Lab Assistant I/II - Per Diem, Evenings

Geisinger • Danville, PA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Geisinger Medical Laboratories seeks a Lab Assistant to support patient care through innovative, efficient, and high-quality laboratory services. The role assesses, accessions, and processes patient specimens in preparation for testing across Laboratory Medicine sections, while ensuring specimen suitability, accurate order matching, patient safety, and compliance with regulatory standards. Work is typically performed in a clinical environment.

The Lab Assistant handles specimen preparation and delivery, maintains specimen records and laboratory computer applications, supports inquiries about specimen collection, transport, and results, and helps troubleshoot preanalytical errors. The role also maintains equipment and supplies and performs assigned quality control and disinfection duties. The posting describes Laboratory Assistant I and II qualification pathways: Level I requires less than one year of experience and a high school diploma or GED; Level II requires at least one year of experience or an accepted education or certification alternative.

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 alternative qualification.
• Accepted alternatives to the Laboratory Assistant II experience requirement include a bachelor's or associate degree in a clinical or related science field.
• An accepted alternative for Laboratory Assistant II is enrollment in an associate or bachelor's degree program in a clinical or related science field, with at least two semesters completed and introductory biology or chemistry classes included.
• An accepted alternative for Laboratory Assistant II is ASCP certification as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA).
• High school diploma or GED is listed as required.

Responsibilities

• Assess, accession, and process patient specimens in preparation for testing in Laboratory Medicine sections.
• 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 and result specimens according to procedure using the appropriate computer application.
• Assign billing numbers, location codes, and physician numbers correctly.
• Verify physician orders when test requests are unclear.
• Prepare specimens as appropriate, including centrifugation, aliquoting, and labeling.
• Deliver prepared specimens to the appropriate testing area in a timely manner.
• Use laboratory internet programs to store, locate, retrieve, and process specimens for additional testing.
• Maintain computer logs, quality control, disinfection procedures, and assigned departmental duties.
• Manage phone inquiries and provide appropriate information about 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 transportation and 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.
• Comply with organization policies, procedures, and job-specific obligations.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED