Lab Assistant (Referral Representative I)

Quest Diagnostics•Tucker, GA

13d•$18•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Assistant (Referral Representative I) handles internal and external customer contact regarding Referral Testing, resolves and follows up on complex customer issues, and serves as a liaison between customers and referral vendors. The role retrieves, processes, and prepares specimens for shipment to referral laboratories while ensuring sample quality, accurate documentation, and compliance with applicable shipping and laboratory requirements. It also supports customers and internal teams with inquiries about testing, results, service failures, and quality issues. This position is based in Tucker, Georgia, and is scheduled Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday from 1:00 AM to 11:30 AM. The stated pay range begins at $17.75 per hour. The employee may be eligible for a shift differential for some or all hours worked on second or third shift. A candidate may also be eligible for annual performance bonus compensation. The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and one to two years of clinical laboratory experience. Customer service and/or medical background is preferred. Duties may involve lifting and carrying objects, prolonged bench work, and frequent walking or standing.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One to two years of clinical laboratory experience.
Basic understanding of Client Services and Specimen Processing operations.
Thorough understanding of Referral Testing.
Basic medical terminology applicable to a clinical laboratory.
Detail-oriented, able to work independently, establish priorities, and handle several tasks simultaneously.
Strong independent problem-solving skills.
Interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and clients.
Communication skills to handle telephone inquiries from clients and vendors.
Ability to handle patient and client information confidentially.
Good data entry skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Outlook) and Laboratory Information Systems.
Ability to lift and carry objects weighing 1 to 10 pounds frequently and 11 to 25 pounds occasionally; objects weighing 36 to 50 pounds are seldom lifted or carried, and objects over 50 pounds must not be lifted or carried without assistance.
Ability to stand and work at a bench for long periods.
Frequent walking and/or standing.

Nice To Haves

Customer service background.
Medical background.

Responsibilities

Retrieve, sort, and process specimens for shipment to referral laboratories.
Ensure sample quality and accuracy, and identify issues such as unsuitable specimen types, missing information, incorrect temperature, or insufficient quantity.
Prepare specimens and packages for shipment according to IATA regulations.
File departmental documents.
Handle customer inquiries about result reporting, service failures, and other quality issues.
Report laboratory results using established protocols.
Contact clients to resolve routine or medical/technical matters related to patient testing and result reporting using established protocols.
Investigate and resolve complex Referral Testing issues.
Research test availability using established protocols for selecting a referral vendor.
Assist Client Services, customers, and Sales by answering questions and responding to concerns in a timely manner.
Communicate tests not performed and laboratory accidents to clients within 24 hours of notification, document thoroughly, and elevate concerns to a supervisor.
Identify and escalate reportable quality incidents to supervisors.
Maintain the work area in a safe, functional, and sanitary condition.
Adhere to CLIA, HIPAA, OSHA, and laboratory safety requirements.
Use personal protective equipment, engineering controls, and/or work practice controls as directed by management.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Day 1 medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time employees working 30 or more hours.
Well-being programs.
Annual no-cost Blueprint for Wellness health assessment program.
healthyMINDS mental health program.
Vacation and Health/Flex Time.
Six holidays plus one MyDay off.
FinFit financial coaching and services.
401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service.
Employee stock purchase plan.
Life and disability insurance, with buy-up option.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Annual incentive plans.
Matching gifts program.
Education assistance through MyQuest for Education.
Career advancement opportunities.