Laboratory Assistant

Geisinger•Danville, PA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Assesses, accessions, and processes patient specimens in preparation for testing in the various sections of Laboratory Medicine. Safely handles potentially infectious blood, body fluids, body tissues, and other patient specimens in compliance with regulatory standards. Assesses suitability and acceptability of patient specimens. Rejects unacceptable specimens according to established protocols. Matches order information with specimen information to ensure accuracy and patient safety. Accessions and results according to procedure via appropriate computer application. Correctly assigns billing numbers, location codes, and physician numbers. Verifies physician orders when test requests are unclear. Prepares specimens as appropriate including centrifugation, aliquoting, labeling. Delivers prepared specimens to appropriate testing area in a timely manner. Applies laboratory programs to store specimens and to locate, retrieve, and process specimens for additional testing as requested. Maintains computer logs, quality control, disinfection procedures, and departmental assigned duties. Manages phone inquiries and provides information regarding specimen collection, transport, and patient results as appropriate. Assists in the training and orientation of new employees. Navigates and accesses multiple computer applications as needed. Assists with packaging ordering and referral of specimens to reference laboratories in compliance with U.S. Department of Transportation and commercial carrier regulations as required. Troubleshoots missing specimens and other preanalytical errors including courier log review, specimen archives. Maintains equipment, participates in established preventative maintenance program, and alerts supervisor of any equipment problems. Assists in proper handling, storage, and maintenance of supplies, notifies supervisor when inventory is low. Completes departmental continuing education requirements. As appropriate, performs testing processes within scope of laboratory assistant duties. Completes related training and maintains competency to perform assigned testing processes. As appropriate, participates in professional development programs and leads one related improvement initiative per year. Successfully completes initial and periodic competency assessments for all assigned job functions. Work is typically performed in a clinical environment. Accountable for satisfying all job specific obligations and complying with all organization policies and procedures. The specific statements in this profile are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements considered necessary to successfully perform the job. Additional competencies and skills outlined in any department-specific orientation will be considered essential to the performance of the job related to that position.

Requirements

High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED)
Minimum of 2 years of Laboratory experience
Certified Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) - American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
Communication skills
Computer Literacy
Laboratory Equipment Operation
Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)
Laboratory Services
Laboratory Supply And Inventory Management

Nice To Haves

Associate's Degree in a Related Field of Study

Responsibilities

Assesses, accessions, and processes patient specimens in preparation for testing.
Safely handles potentially infectious blood, body fluids, body tissues, and other patient specimens.
Assesses suitability and acceptability of patient specimens and rejects unacceptable specimens.
Matches order information with specimen information to ensure accuracy and patient safety.
Accessions and results according to procedure via appropriate computer application.
Correctly assigns billing numbers, location codes, and physician numbers.
Verifies physician orders when test requests are unclear.
Prepares specimens including centrifugation, aliquoting, and labeling.
Delivers prepared specimens to appropriate testing area in a timely manner.
Applies laboratory programs to store, locate, retrieve, and process specimens.
Maintains computer logs, quality control, disinfection procedures, and departmental assigned duties.
Manages phone inquiries and provides information regarding specimen collection, transport, and patient results.
Assists in the training and orientation of new employees.
Navigates and accesses multiple computer applications.
Assists with packaging ordering and referral of specimens to reference laboratories.
Troubleshoots missing specimens and other preanalytical errors.
Maintains equipment, participates in preventative maintenance, and alerts supervisor of equipment problems.
Assists in proper handling, storage, and maintenance of supplies.
Completes departmental continuing education requirements.
Performs testing processes within the scope of laboratory assistant duties.
Completes related training and maintains competency for assigned testing processes.
Participates in professional development programs and leads one related improvement initiative per year.
Successfully completes initial and periodic competency assessments for all assigned job functions.

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Pre-tax savings plans with healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA)
Health savings account (HSA)
Company-paid life insurance
Short-term disability coverage
Long-term disability coverage
401(k) plan with automatic Geisinger contributions
Generous paid time off (PTO)
Tuition reimbursement up to $5,000 per calendar year
MyHealth Rewards wellness program
Adoption assistance
Fertility assistance
Parental leave pay
Military leave pay
Free Care.com membership with discounted backup care
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for referrals to childcare, eldercare, & pet care
Free legal guidance
Mental health visits
Work-life support
Digital self-help tools
Accident insurance
Critical illness insurance
Hospital indemnity insurance
Identity theft protection
Universal life insurance
Pet insurance
Legal insurance