Laboratory Assistant

Prime Healthcare•National City, CA

About The Position

Paradise Valley Hospital is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to support laboratory operations. The role follows applicable CLIA guidelines and California Business and Professions Codes. Unlicensed laboratory personnel may not independently read, record, result, verify, or interpret laboratory tests; perform quantitative specimen or reagent measurements or related calculations; or calibrate instruments or review quality control results. When assisting with analytical testing, unlicensed personnel must have direct and constant supervision by a CLS or other licensed person identified in the applicable code. The Laboratory Assistant performs clerical and specimen-processing duties across laboratory departments, supports patient and visitor communication, maintains supplies and work areas, and may assist with specified technical procedures after documented training. Additional duties may be assigned by the department manager or director. Paradise Valley Hospital describes itself as a 291-bed acute-care hospital serving the San Diego community.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
State certification as CPT I or CPT II if required in the state where the laboratory is located.
Follow applicable CLIA guidelines and California Business and Professions Codes.
Unlicensed personnel assisting in the analytical testing phase must work under direct and constant supervision by a CLS or other licensed person identified in the applicable code.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Perform computer entry, filing, telephone communication, and other clerical duties.
Greet patients and visitors politely and communicate effectively by phone and in person.
Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory test terminology and phlebotomy equipment used to collect specimens from newborns through geriatric patients.
Process pathology, microbiology, immunology, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, chemistry, and blood bank specimens.
Process specimens for reference laboratories.
Stock and order routine supplies.
Keep storage areas, trays, centrifuges, and collection areas clean.
Process specimens or place them on laboratory instruments according to established policies and procedures.
With proper documented training, perform instrument preventive maintenance and troubleshooting; assist with quality control procedures; perform primary culture inoculations and stain slide preparations; and subculture from liquid media.
Perform other tasks assigned by the department manager or director, such as monitoring, mail, faxing, answering phones, and interdepartmental deliveries.
Assist in Pathology with training and evaluation.
Serve as a runner.