Laboratory Assistance

Abbott • Gretna, LA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Lab Assistant supports clinical laboratory operations in compliance with CLIA, CAP, and applicable state and institutional regulations. This role is essential in maintaining specimen integrity, laboratory safety, cleanliness, inventory control, and workflow efficiency to ensure accurate, timely, and reliable patient test results.

Requirements

• High School education
• Basic understanding of laboratory safety, specimen handling, and documentation practices
• Ability to follow written procedures and regulatory requirements
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively in a regulated, fast-paced laboratory environment
• Reliable, professional, and compliant with confidentiality and quality standards
• Ability to lift, stand for extended periods, and handle laboratory materials safely

Nice To Haves

• Associate of Science diploma
• Previous laboratory, healthcare, or regulated environment experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Receive, verify, log, label, batch, store, and appropriately dispose of patient specimens in accordance with CLIA and CAP requirements, laboratory SOPs, and chain-of-custody protocols.
• Sort, organize, and maintain specimen batches to ensure traceability and prevent specimen compromise or misidentification.
• Maintain the integrity and confidentiality of patient specimens and associated documentation at all times.
• Assist laboratory staff with pre-analytical specimen support activities as defined by laboratory policy.
• Clean and disinfect laboratory work areas, clean rooms, and equipment following approved SOPs, safety manuals, and infection control policies.
• Wash, dry, and redistribute glassware, reagent boats, racks, and laboratory materials using validated cleaning procedures.
• Maintain work areas in compliance with CAP checklist requirements for cleanliness, safety, and organization.
• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and comply with biohazard, chemical hygiene, and waste disposal regulations.
• Assist with the operation, routine care, and basic maintenance of laboratory equipment (pH meters, analyzers, centrifuges, etc.) as trained and documented.
• Report equipment malfunctions, safety concerns, or environmental issues to supervisory staff per laboratory policy.
• Support proper equipment storage and readiness to meet inspection and quality requirements.
• Assist Supervisor and team lead with ordering laboratory supplies and reagents.
• Monitor, stock, and rotate supplies to ensure availability, proper storage conditions, and expiration control per CAP and CLIA standards.
• Maintain accurate inventory records as required by laboratory quality systems.
• Follow all laboratory SOPs, quality assurance policies, and documentation practices.
• Participate in laboratory inspections, audits, and corrective actions as directed.
• Report incidents, variances, or nonconformances according to laboratory and regulatory guidelines.
• Support laboratory staff in maintaining compliance with CLIA, CAP, OSHA, and institutional requirements.
• Provide general support to laboratory technologists, technicians, and supervisory staff.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure workflow efficiency and uninterrupted laboratory operations.
• Perform other laboratory duties as assigned within scope of training and validation.

Benefits

• Free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year
• An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution
• Tuition reimbursement
• The Freedom 2 Save student debt program
• FreeU education benefit

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees