Lab Associate I - AP Cytology Processing

Quest Diagnostics•Chantilly, VA

11h•$18 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

This non-licensed position is accountable for assisting with general support for the laboratory, following all applicable policies and procedures. The role involves investigating and resolving missing samples, responding to "code purple" situations, and acting as a trainer for department Lab Assistants. Responsibilities include resolving pending lists, serving as a liaison for technical support, creating manual testing worksheets, and maintaining department files. The associate will report problems to the supervisor, assist with improvement programs, and coordinate sample acquisition for various testing needs. Duties also include performing routine instrument maintenance under supervision, assisting in the preparation of chemicals and reagents, and preparing/organizing samples for testing. This includes labeling, handling, processing, transporting, and storing specimens, as well as identifying and resolving sample issues. The role supports pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities and maintains accurate records of reagents and supplies. Inventory management, sorting and accessioning specimens, tallying workload data, and assisting with quality control procedures are also key functions. The associate will prepare protocols/logs, answer phones, maintain confidentiality, and ensure laboratory areas are neat and organized, while complying with all health and safety policies.

Requirements

High School Graduate or equivalent required.
Minimum 2 years of laboratory experience preferred
Knowledge of medical terminology helpful.
Ability to work independently, employing research skills and flexibility.
Ability to deal with client information in a confidential manner.
Broad knowledge of laboratory operations and procedures.
Ability to establish work priorities and to handle several tasks for maximum department efficiency.
Contact with clients will be required, good customer service skills important.
A working knowledge of reagent stability and storage.
An awareness of the factors that influence test results.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Application (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Strong typing skills desirable.
Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients.
Other automation skills helpful.

Nice To Haves

2-3 years of college courses preferred.

Responsibilities

Investigates and resolve missing samples in the department.
Respond to “code purple” and document findings.
Trainer for the department Lab Assistants and completes training/competency checklists as appropriate.
Resolves pending list in coordination with Lab Assistants and Medical Lab Scientists.
Liaison for the department and technical support
Creates manual testing worksheets in the department.
Maintains files for department records.
Report problems/potential problems to the supervisor.
Special projects and other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Assist with the department Improvement Program.
Coordinates obtaining samples for Instrument Comparisons, reagent lot testing method comparisons, etc.
Perform routine instrument maintenance on some equipment, under direct and constant supervision. Activity must be signed-off by license-qualified personnel.
Assist in preparation of chemicals, reagents and solutions that do not require quantitative measurement.
Prepares and organizes samples for testing, for example, sample racking, aliquoting and tube preparation.
Responsible for labeling, handling, processing or preparation, and transportation and storage of specimens.
Identifies sample problems and assists in resolving appropriately.
Assists license-qualified personnel or delegated supervisor (non-CA) in the pre-analytic and post- analytic testing activities, other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory.
Prepares and maintains complete and accurate records of reagents or media using established procedures, formulas, stock solutions and fixed volume measuring devices.
Maintains inventory of consumable items including reagents and supplies. Orders, unpacks, logs, dates and stores reagents/supplies upon receipt and properly rotates stock for use. Performs inventory of laboratory items including restocking the benches and equipment inventory.
Sorting and accessioning incoming specimens into appropriate LIS, then delivering to designated testing.
Tallies workload data and prepares reports as requested.
Assists in the performance of quality control procedures.
Prepares protocols/logs or other appropriate documents.
Identifies specimen problems and demonstrates ability to appropriately resolve or elevate to license-qualified personnel or delegated supervisor (non-CA).
Answers phones, transfers, or takes accurate messages. Maintains the confidentiality of client information.
Helps to ensure the laboratory areas are neat, clean, and organized.
Complies with all health and safety policies, procedures, and practices. Required to use personal protective equipment.
Other duties as assigned. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, but rather a general description of work performed by the position.

Benefits

Day 1 Medical, supplemental health, dental & vision for FT employees who work 30+ hours
Best-in-class well-being programs
Annual, no-cost health assessment program Blueprint for Wellness®
healthyMINDS mental health program
Vacation and Health/Flex Time
6 Holidays plus 1 "MyDay" off
FinFit financial coaching and services
401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service
Employee stock purchase plan
Life and disability insurance, plus buy-up option
Flexible Spending Accounts
Annual incentive plans
Matching gifts program
Education assistance through MyQuest for Education
Career advancement opportunities