Lab Associate I

Quest Diagnostics • Las Vegas, NV

5d • 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 Lab Associate I role involves preparing and organizing samples, labeling and processing specimens, preparing testing equipment, and assisting licensed personnel with pre-analytic and post-analytic testing activities. The role also includes preparing reagents and controls, maintaining inventory, sorting and accessioning specimens, performing data entry, and assisting with quality control procedures. Maintaining a neat, clean, and organized laboratory environment, complying with health and safety policies, and using personal protective equipment are also key aspects of this position.

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of operating non-complex equipment (for Lab Associates in Histopathology or Cytology departments)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Application (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• High School Diploma or Equivalent

Nice To Haves

• 1 – 2 years of laboratory experience preferred.
• Some College Courses
• Two to three years of college courses preferred.
• Strong typing skills desirable.
• Communication and interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively with management, co-workers, and clients.
• 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

• 401(k) Plan with eligibility for all employees after one month
• Fully vested company match up to 5% of pay after one year
• 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth IRA with company match up to 5% after 12 months of service (for on-call employees)
• Eligible to receive annual performance bonus compensation

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED