Clinical Laboratory Assistant

Medical University of South Carolina•Columbia, SC

About The Position

The Clinical Laboratory Assistant prepares biological specimens, including blood and tissue, for medical examination under the supervision of a medical laboratory technician (MLT) or medical technologist (MT). The role supports specimen preparation and processing, documentation, labeling, delivery to laboratory departments, and packaging and shipping specimens to reference laboratories. It also assists with preanalytical workflow and specimen receiving. The position works with internal and external laboratory clients to resolve specimen questions, manages laboratory supplies and logs, and provides coverage for accessioning when needed. Additional tasks include entering orders, preparing blood smears and slides, and assisting with waived testing and point-of-care duties in accordance with applicable accreditation requirements.

Requirements

High school degree or equivalent.
0–6 months of work experience.
Ability to work rotating shifts.
Ability to work overtime as required.
Ability to perform the listed physical and sensory demands, including frequent standing, sitting, walking, handling specimens and supplies, and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds unassisted.

Nice To Haves

An associate degree or higher in biology, physical science, or chemistry.
Strong work ethic.

Responsibilities

Monitor the expected list in the laboratory information system (LIS) daily and reconcile outstanding orders.
Prepare and process specimens in the preanalytical workflow.
Manage packing lists for specimens sent to reference laboratories.
Work with Client Services at MUSC Charleston, LabCorp, and Mayo.
Label, centrifuge, and package specimens for transport at the proper temperature, following CAP guidelines.
Provide daily or weekly feedback and follow up with outreach and insource clients about specimen questions or issues.
Serve as a first contact for inpatient nurses and providers to resolve problems and answer non-technical questions about laboratory specimens and orders.
Reconcile patient test lists from LabCorp and Mayo with Epic reports before submitting invoices for payment.
Maintain daily temperature and humidity logs for laboratory departments, including refrigerators, freezers, and incubators.
Maintain eyewash and emergency shower logs.
Manage inventory across laboratory departments, including maintaining logs, ordering and receiving supplies, and reconciling orders against received supplies.
Document supply receipt and opening dates to meet CAP accreditation requirements.
Provide accessioning room coverage when needed.
Enter orders for non-MUSC outpatients and create accounts and order requested tests for outreach patient specimens.
Prepare patient blood smears and slides for staining and manual differential analysis.
Assist with waived testing and point-of-care duties as needed, following CAP accreditation requirements.
Assist with miscellaneous daily or weekly projects as required.