Laboratory Assistant

HNL Lab Medicine•Allentown, PA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Assistant supports laboratory departments and clients through site-specific tasks such as order entry, specimen collection and processing, equipment and reagent preparation checks, specimen transport and distribution, supply inventory, waived testing, and other non-technical support. The role clarifies pre-analytical testing requirements and assists customers under general supervision. It is based onsite at HNL- Roble, 794 Roble Rd. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 3:00 PM–11:00 PM, with occasional weekend or holiday coverage based on operational needs; the schedule may vary. The assistant follows Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), handles and processes specimens and slides, performs clerical and laboratory information system functions, maintains supplies and records, and supports equipment, reagent, and work-area maintenance. Depending on department assignment, duties may include forensic toxicology handling and inquiries, drug-screen specimen collection and breath alcohol testing, reference-laboratory send-outs, and digital pathology slide scanning and instrument maintenance. Selected assistants may travel to multiple locations and provide on-call or mobile services.

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 to customers, clients, and coworkers.
Ability to perform arithmetic using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals, calculate rates, ratios, and percentages, and draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to apply common-sense understanding to detailed but uncomplicated written or oral instructions and address problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Knowledge of email and laboratory information systems; training on the laboratory information system will be provided.
Selected assistants who are required to travel must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving history.

Responsibilities

Maintain current knowledge of and follow Standard Operating Procedures; complete work accurately according to them.
Order, receive, and triage incoming 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 and maintaining hardcopy and electronic records, and entering 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 checks of laboratory equipment and test systems when assigned, and report issues promptly.
Participate in Health Fair events and perform finger punctures.
Clean laboratory equipment, glassware, and work surfaces; prepare laboratory reagents and testing supplies accurately and document completed QC checks.
Order DEMOs in the laboratory computer system.
When assigned to Toxicology/ACL, 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.
When assigned to Pathology/Histology/Cytology, send specimens, slides, and/or blocks to reference laboratories and perform digital pathology slide scanning and instrument maintenance.