Lab Technician-Clinical Lab

Encino Hospital Medical Center•Los Angeles, CA

2d•$23 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Technician supports clinical laboratory operations through clerical, specimen-processing, and other permitted pre-analytical and supportive tasks. The role must comply with CLIA and California Business and Professions Code Sections 1212 and 1269. Unlicensed laboratory personnel may not perform or participate in testing activities that generate, interpret, verify, or report results, including quantitative measurements, related calculations, instrument calibration, or interpretation of quality-control data. All duties must be performed under the direct and constant supervision of a physician and surgeon or a licensed laboratory professional, as defined by California regulations. Permitted activities include specimen collection and handling, processing, preservation, transport, and storage; assisting licensed personnel; preparing and storing reagents and culture media; and supporting preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and quality-control procedures within regulatory limits. Venipuncture or skin puncture may be performed only by personnel with the required California phlebotomy certification or other qualifying license. The position also performs computer entry and clerical tasks, supports laboratory workflow and specimen movement, and assists pathology with pre-analytical and clerical work. This is a per-diem position with a variable shift. The compensation range is $23.00 to $35.91; the specific starting compensation is determined at the time of hire based on factors including skills, experience, education, credentials, and licensure. Benefits may vary according to collective bargaining agreement requirements and employment status.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Active California Certified Phlebotomy Technician I or II license required for individuals performing phlebotomy.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Knowledge of laboratory test terminology.
Knowledge of phlebotomy practices; venipuncture or skin puncture may only be performed when appropriately certified under California law.
Follow applicable CLIA and California regulatory limitations for unlicensed laboratory personnel.

Nice To Haves

Current BCLS (AHA) certificate upon hire and maintained current is preferred.
At least 1 year of clinical laboratory experience performing similar job functions is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform computer entry, filing, telephone communication, and other clerical duties.
Use professional telephone etiquette and courteously greet patients and visitors.
Process specimens across laboratory departments, including pathology, microbiology, immunology, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, chemistry, and blood bank, within pre-analytical limits.
Prepare and process specimens for reference laboratories.
Stock and order routine supplies.
Maintain clean and organized storage areas, equipment, centrifuges, and collection sites.
Process and place specimens on laboratory instruments for automated analysis only; do not perform test setup, calibration, validation, or result review.
With documented training, assist with preventive maintenance and troubleshooting without calibration or performance verification, and assist with quality-control procedures without interpreting results.
With documented training, perform permitted microbiology support tasks such as primary culture inoculation, slide staining, and subculturing.
Perform additional duties assigned by department leadership, including clerical support, communication tasks, specimen transport, and interdepartmental deliveries.
Assist Pathology with pre-analytical and clerical tasks, including specimen receipt, accessioning, labeling, transport, and storage, under direct supervision and within regulatory limitations.
Support laboratory workflow and specimen movement as a runner as needed.
Perform specimen collection, including venipuncture or skin puncture, only if appropriately certified or licensed under California law.
Perform duties under the direct and constant supervision of a physician and surgeon or licensed laboratory professional.
Do not perform or participate in testing activities involving result generation, interpretation, verification, or reporting.