Lab Assistant I/II - Per Diem, Evenings

Geisinger • Danville, PA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Join Geisinger Medical Laboratories to support patient care through innovative, efficient, and high-quality laboratory services. The Lab Assistant assesses, accessions, and processes patient specimens in preparation for testing across Laboratory Medicine sections, ensuring specimen acceptability, accurate information matching, and safe handling in accordance with regulatory standards.

The role prepares and delivers specimens, performs accessioning and results entry in appropriate computer applications, supports specimen storage and retrieval, maintains logs and quality-control and disinfection procedures, and responds to appropriate phone inquiries. It also includes troubleshooting missing specimens and preanalytical errors, assisting with referrals to reference laboratories, maintaining equipment and supplies, and completing other assigned departmental duties. Work is typically performed in a clinical environment. The position is per diem and scheduled for evening shifts.

Requirements

• Laboratory Assistant I: High school diploma or GED and less than one year of experience.
• Laboratory Assistant II: At least one year of experience, or an accepted substitute qualification.
• Accepted substitutes for the Laboratory Assistant II experience requirement include a bachelor’s or associate degree in a clinical or related science field; enrollment with at least two completed semesters in an associate or bachelor’s degree program in a clinical or related science field that includes introductory biology or chemistry classes; or ASCP Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) certification.
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) is listed as required.
• Ability to safely handle potentially infectious patient specimens and follow regulatory standards and established procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assess, accession, and process patient specimens in preparation for laboratory testing.
• Safely handle potentially infectious blood, body fluids, and other patient specimens in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Assess specimen suitability and acceptability, and reject unacceptable specimens according to established protocols.
• Match order information with specimen information to ensure accuracy and patient safety.
• Accession specimens and enter results according to procedure using appropriate computer applications.
• Correctly assign billing numbers, location codes, and physician numbers.
• Verify physician orders when test requests are unclear.
• Prepare specimens as appropriate, including centrifugation, aliquoting, and labeling, and deliver them to the appropriate testing area in a timely manner.
• Use laboratory internet programs to store specimens and locate, retrieve, and process specimens for additional testing as requested.
• Maintain computer logs, quality-control and disinfection procedures, and assigned departmental duties.
• Manage phone inquiries and provide appropriate information regarding specimen collection, transport, and patient results.
• Navigate and access multiple computer applications as needed.
• Assist with packaging, ordering, and referral of specimens to reference laboratories in compliance with applicable U.S. Department of Transportation and commercial carrier regulations.
• Troubleshoot missing specimens and other preanalytical errors, including reviewing courier logs and specimen archives.
• Maintain equipment, participate in the established preventative maintenance program, and alert a supervisor to equipment problems.
• Assist with proper handling, storage, and maintenance of supplies, and notify a supervisor when inventory is low.
• Satisfy job-specific obligations and comply with organization policies and procedures.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with automatic Geisinger contributions
• Free Care.com membership with discounted backup care
• Employee Assistance Program with referrals for childcare, eldercare, and pet care; legal guidance; mental health visits; work-life support; and digital self-help tools
• MyHealth Rewards wellness program
• Healthcare benefits for eligible full-time and part-time positions from day one, including vision, dental, and domestic partners

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED