Laboratory Assistant

Paradise Valley Hospital•National City, CA

7d•$23 - $27

About The Position

The Laboratory Assistant supports laboratory operations at Paradise Valley Hospital, following applicable CLIA guidelines and California Business and Professions Codes. Unlicensed laboratory personnel may not read, record, result, verify, or interpret laboratory tests; perform quantitative specimen or reagent measurements or calculations; calibrate instruments; or review quality-control results. During assistance in the analytical testing phase, unlicensed personnel require direct and constant supervision by a CLS or another licensed person identified in the applicable code. The role performs clerical and specimen-processing duties, communicates with patients and visitors, and supports laboratory operations across multiple departments. With proper documented training, the assistant may also perform specified instrument maintenance and troubleshooting, assist with quality-control procedures, and carry out certain culture and slide-preparation tasks. Other duties may be assigned by the department manager or director.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
State certification as CPT I or CPT II if the laboratory is located in a state where required.
Unlicensed laboratory personnel must receive direct and constant supervision by a CLS or another licensed person identified in California Business and Professions Code section 1269 while assisting in the analytical testing phase.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Perform computer entry, filing, telephone communication, and other clerical duties.
Greet patients and visitors politely and demonstrate good telephone etiquette and communication skills.
Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory test terminology and phlebotomy practices and equipment for collecting 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.
Assist in Pathology with training and evaluation.
Perform runner duties and other assigned tasks, which may include monitoring, mail, fax, telephone answering, and interdepartmental deliveries.
Follow applicable CLIA guidelines and California Business and Professions Codes, including restrictions on duties performed by unlicensed laboratory personnel and required supervision.