Lab Associate I

Quest Diagnostics•Sacramento, CA

1d•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 preparing and organizing samples for testing, including racking, aliquoting, and tube preparation. Responsibilities also include labeling, handling, processing, transportation, and storage of specimens, as well as identifying and resolving sample problems. The associate will prepare testing equipment, assist with preventive maintenance, and notify technical staff of equipment issues. They will support licensed personnel or delegated supervisors in pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities, prepare reagents and controls, and maintain accurate records. Inventory management, including ordering, unpacking, logging, and rotating stock, is also a key duty. The position requires sorting and accessioning incoming specimens, performing data entry, tallying workload data, and assisting with quality control procedures. Additionally, the Lab Associate I will handle phone calls, maintain client confidentiality, ensure laboratory cleanliness, and comply with all health and safety policies, including the use of personal protective equipment.

Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent (Required)
Basic knowledge of operating non-complex equipment (For Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology departments)
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)
Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients.

Nice To Haves

1 – 2 years of laboratory experience preferred.
Two to three years of college courses preferred.
Strong typing skills desirable.
Other automation skills helpful.

Responsibilities

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.
Prepares testing equipment and assists with preventive maintenance.
Notifies appropriate technical staff of equipment problems.
Assists licensed personnel (CA only) or delegated supervisor (non-CA) in the pre-analytic and post- analytic testing activities, other than trainees, in a licensed clinical laboratory.
Prepares pre-analytical reagents and controls using automated or fixed volume measuring devices.
Submits documentation to appropriate staff for approval to use.
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.
Performs data entry or transcribes data from previously recorded results to computer for data reduction and prepares for licensed personnel's review.
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 licensed personnel (CA only) 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.

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 and so much more!