Lab Associate I

Simple Laboratories•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Associate I is responsible for receiving and processing biological specimens such as blood, urine, etc. at our West Chicago, Simple Laboratories lab location. Functions performed typically include data entry of lab requests, labeling patient specimens, and other pre-analytic tasks in preparation for laboratory testing, according to standard operating procedures. Additional support tasks such as inventory management and assisting pathology may be assigned as needed. Schedule: 2nd Shift: 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM (front desk) ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Prepares and organizes samples for testing, for example, sample racking, aliquoting and tube preparation. Monitors turnaround time for efficiency and quality results. Provide feedback to Laboratory management regarding potential/ongoing process or employee issues within Specimen Processing Process clinical laboratory specimens with an emphasis on accuracy, timeliness, completeness, and compliance. Confirm client, patient, and specimen details to ascertain adequacy and appropriateness of specimens. Data enter test requests into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and apply appropriate barcoded labels to patient specimens or scan pre-existing barcodes. Ensure that specimens are labeled appropriately; escalate discrepancies for resolution as needed. Centrifuge and/or aliquot specimens as required. Pre-sort specimens for delivery to technical departments. Retrieve specimens from storage as necessary for add-on testing. Handle and dispose of all specimens following biohazardous waste precautions and applicable safety policies. Ensure clean, decontaminated workspaces per Safety protocols. Investigate and resolve specimen issues or test issues to ensure timely and accurate reporting of results. Consult with technical departments regarding acceptability of patient specimens as needed and timely escalate issues appropriately. Perform required maintenance on Specimen Processing equipment such as centrifuges, printers, incubators, freezers, and refrigerators, document appropriately. Maintain accurate and complete records of problems and resolutions related to specimen processing, inventory, and equipment. Meet or exceed all performance expectations to include attendance and adherence to work schedule. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent required.
1 – 2 years of laboratory experience preferred.
Attention to detail
Strong data entry and organizational skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to interact with peers collaboratively to facility strong team cohesiveness
Ability to multitask and maintain focus within a fast-paced environment.
Ability to problem-solve if need.
Ability to learn policies and procedures and apply them in the workplace.
Comfortable handling potentially infectious biological specimens; adherence to all applicable PPE and other Laboratory Safety policies

Nice To Haves

Familiarity or training with pathology is a plus.

Responsibilities

Prepares and organizes samples for testing, for example, sample racking, aliquoting and tube preparation.
Monitors turnaround time for efficiency and quality results.
Provide feedback to Laboratory management regarding potential/ongoing process or employee issues within Specimen Processing
Process clinical laboratory specimens with an emphasis on accuracy, timeliness, completeness, and compliance.
Confirm client, patient, and specimen details to ascertain adequacy and appropriateness of specimens.
Data enter test requests into the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and apply appropriate barcoded labels to patient specimens or scan pre-existing barcodes.
Ensure that specimens are labeled appropriately; escalate discrepancies for resolution as needed.
Centrifuge and/or aliquot specimens as required.
Pre-sort specimens for delivery to technical departments.
Retrieve specimens from storage as necessary for add-on testing.
Handle and dispose of all specimens following biohazardous waste precautions and applicable safety policies.
Ensure clean, decontaminated workspaces per Safety protocols.
Investigate and resolve specimen issues or test issues to ensure timely and accurate reporting of results.
Consult with technical departments regarding acceptability of patient specimens as needed and timely escalate issues appropriately.
Perform required maintenance on Specimen Processing equipment such as centrifuges, printers, incubators, freezers, and refrigerators, document appropriately.
Maintain accurate and complete records of problems and resolutions related to specimen processing, inventory, and equipment.
Meet or exceed all performance expectations to include attendance and adherence to work schedule.
Other duties as assigned.