Laboratory Assistant I/II - Per Diem

Geisinger • Scranton, PA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Join Geisinger Medical Laboratories, where the team provides exceptional patient care through innovative, efficient, and high-quality laboratory services. The Laboratory Assistant assesses, accessions, and processes patient specimens in preparation for testing across Laboratory Medicine sections. The position safely handles potentially infectious specimens, ensures specimen and order accuracy, performs specimen preparation, and supports timely delivery and additional testing. It also involves maintaining records and equipment, assisting with supplies and reference-laboratory referrals, troubleshooting preanalytical errors, and responding to inquiries. Work is typically performed in a clinical environment.

Laboratory Assistant I applies to candidates with less than one year of experience and a high school diploma or GED. Laboratory Assistant II requires at least one year of experience, or an accepted substitute qualification: an associate or bachelor's degree in a clinical or related science field; enrollment with at least two semesters completed in such a degree program, including introductory biology or chemistry; or ASCP Medical Laboratory Assistant certification.

The organization describes its purpose and values as caring for patients, members, students, colleagues, and communities, with an emphasis on kindness, excellence, learning, innovation, and safety.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED for Laboratory Assistant I.
• For Laboratory Assistant II, at least one year of experience, or one of the accepted alternatives: an associate or bachelor's degree in a clinical or related science field; enrollment with at least two semesters completed in such a degree program including introductory biology or chemistry; or ASCP Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) certification.
• The listed education requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Minimum of one year of laboratory experience is listed as required.
• Skills in communication, computer literacy, laboratory equipment operation, laboratory information systems (LIS), laboratory services, and laboratory supply and inventory management.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's degree in a related field of study (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Assess, accession, and process patient specimens in preparation for testing in Laboratory Medicine sections.
• Safely handle potentially infectious blood, body fluids, tissues, and other patient specimens in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Assess specimen suitability and acceptability and reject unacceptable specimens according to established protocols.
• Match order information with specimen information to ensure accuracy and patient safety.
• Accession and result specimens using the appropriate computer application and procedures.
• Assign billing numbers, location codes, and physician numbers correctly.
• Verify physician orders when test requests are unclear.
• Prepare specimens as appropriate, including centrifugation, aliquoting, and labeling.
• Deliver prepared specimens to the appropriate testing area in a timely manner.
• Use laboratory programs to store, locate, retrieve, and process specimens for additional testing.
• Maintain computer logs, quality control, disinfection procedures, and assigned departmental duties.
• Manage phone inquiries and provide appropriate information about specimen collection, transport, and patient results.
• Navigate and access multiple computer applications as needed.
• Assist with packaging, ordering, and referral of specimens to reference laboratories in compliance with applicable transportation and commercial carrier regulations.
• Troubleshoot missing specimens and other preanalytical errors, including reviewing courier logs and specimen archives.
• Maintain equipment, participate in the preventative maintenance program, and alert the supervisor to equipment problems.
• Assist with proper handling, storage, and maintenance of supplies and notify the supervisor when inventory is low.
• Complete initial and periodic competency assessments for assigned job functions.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan that includes automatic Geisinger contributions.
• Free Care.com membership with discounted backup care for loved ones.
• Employee Assistance Program with referrals for childcare, eldercare, and pet care; access to free legal guidance, mental health visits, work-life support, digital self-help tools, and more.
• MyHealth Rewards wellness program.
• Healthcare benefits for full-time and part-time positions from day one, including vision, dental, and domestic partners.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: High school or GED