LAB ASSISTANT - CENTRAL PROCESSING

Sparrow•Lansing, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Assistant - Central Processing sorts and handles incoming and outgoing laboratory specimens. The role receives, evaluates, prepares, prioritizes, tracks, and transports specimens while following established procedures to ensure patients, orders, and specimens are correctly identified and labeled. It also involves entering and retrieving information using a computer, resolving specimen-related problems, communicating with colleagues and patients, assisting with training, maintaining supplies, and performing assigned technical, clerical, and service duties. The position is at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan, and is listed as per diem with variable shifts.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Receive and sort blood, bodily fluid, and tissue specimens.
Evaluate specimens for correct identification and suitability for testing.
Prepare specimens for testing by centrifuging, aliquoting, and labeling according to published procedures and guidelines.
Ensure patients, orders, and specimens are correctly identified and labeled.
Prioritize work based on patient type and sample priority.
Prepare specimens for transport and storage, and deliver specimens to the designated laboratory section.
Use a computer to verify sample collection information, retrieve patient test data, and enter data.
Track specimens and pending work lists to identify incomplete tests and problems.
Resolve problems by taking appropriate actions based on the circumstances.
Communicate in person, by telephone, and by email in accordance with ICARE values.
Assist in training new Caregivers.
Maintain inventory and replenish stock and supplies.
Perform assigned technical, clerical, and service duties, including equipment cleaning and maintenance, emptying trash, washing dishes, recording temperatures, filing and retrieving specimens, and handling biohazard and chemical waste.
Follow instructions from Clinical Laboratory Scientists, Pathologists, and Leaders.