to overhead 25 lbs. (Infrequent)
Ability to exert up to 50 lbs. of force. (Frequent)
Ability to work rotating shifts. (Frequent)
Ability to work overtime as required. (Frequent)

Responsibilities

Daily monitoring of Expected List in LIS, to include reconciliation of all outstanding orders.
Preanalytical specimen preparation and processing.
Manage the Packing Lists for send out specimens.
Works closely with Client Services at MUSC Charleston, Lab Corp and Mayo.
Prepare specimens (label, centrifuge, package) for transport in proper specimen temperature state, following CAP guidelines.
Provide daily/weekly feedback and follow up with outreach and insource clients pertaining to individual specimen questions or issues.
Interface with inpatient nurses/providers as first contact to problem-solve and answer non-technical questions regarding laboratory specimens/orders.
Reconcile patient test lists from Labcorp and Mayo laboratories with Epic reports prior to submitting invoices for payment.
Maintain daily log sheets for temperature/humidity checks in all laboratory departments, to include all refrigerators, freezers and incubators.
Maintain all eyewash and emergency shower logs.
Inventory management for all laboratory departments. Duties include maintaining logs, ordering supplies, receiving supplies and reconciling orders with received supplies.
Ensure proper documentation of receive/open dates to comply with CAP accreditation requirements.
Backfill for accessioning room coverage when needed.
Enter orders for non-MUSC outpatients.
Create an account and order requested tests for outreach patient specimens.
Prepare patient blood smears/slides for staining and manual differential analysis.
Assist with waived testing and POC duties as needed, following CAP accreditation requirements.
Assist with daily/weekly miscellaneous projects as required.