Lab Assistant

SEH Saint Elizabeth Medical Center•Edgewood, KY

11d

About The Position

Under the direction of the General or Section Laboratory Supervisor, the Lab Assistant performs specimen processing functions, waived and moderate-complexity testing as defined by CLIA Section 493.1421 and approved by the Medical Director, and other non-technical duties as assigned. The role requires treating patients, families, visitors, and employees with respect, dignity, kindness, and empathy. The Lab Assistant prepares, packages, labels, and sends specimens; receives and logs specimens; centrifuges and aliquots specimens; and prepares them for analysis or shipment to reference laboratories. The position also performs waived and moderately complex testing, supports technologists and laboratory sections, and carries out clerical, equipment-support, safety, and work-area maintenance duties. The associate must complete required competencies and training, follow departmental policies and applicable safety and regulatory requirements, and perform other duties within their scope of practice.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED.
Meet CLIA Section 493.1421 requirements.
Computer literacy or fluency and computer skills.
Human relations and communication skills.
Up to three months to become proficient.

Responsibilities

Prepare, package, label, and send out specimens according to procedures.
Generate worksheets for reference laboratory specimens and prepare specimens for shipment to reference laboratories.
Receive specimens from the pneumatic tube system and centrifuge blood and urine specimens as needed.
Aliquot specimens and prepare them for analysis.
Perform waived and moderately complex testing as defined by CLIA and report results according to established protocols, including evaluating specimen acceptability.
Support technologists by loading and maintaining instruments and assisting with reconstituting reagents and thawing and pooling blood products.
Receive and log specimens from inpatient nursing units, outpatients, operating rooms, and the Emergency Department.
Transport specimens from the Central Processing Area to laboratory sections.
File specimens after testing, locate specimens with add-on testing, and check unfinished-work reports and daily checklists as needed.
Support Central Processing staff as needed, including receiving specimens and answering telephones.
Follow universal precautions and laboratory safety policies, including precautions when handling blood or body fluids.
Decontaminate the work area daily.
Assist with maintenance and repair of clinical laboratory equipment within the scope of training.
Perform clerical support duties needed to ensure efficient laboratory operations.
Complete mandatory competencies and training modules, review departmental policies and procedures, and adhere to safety policies and procedures.
Follow applicable safety and health rules and perform work-related duties in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services based on applicable principles of growth and development across the lifespan.
Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of practice.