Lab Assistant

Patient First•Columbia, MD

8d•$22 - $24

About The Position

The Lab Assistant provides rapid, reliable, quality laboratory results and supports laboratory operations, patient care, and clinical staff. The role involves specimen collection and processing, waived testing, laboratory equipment use and maintenance, quality control documentation, supply ordering and distribution, and communication with Nurses and Physicians. The employee follows laboratory and safety procedures, supports a professional and positive workplace, and performs other assigned duties. The position may require working at any center in response to staffing or center emergencies or reduced staffing.

Requirements

Must be at least 18 years of age.
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 varying-volume 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 due to a staffing or center emergency or reduction of work.

Responsibilities

Provide quality and rapid laboratory results using appropriate laboratory analyses, procedures, equipment, and safety practices.
Follow laboratory procedures for specimen collection, handling, and processing; test analyses; reporting; and test-result record maintenance.
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 the Nurse and/or Physician when a patient is ready for an exam, communicate symptoms, and relay questions about laboratory or x-ray needs.
Follow established corrective-action policies and procedures when test systems do not meet acceptable performance levels, and document the actions taken.
Identify and troubleshoot problems that may affect test performance or result reporting by correcting the problem or notifying 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.
Handle Physician and Nurse requests respectfully and in a timely manner.
Foster teamwork and maintain a positive, professional atmosphere.
Provide positive, warm, and friendly service in all interactions.
Perform all duties as assigned.