Lab Assistant - Pathology

Prime Healthcare•Lewiston, ME

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Assistant works in the Pathology department at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, Maine. The position follows applicable CLIA guidelines and state requirements for unlicensed laboratory personnel. Unlicensed personnel may not read, record, result, verify, or interpret laboratory tests; perform quantitative specimen or reagent measurements or related calculations; or calibrate instruments or review quality-control results. Direct and constant supervision by a qualified licensed person is required while assisting in the analytical testing phase. The role provides clerical and specimen-processing support across laboratory areas, including pathology, microbiology, immunology, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, chemistry, and blood bank. With proper documented training, the assistant may also perform specified instrument maintenance and troubleshooting and assist with quality-control procedures and certain culture and slide-preparation tasks. Additional duties may be assigned by the department manager or director.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
State certification as CPT I or CPT II if required in the state where the laboratory is located.
Current BCLS (AHA) certificate upon hire and maintain current preferred.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of clinical laboratory experience performing similar job functions.

Responsibilities

Perform computer entry, filing, telephone communication, and other clerical duties.
Greet patients and visitors politely and demonstrate good telephone etiquette and communication skills.
Demonstrate adequate knowledge of laboratory test terminology and working knowledge of phlebotomy and specimen-collection equipment for patients from newborns to geriatric patients.
Process pathology, microbiology, immunology, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, chemistry, and blood bank specimens.
Process specimens for reference laboratories.
Stock and order routine supplies.
Keep storage areas, trays, centrifuges, and collection areas clean.
Process specimens or place them on laboratory instruments according to established policies and procedures.
With proper documented training, perform instrument preventive maintenance and troubleshooting, assist in quality-control procedures, perform primary culture inoculations and stain slide preparations, and subculture from liquid media.
Assist in Pathology with training and evaluation, and perform runner duties.
Perform other assigned tasks, which may include monitoring, mail, fax, answering phones, and interdepartmental deliveries.