Medical Lab Assistant

Emory Healthcare•Johns Creek, GA

2d•$20 - $24

About The Position

Performs and evaluates semi-technical laboratory procedures on patient specimens, test materials and reagents, blood products, and quality control materials. Works in various areas of the clinical and anatomic pathology laboratories. Duties may include patient registration, test ordering, sample collection, and assessment of sample acceptability. Processes samples for testing and supports clinical testing, including waived and point-of-care testing when applicable. Provides exemplary customer service throughout pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes, communicates with hospital staff and external partners, and promptly and respectfully communicates issues. Maintains accurate specimen, patient, testing, and equipment records in compliance with accreditation and safety requirements. May perform venipuncture as required and completes other duties as required. The position works the 9:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. shift. Physical requirements are classified as medium and include lifting up to 50 pounds, carrying objects up to 25 pounds, occasional to frequent standing and walking, occasional sitting, and close eye work. Environmental exposures may include blood-borne pathogens, biohazardous waste, chemicals, communicable diseases, electrical shock, varied floor surfaces and temperatures, indoor and outdoor conditions, latex, patient-care or handling injuries, radiation, and shift work. Travel may be required. Personal protective equipment, including respirators, may be used; conditions vary by assigned work area and tasks.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Perform and evaluate semi-technical laboratory procedures on patient specimens, test materials and reagents, blood products, and quality control materials.
Register patients, order tests, collect samples, and assess whether samples are acceptable for testing as needed.
Process samples through centrifugation, aliquoting, storage, and shipping.
Support clinical testing by preparing slides, loading instruments, reporting results, and performing waived or point-of-care testing as applicable.
Provide exemplary customer service throughout pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes.
Communicate with nursing staff, physicians, procurement agencies, and others regarding laboratory specimen testing; communicate issues quickly and respectfully.
Review patient information and test orders on paper requisitions and computerized requests.
Use departmental computer programs to order tests, follow up on incomplete information or questionable orders, and reconcile unresolved outstanding orders.
Verify complete courier delivery and enter specimen tracking, laboratory data, and patient information into the computer.
Receive, register, and access specimens appropriately and promptly; verify packaging, labeling, and collection requirements.
Initiate appropriate action for unacceptable specimens.
Accurately label and process specimens, preserve sample integrity, and process samples according to priority and required time frames.
Assist with referral testing when requested.
Maintain commonly used supplies and inspect supply levels to ensure adequate availability.
Routinely use laboratory equipment and instruments, troubleshoot as necessary, perform preventive maintenance, and calibrate instruments as required.
Participate in quality improvement.
Maintain accurate and complete documentation of processes, procedures, patient information, and equipment maintenance in compliance with accreditation regulations.
Follow universal precautions, barrier protection, infection control and isolation procedures, sterile technique, and applicable safety mandates.
Escalate issues, problems, and opportunities to a supervisor for resolution.
Perform venipuncture as required.
Attend educational in-services and training classes as appropriate.
Work with a leader to formulate a professional development plan.
Perform other duties as required.