Laboratory Assistant

HNL Lab Medicine•Allentown, PA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Assistant supports laboratory departments and clients with tasks determined by the specific site location. Duties may include order entry, specimen collection and processing, equipment and reagent preparation checks, specimen distribution, supply inventory, waived testing, and other non-technical support. The assistant clarifies pre-analytical testing requirements and assists customers under general supervision. The position typically works Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with occasional weekend or holiday coverage based on operational needs; the schedule may vary. The role is onsite at HNL- Roble and may involve on-call and mobile services or travel to multiple locations as assigned. Certain assignments may support Toxicology/ACL or Pathology/Histology/Cytology. Toxicology-related work includes handling forensic toxicology specimens, data, and reports in accordance with forensic testing guidelines; responding to legal inquiries, search warrants, and subpoenas; collecting drug-screen specimens; performing breath alcohol testing and waived testing. Pathology-related work may include reference-laboratory send-outs for specimens, slides, or blocks, digital pathology slide scanning, and instrument maintenance.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions in English and write simple correspondence in English.
Ability to present information effectively in one-on-one and small-group situations.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic with whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals, compute rates, ratios, and percentages, and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to follow detailed but straightforward written or oral instructions and address problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Knowledge of email and laboratory information systems; training will be provided.
For selected assistants whose duties require travel: valid driver's license and acceptable driving history.

Responsibilities

Follow current Standard Operating Procedures and complete work accurately.
Order, receive, and triage specimens and evaluate specimen integrity.
Process specimens and slides according to the Laboratory Handbook and SOPs, and ensure accurate delivery to the appropriate departments.
Perform clerical support, including filing, record maintenance, and entry of patient demographic and insurance information.
Contact clients and patients to obtain missing information.
Provide on-call and mobile services as required and travel to multiple locations when assigned.
Maintain adequate supply inventories and promptly notify a supervisor or manager of issues.
Assist with training and orientation of new staff and participate in CSI and continuing education programs.
Perform laboratory information system functions for test receipt, requisitions, and labeling; perform and record required equipment and test-system checks as assigned.
Participate in Health Fair events and perform finger punctures.
Clean laboratory equipment, glassware, and work surfaces; prepare reagents and testing supplies and document required quality-control checks.
Report problems to the appropriate supervisor or manager in a timely manner.
Order DEMOs in the laboratory computer system.
For Toxicology/ACL assignments, handle forensic toxicology specimens, data, and reports according to forensic testing guidelines; handle legal inquiries, search warrants, and subpoenas; collect drug-screen specimens; and perform breath alcohol and waived testing.
For Pathology/Histology/Cytology assignments, send specimens, slides, and/or blocks to reference laboratories and perform digital pathology slide scanning and instrument maintenance.