Laboratory Assistant - UH Laboratory - University Hospital
About The Position
The Laboratory Assistant supports laboratory operations at University Hospital by receiving, verifying, accessioning, processing, storing, and shipping specimens; registering patients and entering test orders; performing blood collection for inpatients and outpatients across patient populations from neonates through geriatrics; and supporting communication, documentation, and reporting. The role uses the Laboratory Information System (LIS), other computer systems, and pneumatic tube systems, while maintaining organized work areas and monitoring supplies. The Laboratory Assistant follows hospital policies, confidentiality requirements, infection control and safety protocols, and quality standards. The role also assists with staff and student training, participates in required continuing education, collaborates with team members, maintains regular and prompt attendance, and works overtime as required. Related duties may be assigned.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- A comparable combination of education and experience may substitute for the stated education requirement.
- Medium-level written and verbal communication skills.
- Medium-level organization skills with attention to detail.
- Medium-level proficiency with Microsoft Office technology, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Responsibilities
- Receive and verify that specimens are properly labeled, collected, and preserved.
- Accession specimens and document receipt in the Laboratory Information System (LIS) or logbooks.
- Centrifuge, aliquot, label, and distribute specimens to appropriate laboratory sections.
- Store specimens appropriately or prepare them for transport to reference laboratories.
- Prepare packing lists, requisitions, and shipping documentation for send-out specimens; pack and ship specimens to referral laboratories according to required procedures.
- Ensure accurate specimen identification and labeling in compliance with laboratory policy.
- Register walk-in and drop-in patients and verify patient identification, including name, MRN, and FIN.
- Enter and verify laboratory test orders in the LIS, print specimen labels, receive patients in the system using correct client codes, and review outpatient orders for completeness and accuracy.
- Perform blood collection for inpatients and outpatients and provide competent care to patients from neonate through geriatric populations.
- Use proper body mechanics when assisting or positioning patients and support phlebotomy rounds and specimen collection workflow.
- Answer telephone calls, read or relay laboratory results as appropriate, direct inquiries to the correct department, and respond to overhead pages.
- Facilitate communication with physicians, patients, families, and healthcare team members; provide guidance on specimen collection, test ordering, and laboratory processes.
- Deliver specimens to appropriate areas and coordinate workflow.
- Maintain accurate and complete laboratory records, including requisitions, reports, and logs.
- Prepare and review reports related to specimen collection, duplicate orders, and fax status; file send-out test results and complete charge documentation.
- Document and report customer complaints, errors, or discrepancies to supervisors.
- Use the LIS and other computer systems for laboratory and clerical functions, and utilize pneumatic tube systems for specimen transport.
- Maintain organized, clean, and efficient work areas; monitor supply inventory and order replacements as needed.
- Assist with scheduling support staff and managing supplies as needed.
- Adhere to hospital policies, compliance standards, confidentiality requirements, infection control and safety protocols, and quality and accuracy standards.
- Apply cost-effective practices in daily work.
- Assist in training new staff and students and participate in continuing education and required training programs.
- Collaborate with team members to improve workflow and performance and complete assigned duties professionally and cooperatively.
- Complete mandatory department, educational, and hospital requirements; maintain regular and prompt attendance; and work the defined schedule and overtime as required.
Benefits
- Employees in a regular position working 20 hours or more per week (0.50 FTE or greater) qualify for benefits.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
