HMS Lab Assistant

OneOncology•Franklin, TN

17h

About The Position

The HMS Laboratory Assistant works closely with HMS Laboratory Managers and Leads to help ensure tests are accessioned and reported in a timely manner. The role manages specimen inventory and sample programs, and serves as a primary contact for clinic and HMS staff with questions about additional testing or specimen availability. The assistant locates specimens for transport to other HMS departments or reference laboratories and prepares and stores aliquots for potential future orders. The position also performs advanced specimen processing and clerical tasks across one or more laboratory sections, including specimen receipt, record keeping, accessioning, processing, transport, client service, materials management, billing-related functions, and pathology support. Daily work includes tracking pending tests and reference testing, resolving order issues, routing results, and communicating specimen or testing concerns that could affect patient care. Some daily tasks may be performed without on-site supervision.

Requirements

At least 2 years of extensive experience working in a laboratory setting.
Good telephone etiquette and organization.
Excellent computer, written, and oral communication skills.
Understanding of laboratory practices and workflows.
Strong organizational skills.
Interpersonal skills to interact successfully with coworkers and laboratory customers.
Professional demeanor and excellent communication skills.
Ability to work with reference laboratories such as Quest, CSI, and Foundation Medicine to address specimens not received, sent improperly, lost, or other issues.
Ability to review laboratory pending work and follow up on tests beyond normal turnaround times.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of pathology testing and workflows.
High school diploma.

Responsibilities

Serve as the first level of specimen receipt and accessioning for the HMS Laboratory.
Receive, order, and direct specimens for in-house testing.
Manage reference samples and distribute them to outside departments or vendors as needed.
Follow guidelines for safe handling of blood, body fluids, and hazardous chemicals.
Maintain laboratory testing and results records according to the policy and procedures manual.
Read, analyze, and report clinical elements on cases requiring pathology testing; interpret pathology reports and identify clinical information relevant to testing.
Adhere to CLIA compliance requirements.
Maintain adequate inventory of laboratory supplies for daily operations.
Communicate with reference laboratories regarding reports, ordering issues, and specimen problems.
Understand the billing process and update billing logs for secondary testing.
Review laboratory pending work daily and follow up on tests exceeding normal turnaround times.
Assist laboratory staff with questions about send-out testing, specimen requirements, and correct test names.
Perform advanced specimen processing and clerical functions in one or more laboratory sections.
Receive, record, accession, process, and transport specimens.
Perform materials management duties, order add-on tests, audit pending logs, and resolve duplicate orders.
Perform client service duties, including registration, billing-related functions, training, and guidance.
Assist with pathology work, including pulling and filing slides and blocks, processing pathology samples, and managing and tracking send-outs.
Manage and track reference testing and route results.
Interact with clinic staff about specimen receipt, processing, or testing issues that could affect patient care.