Pre-Analytical Laboratory Assistant

Cynet Systems•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Pre-Analytical Assistant I provides general support within the Technical Operations Department. The role includes purging samples from room-temperature areas and walk-in coolers and cleaning storage boxes. The assistant performs manual specimen-processing functions such as sorting, racking, picking up and delivering specimens to the laboratory, storing specimens, centrifuging, and aliquoting. Training may be provided to operate sorters in archive mode. The position requires accurate, timely work and an understanding of specimen types, clinical department requirements, specimen handling, delivery, and test-order compliance. The assistant identifies specimen or information problems and resolves them or forwards them for timely resolution. The role works in a production and biohazard environment, follows safety and workplace procedures, and supports department staffing needs, including weekends, holidays, on-call duties, and overtime.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Minimal data-entry skills.
Good organizational skills.
Understanding of specimen types related to tests ordered and clinical department requirements for specimen types, quantity, handling, and delivery.
Understanding of compliance regulations related to test ordering.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to handle multiple tasks in a production environment and maintain composure under pressure.
Good judgment when determining how to resolve problems.
Commitment to internal and external customer requirements and willingness to contribute to a team-based working environment.
Flexibility, adaptability to change, and willingness to pursue continuous improvement.
Flexibility regarding work schedules and ability and willingness to support staffing needs on weekends, holidays, on-call, and overtime.
Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and maneuver large carts and/or specimen racks.

Nice To Haves

Medical background, including medical terminology applicable to a clinical laboratory.
Previous experience in a production environment.
Familiarity with mainframe computers.

Responsibilities

Purge samples from room-temperature areas and walk-in coolers, and clean storage boxes.
Sort and rack specimens and perform specimen pickup and delivery to the laboratory.
Store specimens and perform centrifugation and aliquoting; may receive training to run sorters in archive mode.
Identify issues with specimen types or missing information related to sorting, racking, centrifugation, delivery, and storage, and resolve or forward them for timely resolution.
Research test-order information using translation tables, computer systems, and the directory of services.
Complete required written documentation legibly, accurately, and within assigned time frames.
Meet quality and production standards within six months of completing training.
Learn assigned duties and additional functions within Tech Ops and Specimen Processing.
Report to work on time, follow attendance guidelines, and support department performance during coworker absences.
Maintain a neat and clean work area in compliance with 5S standards and follow safety, compliance, and work-process policies.
Perform other duties as assigned.