Medical Lab Assistant Full Time Days

East Tennessee Children's Hospital•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

The Medical Laboratory Assistant performs the pre-analytical and preparatory portion of the testing process for routine and specialized clinical lab tests for use in diagnosis and treatment of patients by providers. The individual will perform only those processes that she/he has been trained and found competent in performing. Come work where you can make a difference everyday. At Dolly Parton Children’s Hospital, care is at the CORE of who we are. We are comprised of team members who live out our core values of Compassion, Ownership, Respect, and Excellence. We support each other by fostering a culture of team engagement that creates moments that matter – every interaction, every time. Compassion – We imagine what others are going through, work to alleviate suffering, and create joy whenever possible. Ownership – We take pride in our work, act with integrity, and feel personal responsibility for achieving our mission. Respect – We listen, understand, and communicate openly and politely. We recognize our diverse strengths. Excellence – We set high standards for performance in delivering the safest patient care. We give extraordinary and meaningful experiences to our patients, their families, team members, and the community we serve.

Requirements

Basic computer skills, medical terminology, registration, or equivalent combination of clinical/clerical skills.
Must successfully complete an in-laboratory training program and competency assessment facilitated by a Medical Technologist or Medical Laboratory Technician.

Responsibilities

Performs preparatory functions necessary to complete routine and high complexity tests that the individual has been trained in.
Follows the Laboratory’s procedures for specimen handling and processing, and preparatory steps
Properly performs the following functions: centrifuging; pouring off blood, body fluid, and urine specimens; preparing specimens for testing; and archiving specimens
Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots applicable Laboratory equipment, e.g., centrifuges, stainers, analyzers, etc., as trained to use.
Checks applicable specimens for clots if needed prior to proceeding for testing
Performs pipetting techniques for appropriate specimen preparations
Documents all corrective actions taken when the test process deviates from the Laboratory’s established performance specifications.
Does not submit patient specimens for testing until all corrective action has been taken.
Responsible for care, maintenance, troubleshooting and notification of supervisor or manager when equipment needs repair or replacement (i.e., stainers, centrifuges, printers, fax/copy machines, etc.).
Identifies problems that may adversely affect a test result and either corrects or notifies a licensed Laboratory employee to assist.
Utilizes the LIS and monitors outstanding lists.
Follows up by locating specimens and taking appropriate next steps, including loading specimens, aliquoting, or notifying an MLT/MT of issues.
Responsible for communicating to the next shift and other appropriate staff needed information about patient samples or equipment performance.
Acts as resource person for phlebotomy if trained appropriately
Maintains and disinfects work area
Assists with coverage of the pneumatic tube system, processing and distributing specimens.
Handles biohazard wastes according to policy.
Performs any job-related duties assigned by competent authority.
Helps other departments as qualifications and needs permit.
Assists in the orientation and training of new and existing employees.
Performs pipette and glassware cleanings, timer verifications, centrifuge rpms, and thermometer verifications, and pipette verifications.
Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards.
Completes required education assignments annually.
Works toward achieving goals and objectives and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.