Lab Associate I - AP Cytology Processing

Quest Diagnostics•Chantilly, VA

2h•$18 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Associate I provides general support to the AP Cytology Processing laboratory and follows applicable policies and procedures. The role assists licensed personnel with pre-analytic and post-analytic activities, handles and processes specimens, supports records and inventory, and helps maintain laboratory quality, safety, and organization. The position is based in Chantilly, Virginia, with a Tuesday-through-Saturday schedule from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM. The listed pay range is $18.39–$27.58 per hour; eligible candidates may also receive annual performance bonus compensation.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum 2 years of laboratory experience preferred.
Ability to work independently, using research skills and flexibility.
Ability to handle client information confidentially.
Broad knowledge of laboratory operations and procedures.
Ability to establish work priorities and handle multiple tasks to support department efficiency.
Good customer service skills; contact with clients is required.
Working knowledge of reagent stability and storage.
Awareness of factors that influence test results.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Communication and interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with management, coworkers, and clients.
Ability to perform repetitive tasks with the dominant hand, sit and/or stand for long periods, and demonstrate good eye-hand coordination.
Ability to lift and carry objects: 1–10 pounds frequently, 11–25 pounds occasionally, and 26–50 pounds seldom; objects over 50 pounds require assistance.
Use required personal protective equipment and comply with laboratory health and safety practices.

Nice To Haves

Two to three years of college coursework preferred.
Knowledge of medical terminology.
Strong typing skills.
Other automation skills.

Responsibilities

Investigate and resolve missing samples in the department.
Respond to “code purple” and document findings.
Train department Lab Assistants and complete training and competency checklists as appropriate.
Resolve pending lists in coordination with Lab Assistants and Medical Lab Scientists.
Serve as a liaison for the department and technical support.
Create manual testing worksheets and maintain department records.
Report problems or potential problems to the supervisor; undertake special projects and other assigned duties.
Assist with the department Improvement Program.
Coordinate obtaining samples for instrument comparisons, reagent lot testing, and method comparisons.
Perform routine instrument maintenance on some equipment under direct and constant supervision, with activities signed off by license-qualified personnel.
Assist in preparing chemicals, reagents, and solutions that do not require quantitative measurement.
Prepare and organize samples for testing, including sample racking, aliquoting, and tube preparation.
Label, handle, process or prepare, transport, and store specimens.
Identify sample or specimen problems and assist in resolving them or elevate them to license-qualified personnel or a delegated supervisor, as appropriate.
Assist license-qualified personnel or a delegated supervisor in pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities in a licensed clinical laboratory.
Prepare and maintain complete and accurate reagent or media records using established procedures, formulas, stock solutions, and fixed-volume measuring devices.
Maintain inventory of consumables, reagents, and supplies; order, unpack, log, date, store, and rotate stock; and restock benches and equipment inventory.
Sort and accession incoming specimens into the appropriate LIS and deliver them to designated testing.
Tally workload data and prepare requested reports.
Assist with quality control procedures and prepare protocols, logs, and other appropriate documents.
Answer and transfer phone calls or take accurate messages while maintaining confidentiality of client information.
Help keep laboratory areas neat, clean, and organized.
Comply with health and safety policies, procedures, and practices, including use of personal protective equipment.

Benefits

Medical, supplemental health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time employees working 30 or more hours, beginning on day one.
Well-being programs.
Annual no-cost Blueprint for Wellness health assessment program.
healthyMINDS mental health program.
Vacation and Health/Flex Time.
Six holidays plus one “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, with buy-up option.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Annual incentive plans.
Matching gifts program.
Education assistance through MyQuest for Education.
Career advancement opportunities.