LAB ASSISTANT - CENTRAL PROCESSING

Sparrow•Lansing, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Assistant – Central Processing sorts and handles incoming and outgoing laboratory specimens. The role receives and sorts blood, bodily fluid, and tissue specimens; checks their identification and suitability for testing; and prepares them for testing by centrifuging, aliquoting, and labeling according to published procedures and guidelines. The Lab Assistant follows practices that ensure patients, orders, and specimens are correctly identified and labeled, and prioritizes work according to patient type and sample priority. The position prepares specimens for transport and storage and delivers them to the appropriate laboratory sections. It uses computer systems to verify collection information, retrieve patient test data, enter data, and track specimens and pending work. The Lab Assistant takes appropriate action to resolve problems and communicates in person, by telephone, and by email in accordance with ICARE values. Additional duties include helping train new Caregivers, maintaining inventory and supplies, cleaning and maintaining equipment, emptying trash, washing dishes, recording temperatures, filing and retrieving specimens, handling biohazard and chemical waste, and following instructions from Clinical Laboratory Scientists, Pathologists, and Leaders. Additional duties may be assigned, and leadership may alter or modify the role’s duties.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Completed two college-level science courses or have one year of laboratory experience.
Complete a Medical Terminology course recently or within 60 days following employment.
Ability to enter data with 95% accuracy; testing is required.
Ability to read and follow directions and perform procedures associated with specimen collection, handling, and processing.
Ability to recognize problems and take corrective actions.
Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in person and by telephone.
Ability to work well under pressure and handle crisis situations.
Ability to function as part of a team dedicated to patient care.
Ability to use a keyboard as required to perform the essential duties of the job.
Ability to follow instructions.

Responsibilities

Receive and sort blood, bodily fluid, and tissue specimens.
Evaluate specimens for correct identification and suitability for testing.
Prepare specimens for testing by centrifuging, aliquoting, and labeling according to published procedures and guidelines.
Ensure patients, orders, and specimens are identified and labeled correctly.
Prioritize work based on patient type and sample priority.
Prepare specimens for transport and storage and deliver them to the designated laboratory section.
Use a computer to verify sample collection information, retrieve patient test data, and enter data.
Track specimens and pending work lists to identify incomplete tests and problems.
Resolve problems by taking appropriate action based on the circumstances.
Communicate effectively and professionally in person, by telephone, and by email, in accordance with ICARE values.
Assist in training new Caregivers.
Maintain inventory and replenish stock and supplies.
Perform assigned technical, clerical, and service duties, including equipment cleaning and maintenance, emptying trash, washing dishes, taking and recording temperatures, filing and retrieving specimens, and handling biohazard and chemical waste.
Follow instructions from Clinical Laboratory Scientists, Pathologists, and Leaders.