LAB ASSISTANT - CENTRAL PROCESSING

Sparrow•Lansing, MI

12h•Onsite

About The Position

Sort & handle incoming & outgoing laboratory specimens. This job description is intended to cover the minimum essential duties assigned on a regular basis. Caregivers may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned by their leader. Leadership has the right to alter or modify the duties of the position.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Completed two college level science courses or 1 year of laboratory experience.
Recent completion of a course in Medical Terminology or completion within 60 days following employment.
Ability to read, follow directions, & perform procedures associated with specimen collection, handling & processing.
Ability to recognize problems & take corrective actions.
Ability to communicate effectively & professionally both in person & via the telephone.
Ability to work well under pressure & to handle crisis situations.
Ability to function as part of a team dedicated to Patient care.
Ability to use a keyboard as required to perform the essential duties of the job.
Ability to follow instructions.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a clinical laboratory preferred
Knowledge of anatomy & physiology preferred.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office products, SoftLab, Lifepoint, Epic, & WindoPath preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive & sort specimens, including blood, bodily fluid, & tissue;
Evaluate specimens for correct identification & suitability for testing;
Properly prepare specimens for testing by centrifuging, aliquoting, & labelling, adhering to published procedures & guidelines;
Follow established best practices to ensure that Patients, orders, & specimens are always identified & labelled correctly;
Prioritize work based on Patient type & sample priority;
Prepare specimens for transport & storage, deliver appropriate specimens to designated laboratory section for testing;
Use a computer to verify sample collection information, retrieve patient test data, & enter data;
Track specimens & work pending lists to identify incomplete tests & problems;
Resolve problems by taking appropriate actions as dictated by the circumstances;
Communicate effectively, & in accordance with the ICARE values, in-person, via the telephone, & via email;
Assist in training new Caregivers;
Maintain inventory, replenish stock & supplies;
Perform technical, clerical, & service duties as assigned, including (but not limited to: equipment cleaning & maintenance, emptying trash, washing dishes, taking & recording temperatures, filing & retrieving specimens, handling biohazard & chemical waste);
Follow instructions given by Clinical Laboratory Scientists, Pathologists, & Leaders.