Lab Assistant: Specimen Processing

Advocate Health•West Allis, WI

3d•$20 - $30

About The Position

The Lab Assistant: Specimen Processing ensures specimens are properly labeled and suitable for testing, resolves specimen identification and requisition issues, and clarifies requests. The role enters and verifies test requests in the laboratory computer system, obtains or verifies billing, insurance, and diagnosis-code information, and answers and screens telephone calls. Responsibilities also include receiving, sorting, processing, storing, and retrieving specimens; preparing aliquots while maintaining specimen identification; and packaging and tracking specimens for transport. The Lab Assistant reviews and distributes reports, assists with supply inventory and ordering, maintains records and correspondence, and serves as a resource who trains new employees. This full-time position is scheduled Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with work every third weekend and two holidays per year from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The role involves operating necessary equipment, frequent lifting of up to 10 pounds and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds, and sitting, standing, walking, and bending for much of the workday. The employee may encounter mechanical, electrical, chemical, explosive, radioactive, and infectious agents, including human blood and body fluids, and must use appropriate protective equipment as needed. The position requires handling stressful situations calmly and professionally.

Requirements

High school graduate.
Excellent communication skills.
Basic computer skills, including experience using computer software applications.
Keyboarding and typing skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously under general supervision.
Demonstrated customer service skills to interface effectively with physicians, patients, visitors, and other healthcare employees.
Able to operate all equipment necessary to perform the job.
Able to sit, stand, walk, and bend for the majority of the workday.
Able to handle stressful situations in a calm and professional manner.

Responsibilities

Ensure specimens are properly labeled and suitable for testing.
Resolve specimen identification and requisition problems and clarify requests.
Obtain billing and insurance information and/or verify diagnosis-code information.
Enter and verify test requests in the laboratory computer system.
Answer and screen telephone calls.
Receive and sort specimens; assist with detailed specimen handling; package and track specimens for transport; and perform specimen storage and retrieval.
Process specimens for testing, including aliquoting, while maintaining proper specimen identification.
Review pending and management reports and generate and distribute reports.
Assist with inventory and ordering of supplies.
Maintain and file copies of orders, reports, and correspondence.
Act as a resource and train new employees.