Lab Assistant

Patient First•Bowie, MD

About The Position

The Lab Assistant provides rapid, reliable laboratory results and supports specimen collection and processing, test analysis, reporting, record maintenance, quality control, and laboratory safety. The role also involves ordering and distributing supplies, communicating with nurses and physicians about patient readiness and laboratory or x-ray needs, and assisting with patient treatment and care. The employee is expected to provide friendly, professional service, contribute to a positive team environment, and perform other assigned duties. Work may involve high patient volumes and assignment to any center in response to staffing or center emergencies or reduced staffing.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years old.
High school graduate or equivalent.
Knowledge of laboratory principles, concepts, and methodologies sufficient to perform waived testing.
Ability to produce rapid, reliable, quality laboratory results during high-volume periods of 100 or more patients per day.
Ability to multitask, prioritize work, and take initiative in changing volumes and dynamic situations.
Knowledge and skill sufficient to use and maintain laboratory instrumentation.
Proficiency in venipuncture, finger-stick collections, and drug screens.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods, possibly 4–7 hours at a time.
Ability to lift moderately heavy to heavy items weighing 20–50 pounds.
Willingness to work at any center when required by staffing or center emergencies or reduced staffing.

Responsibilities

Provide quality and rapid laboratory results using appropriate laboratory analyses, procedures, equipment, and safety practices.
Follow procedures for specimen collection, handling, and processing; test analysis; reporting; and maintenance of test-result records.
Follow laboratory quality-control policies and document quality-control activities and maintenance under the supervision of the Lab Technician on duty.
Electronically order laboratory, x-ray, and medical supplies as directed.
Notify nurses and/or physicians when patients are ready for examination, communicate symptoms, and relay questions about laboratory or x-ray needs.
Follow established corrective-action procedures when test systems do not meet acceptable performance levels and document actions taken.
Identify and troubleshoot problems that could adversely affect test performance or reporting; correct problems or notify the Lab Technician on duty, Lab Supervisor, or Lab Consultant.
Receive and distribute laboratory supplies as needed.
Follow Patient First and OSHA safety policies.
Assist nurses and physicians with patient treatment and care.
Respond to physician and nurse requests respectfully and promptly.
Foster teamwork and maintain a positive, professional atmosphere.
Provide positive, warm, and friendly service in all interactions.
Perform all duties as assigned.
Work at any center when needed due to staffing or center emergencies or reduced staffing.