Laboratory Assistant

Mercyhealth•Riverside, IL

15d•Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Assistant is responsible for collecting patient specimens, utilizing the Information System for various tasks including receiving patients, ordering and collecting samples, ordering tests, answering questions from nurses and physicians, documenting quality control activities, and producing reports. The role involves confirming patient sample identification, evaluating specimen quality, and initiating recollection procedures when necessary. The assistant performs waived and moderate complexity lab tests using automated and manual methods, analyzes test results for validity and accuracy, and ensures designated turnaround times are met. They also perform quality control and proficiency testing, interpret quality control results, and maintain laboratory instrumentation through preventative maintenance and minor troubleshooting. Competency in current and new procedures is essential. Additionally, the role includes assisting with administrative office tasks such as filing, scanning, and storing laboratory documents.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent preferred and appropriate training/experience
Associate’s degree or higher in chemical, physical, or biological sciences or medical laboratory science preferred.

Responsibilities

Collect patient specimens.
Utilize the Information System to receive patients, order and collect samples, result tests, answer questions from nurses and physicians, document quality control activities and produce reports required to perform job tasks.
Confirms accuracy of patient sample identification prior to performing analyses; evaluates specimen quality and identifies when unacceptable.
Documents information concerning quality of specimen, impact of sub-optimal specimens on test values.
Initiates recollection procedure as indicated.
Perform waived and moderate complexity lab tests as defined by CLIA in 42CFR493 by automated and manual methods according to defined policies and procedures.
Analyze test results prior to release of information to chart for validity and accuracy.
Assure that designated turnaround times for results are met and that critical results are appropriately reported and documented.
Performs quality control and proficiency testing procedures as defined by policy.
Interpret and troubleshoot quality control results to ensure accurate and precise test results.
Performs preventative maintenance, minor troubleshooting and calibration of laboratory instrumentation.
Maintain competency in current procedures and gain competency for new methods implemented.
Assist in administrative office tasks including filing, scanning, and storage of laboratory documents.