Lab Assistant - Core Lab

Tenet Healthcare•Detroit, MI

About The Position

DMC University Laboratories, Inc. is seeking a Lab Assistant for its Core Lab. Under general supervision and according to specific procedures, the Lab Assistant performs pre-analytical and post-analytical tasks, processes information accurately, and interacts with patients and healthcare professionals to respond to routine inquiries. The role includes maintaining work areas, instruments, and supplies, and supporting DMC values and a High Reliability Culture focused on safety, customer service, excellence, respect, integrity, accountability, innovation, teamwork, and effective resource use. The position supports DMC University Laboratories, a regional integrated laboratory system serving Detroit Medical Center hospitals and other healthcare organizations in Southeast Michigan and beyond.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent education.
Six months of experience in medical training and/or certification in a healthcare environment or related science field, such as Lab Assistant, Medical Assistant, Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomist, or Health Science studies.

Nice To Haves

Basic studies in medical terminology or a related health science field.
Customer service experience in a service environment.
Phlebotomy certification for Phlebotomists.

Responsibilities

Prioritize incoming specimens and process patient specimens according to departmental safety and OSHA guidelines, ensuring STAT and other critical tests are processed accurately and immediately.
Document specimen problems and refer them to a supervisor or lead designee.
May draw blood samples according to physician orders and safety guidelines; verify patient identification and collect insurance information.
Generate and attach specimen labels and may process and aliquot specimens according to test requirements.
Verify patient identification and specimen suitability, then sort, rack, and deliver specimens to the appropriate testing laboratory.
Enter and review laboratory test data in the laboratory computer system and correct errors according to laboratory policies and quality standards.
Communicate with patients about procedures and answer routine questions from physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.
Maintain a neat and clean work area, stock supplies, take inventories, and clean glassware, equipment, and small instruments.
May transport specimens and reports, time-stamp or computer-verify laboratory requests, and order tests in the system.
May perform routine equipment inspections, maintenance, and quality control checks, including recording temperatures, and report unusual findings.
May prepare patients for or administer tolerance tests and other tests specific to the assigned area.
Perform clerical duties such as answering telephones, scheduling appointments, maintaining records, and relaying messages.
Monitor individual work behavior and performance, make improvements, and communicate training and development needs to management.
Follow departmental safety policies, procedures, and OSHA guidelines, including use of applicable personal protective equipment.
Check organizational communications daily, including Outlook, laboratory software, and posted notices.
Perform other related duties as assigned.