Laboratory Aide

Hartford Healthcare•Manchester, CT

12d

About The Position

The Laboratory Aide performs applied techniques for chemical, immunologic, and/or microbiological testing to provide data used in diagnosing and treating disease. The role focuses on specialty laboratory areas such as Chemistry, Serology, and limited Microbiology; receives or obtains specimens for analysis; records test results; and assists with training and special projects. The Laboratory Assistant III performs all Laboratory Assistant II responsibilities, along with operating and troubleshooting instruments, maintaining instrument performance, monitoring quality control, assessing the accuracy of results, and processing specimens within established turnaround-time standards. The role also communicates results to health care providers, supports training and accreditation compliance, assists with quality assurance, and maintains laboratory supply inventories. Reliable transportation is required to travel between work sites, and weekend and holiday work is required.

Requirements

Associate degree required.
Must provide an education transcript before starting employment.
Must be knowledgeable in laboratory automation and information systems.
Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple work sites; travel is required to perform essential duties.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in biological science, or 60 semester hours of education including 24 semester hours of science courses: 6 hours of chemistry, 6 hours of biology, and 12 hours in chemistry, biology, or medical laboratory technology, or any combination.
At least one year of clinical laboratory experience.
Phlebotomy experience.

Responsibilities

Perform applied techniques for chemical, immunologic, and/or microbiological tests.
Receive and/or obtain specimens for laboratory analysis.
Record laboratory test results.
Operate laboratory instruments efficiently and understand basic instrument theory and component functions.
Troubleshoot instruments according to instrument-specific manuals and perform instrument maintenance and problem assessment.
Follow instrument-specific section backup procedures.
Adhere to laboratory turnaround-time standards and process specimens to generate results within established timeframes.
Follow department quality control policies and procedures, take action when outliers occur, and assist with monitoring quality control.
Assess results for accuracy, use critical thinking and sound judgment, and avoid technical data amendments that could affect patient care.
Promptly call and document results to ensure communication with the appropriate health care provider.
Take inventory and request, receive, monitor, and restock supplies.
Perform temperature checks and review records as needed.
Assist in coordinating training for employees in the employee's area of expertise.
Assist with efforts to achieve full compliance with accreditation standards and participate in quality assurance activities.
Assist with training activities and special projects.